Accepting Applications: The Giving Project

Looking for an opportunity to thoughtfully consider how to give of your time, talent, and treasure? The Headwaters Foundation for Justice is kicking off its first-ever Giving Project—an innovative new model for community building, leadership development, and funding social change—this summer. Attend an information session next week or apply now to join a multiracial, cross-class group of people passionate about social change and working to build skills in fundraising, grantmaking, and community building!

Giving Project

Headwaters Foundation for Justice is looking for 25 individuals to join Headwaters’ first-ever Giving Project in summer 2015. The deadline for applications is April 6. The Giving Project is an innovative new model for community building, leadership development and funding social change. It will bring together a multiracial, cross-class group of people who are passionate about social change and interested in building their skills in fundraising, grantmaking, and community building. Participants will work together to raise and give out money to organizations that build power for social change in Minnesota.

Click here to apply.

How does the Giving Project work?

The Giving Project is a process. It requires a commitment to attend eight meetings over six months. The basic Giving Project structure is:

• A cross-class, multiracial group of volunteers commits to the entire process.
• Through workshops and trainings, the group develops a shared understanding of race, class, and power within society.
• Each person makes a meaningful financial gift -- whatever that means for you.
• Headwaters staff will train you in grassroots fundraising and provide lots of hands-on support as you raise money from your friends, family, and community.
• We train you in our grantmaking process and support you as you read and score proposals, participate in site visits, make collective decisions, and grant out money to some of the most inspiring, effective social change work in the region.

For a detailed list of required meeting dates and times, click here.

Who should apply:

Anyone. You do not have to know anything about non-profits, philanthropy, or fundraising. You could have wealth, you could be low-income – it doesn’t matter. There is no minimum (or maximum) amount you have to donate or raise as an individual. You should apply if:

• You want to learn how to fundraise, make grants, and build community
• You want to make a difference about issues of injustice in Minnesota
• You want to engage in dialogue on race and class and their impact on social change work. 

Headwaters’ Giving Project is closely modeled after the work of the Social Justice Fund, a community foundation in Seattle. Here’s what one Seattle Giving Project participant said:

“This has changed my idea of power. It gives power to people no matter how much money they donate.”

The Giving Project will be a multi-racial, cross-class cohort. LGBTQ-identified people, people of color, and low-wealth individuals are especially encouraged to apply.

What we’ll ask of you:

• Commit to the entire Giving Project, attending all eight meetings.
• Honestly engage in the process.
• Make a personal financial contribution to the project.
• Fundraise from friends, family, and community.
• Be willing to experiment and evaluate.

Application process:

The selection process consists of an application and one in-person interview. Here’s how to apply:

Step 1: We recommend applicants attend an information session the week of March 16-21. At the info session you can meet Headwaters staff and volunteers who are working on the Giving Project, learn more about the model, and get your questions answered in-person before applying. Sign up for an info session here.

Step 2: Fill out the online application and submit by Monday, April 6 at 5pm. (A PDF version is available here if you would prefer to print and send via mail.)

Step 3: After applications have been reviewed, selected candidates will be invited for an in-person interview between May 2 and May 16.

Step 4: Participants who are selected for the Giving Project will be notified on June 9.

If you are unable to attend an information session and would like to learn more, please contact Allison at allison@headwatersfoundation.org.