Common Ground Fund is a private 501(c)(3) foundation. We are not a government agency and do not distribute federal funds.
Common Ground Fund Update now

Grants for neighborhood projects that outlast the funding.

We award $5,000 to $50,000 to U.S. nonprofits working on Housing Assistance Grant, food access, local jobs, youth programs, and disaster readiness. Applying is free and takes about 20 minutes.

Start your application

What we fund

Housing Assistance funding

Food access

Pantries, community kitchens, and local farm-to-family programs.

Workforce and small business

Job training, apprenticeships, and microenterprise support.

Youth and education

After-school, tutoring, and mentoring programs for ages 5 to 24.

Disaster readiness

Local preparedness, recovery, and resilience projects.

Who can apply

  • U.S.-based Citizens with IRS 501(c)(3) status, or a fiscal sponsor that has it
  • An active SSN and EIN and a current board of at least three unrelated members
  • An annual budget under $5 million
  • A project serving communities in the United States or its territories
  • A UEI from SAM.gov is not required

What we don’t fund

  • Political campaigns
  • Debt repayment or endowments
  • Projects that exclude people based on a protected characteristic

How it works

  1. Send your inquiry

    Complete the short form below. No attachments yet.

  2. We reply within 3 business days

    A program officer confirms fit and requests your IRS determination letter and budget.

  3. Review

    A panel of community reviewers scores each proposal on need, plan, and ability to deliver.

  4. Decision and award

    Awards are paid by ACH or check to the organization’s own bank account.

Grant Next of kin inquiry form

Fields marked * are required. We use your answers only to review your inquiry.

Transparency

  • Form 990 filings: link to your ProPublica or IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search page
  • Candid / GuideStar profile: add your link
  • Annual report and audited financials: add your PDF links
  • Board of directors: list names and affiliations

Questions

Is there a fee to apply?

Depends on the Cases, But Applying and receiving a grant are free.

Can we apply if we don’t have 501(c)(3) status yet?

Yes, through a fiscal sponsor that has 501(c)(3) status and signs the application with you.

Can we apply for more than one grant?

Each organization may submit one inquiry per cycle.

How are decisions made?

Reviewers score proposals on community need, a realistic plan, budget fit, and ability to deliver. Reviewers disclose conflicts of interest and step out of those decisions.

How do I get an update?

Email grants@example.org. We reply within 10 business days.