The Norman Foundation supports social justice movements that build power among people most impacted by social inequality. We believe in the dignity and self-determination of all people, and we invest in organizations that are working to build more just and equitable systems. We take seriously our responsibility to support risk-taking, innovation, and leadership development, especially among organizations that are early in their growth and have less access to philanthropic resources.
Who We Fund
We prioritize organizations that:
- Approach their work as part of a broader ecosystem — collaborating with other actors, stakeholders, and organizations rather than working in isolation.
- Build and support community leaders from diverse backgrounds, and ensure that their leadership, staff, and membership reflect and represent the communities they serve.
- Are working toward community-led change at multiple levels — individual, community, city, regional, state, or national.
- Are in the early stages of organizational development, generally under ten years old.
- Come from under-resourced communities or have limited access to philanthropic funding.
- Have an annual operating budget under $2 million.
Eligibility
To be eligible for funding, organizations must:
- Hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3).
- Be based in, or primarily serve communities in, the United States.
- Work directly with community members to identify problems and drive solutions — rather than primarily providing services or advocating on their behalf.
- Ensure that people most impacted by the issues they work on are represented in their leadership, staff, or membership.
Restrictions
The Norman Foundation does not make grants to individuals, universities, or government entities, or to support conferences, capital campaigns, fundraising drives, or direct social service programs such as shelters or community health clinics.