The Nathan Cummings Foundation (NCF) is inviting organizations, innovative partners, and community-led change makers to submit Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for its year-round funding opportunities. With nearly half a billion dollars awarded over the past three decades, the Foundation continues to invest in bold solutions that advance racial, economic, and environmental justice while supporting organizations working to create lasting systemic change. Organizations whose missions align with NCF’s vision now have the opportunity to seek financial support through grants and Program-Related Investments (PRIs). Unlike many traditional funding opportunities that have strict annual deadlines, Nathan Cummings Foundation accepts applications throughout the year, providing greater flexibility for organizations seeking support for impactful initiatives.

Whether your organization focuses on social justice, environmental sustainability, economic equity, community empowerment, or other interconnected justice issues, this funding opportunity could help strengthen your work and expand your impact.

About the Nathan Cummings Foundation

The Nathan Cummings Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting movements, organizations, and leaders working to build a more just, equitable, and sustainable future. For more than thirty years, the Foundation has invested nearly half a billion dollars into initiatives that improve the lives of people while protecting the planet. Rather than simply providing financial assistance, NCF embraces what it describes as a “totality of assets” approach. This means the Foundation leverages both financial and non-financial resources to help partners succeed. Beyond funding, NCF seeks long-term partnerships built on collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support.

The Foundation believes that lasting societal transformation happens when communities closest to the challenges are empowered to lead the solutions. Therefore, it actively seeks innovative organizations and proximate change makers who are creating measurable impact within their communities.

NCF’s Commitment to Justice

At the center of every funding decision is NCF’s commitment to advancing:

Racial Justice
Economic Justice
Environmental Justice

These three priorities, collectively referred to as REEJ (Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice), guide every investment made by the Foundation.

NCF supports initiatives that recognize the interconnected nature of these issues and develop comprehensive approaches to solving them.

Funding Opportunities Available

Nathan Cummings Foundation currently offers two major funding opportunities:

1. Grant Funding

Grant funding supports nonprofit organizations and initiatives that are advancing racial, economic, and environmental justice through innovative programs, advocacy, research, community organizing, and systems change.

Successful proposals should clearly demonstrate alignment with the Foundation’s REEJ priorities.

2. Program-Related Investments (PRIs)

Organizations may also submit proposals for Program-Related Investments (PRIs).

These investments are designed to support mission-driven initiatives that generate measurable social impact while advancing the Foundation’s overall objectives.

Both grant and PRI proposals are submitted through the same online application portal.

Who Is the Foundation Looking For?

Nathan Cummings Foundation is actively seeking partnerships with organizations that:

Drive meaningful community impact.
Develop innovative solutions to social challenges.
Promote racial justice.
Advance economic opportunity.
Protect environmental sustainability.
Work collaboratively with communities.
Demonstrate leadership in systems change.
Build equitable futures for underserved populations.
Share the Foundation’s commitment to justice.

The Foundation especially welcomes organizations led by individuals who are closely connected to the communities they serve.

Geographic Priority

Although proposals may come from organizations working in different regions, the Foundation notes a particular interest in initiatives taking place in the U.S. South.

Organizations operating within this region may find especially strong alignment with the Foundation’s current strategic priorities.

Why Organizations Should Consider Applying

Receiving support from Nathan Cummings Foundation provides more than financial assistance.

Potential benefits include:

Access to grant funding for mission-driven work.
Opportunity to receive Program-Related Investments.
Long-term partnership with an established philanthropic foundation.
Connection to a network of organizations advancing justice.
Support from a foundation with decades of philanthropic experience.
Alignment with a funder committed to systemic and lasting change.
Flexible year-round application process.
Opportunity to engage with a foundation that values collaborative learning.

Rolling Applications Throughout the Year

One of the most attractive aspects of this opportunity is its rolling application process.

Unlike traditional grant competitions that open once annually, Nathan Cummings Foundation accepts Letters of Inquiry throughout the year.

This allows organizations to submit proposals whenever they are ready rather than waiting for a limited application window.

Applications are reviewed continuously as they are received.

Review Timeline

After submitting a Letter of Inquiry:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
NCF staff evaluates each submission.
Applicants selected for further discussion are generally notified within 12 weeks of submission.
Selected organizations may then be invited to continue the partnership development process.

How to Apply

Applicants should carefully follow the application process outlined by the Foundation.

Step 1: Review Eligibility

Before beginning an application, carefully review:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Foundation’s racial, economic, and environmental justice focus areas
Funding priorities
Organizational alignment with REEJ goals

Ensuring alignment before submitting will improve the quality and relevance of your proposal.

Step 2: Register on the Application Portal

Nathan Cummings Foundation has transitioned to a new online application portal.

New applicants should create an account by selecting “Sign Up.”
Returning applicants should click “Forgot Password” and use their registered email address to reconnect with their organization’s previous submissions.

Step 3: Complete the Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

Prepare and submit your Letter of Inquiry through the online portal.

Both grant proposals and Program-Related Investment proposals are submitted using the same application system.

Click HERE to apply

Learn more about the opportunity HERE

General Funding Information

Applicants should understand several important aspects of the Foundation’s funding approach.

Types of Funding

The Foundation currently provides:

Grant funding
Program-Related Investments (PRIs)

Funding Priorities

Projects should clearly contribute to:

Racial justice
Economic justice
Environmental justice

Strong proposals demonstrate how these priorities intersect within their work.

Application Reviews

Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis throughout the year rather than according to a fixed deadline.

Notification Timeline

Applicants whose submissions move forward can generally expect to hear from the Foundation within approximately 12 weeks after submitting their Letter of Inquiry.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: There is no fixed application deadline. Letters of Inquiry are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Conclusion

The Nathan Cummings Foundation continues to demonstrate its long-standing commitment to supporting organizations that are creating meaningful change through racial, economic, and environmental justice initiatives. By offering year-round funding through grants and Program-Related Investments, the Foundation provides flexible opportunities for mission-driven organizations to access resources needed to expand their impact.

Organizations whose work aligns with the Foundation’s REEJ priorities—particularly those serving communities in the U.S. South—are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements, register through the online portal, and submit a strong Letter of Inquiry. With rolling reviews and a collaborative funding approach, this opportunity represents an excellent pathway for organizations seeking both financial support and long-term partnership in advancing justice for people and the planet.

For more GRANTS opportunity click HERE