General Program Guidelines
The Scherman Foundation invests in the economic, political, and cultural transformation necessary for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to reclaim and build power. We consider the following general criteria in our grantmaking process.
#1 – Organizations that are accountable to or directed by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.
While we prioritize BIPOC leadership, our main focus is on organizations where BIPOC communities have clear influence and decision-making power over the organization's strategy, direction, programmatic work, and finances.
#2 – Organizations that are intersectional in their work and practices.
Intersectionality recognizes that individuals hold multiple identities, shaping their experiences with power. We look for organizations that demonstrate a deep understanding of intersectionality in their mission, programs, and practices; center the voices and experiences of those most affected by multiple forms of oppression; and address the interconnectedness of racial justice with economic status, gender, LGBTQ+, and/or disability justice as well.
#3 – Organizations that work with others to build movements toward racial justice.
Movement-building is the long-term process of organizing and empowering individuals and organizations to collectively work towards systemic change and a shared vision. We look for organizations and coalitions that reflect key characteristics of movement-building including an authentic mass base; grassroots leadership; a shared ideology or narrative; broad coalition-building; and strategy to create and sustain structural change beyond specific organizations or campaigns.
Our Strategic Framework
We believe that investing in cultural, political, and economic transformation together advances justice to realize our vision. We support organizations working at the intersections of these transformation areas inside our strategic framework (pictured below). This framework is the foundation of our more specific and evolving program priorities.
Economic Transformation
Our focus on economic transformation acknowledges that the root causes of economic inequity are linked to white supremacy and racial injustice and that the economic well-being of BIPOC individuals and communities is critical for liberation. We support organizations that focus on
Strategies and models that provide BIPOC communities with greater access to capital, assets, and opportunities
Economic stability and security for BIPOC individuals and families
Advocating for more equitable economic systems through policy reform, institutional changes, and increased transparency
Political Transformation
We believe that those who have been excluded must lead the way in dismantling current political structures and creating new, inclusive, and reflective democratic processes. We support organizations that focus on
Work and priorities that are driven by BIPOC communities
Forging multi-racial coalitions working toward racial justice
Reforming political structures and processes to make the political system more accessible and accountable to BIPOC communities
Increasing the participation of BIPOC communities in democratic processes and decision-making at all levels
Cultural Transformation
Recognizing the crucial role of culture in advancing justice, we support organizations that harness storytelling, expression, and artistic activism to drive systemic change. Our focus is on collaborative narrative change strategies, innovative storytelling frameworks, and equitable media accessibility. We support organizations that focus on
Public Narrative Change: Combating misinformation and harmful stereotypes through investments in journalism, local news outlets, and nonfiction narratives
Artistic Expression: Supporting the creativity and work of BIPOC artists and communities without imposing agendas or conditions and transforming the field to do the same
Artivism: Using art as a tool for organizing grassroots movements and collective action, including funding on-the-ground storytelling and public art projects
Eligibility
Organizations must have 501(c)(3) charitable status or a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status.
We do not consider:
Grants to support specific events or productions
Grants primarily to support direct service work
Organizations primarily working outside of the U.S.