We have an opportunity at Groundwork to look ahead without getting bogged down in campaign cycle countdowns. We know that long-term, sustained, and hyperlocal organizing is the single most effective tool for building political power. Especially in tough states that are often overlooked.

I can tell you that electoral campaigns are typically not equipped to do this work. Everything is focused on the narrow path to Election Day. That can lead to tactics based on simply extracting votes – rather than earning trust. So it’s no wonder so many people choose to sit our elections out.

Groundwork Project focuses on funneling resources to organizations and organizers in red states who show up year-round in their communities to engage, educate and activate voters. They don’t come and go with elections, candidates and political winds. They stay – and that takes real resources.

Our multi-year, organizer grants are already making an impact in helping these organizers scale and sustain their programs, but we saw an opportunity to do even more… 

Enter our mini-grant program! Our mini-grants are awarded in contributions up to $2,000 and are designed to give a needed boost to short-term and specific needs on the ground, from volunteer training programs to GOTV events and new technology. Any organization in our partner states can apply, and we aim to award three to give every month.  

Right now, we are making some decisions internally about how many mini-grants we will be able to give out for the rest of this year. That is why I wanted to reach out and personally ask you to help support this effort with a contribution today. Can I count on you? Donate now.

I know my words can only go so far to show you the impact our mini-grants make. Take a look at how our recent mini-grantees are putting the funds into action:
 

Groundwork Mini-Grantees We granted to Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) for a storytelling campaign that will highlight civic engagement disparities in rural areas and the importance of Black women’s votes. BLAC plans to interview neighbors across Appalachia to inform the organization’s advocacy efforts with elected officials and community leaders, and to shape their first ever Policy Summit this month. Based in Morgantown, West Virginia, the Olive Tree Initiative provides direct re-entry support to individuals leaving jails and prisons to ensure a smooth transition upon release. Olive Tree is actively registering folks to vote and working to change laws that deny people access to voting, efforts that Groundwork is proud to support.

I don’t know about you, but I feel inspired when I see what is being done on the ground with our mini-grants. These creative, intentional and innovative programs are truly tailored to their communities. I hope you can see their power and are inspired to be a part of Groundwork’s effort to support them… 

Our team needs another 197 grassroots donors to give $10 (or whatever you can) by midnight TONIGHT so that we can map out our mini-grant allotments from now until Election Day. Can we count on you to be one of them?

Contribute

Take care,
Joe

–
Joe Kennedy (he/him)
Founder 
Groundwork Project