Become a Rapid Response Fund Community Grantmaker with Headwaters Foundation for Justice (2026–2027 Cycle)

<h3><strong>Overview</strong></h3> <p>The Headwaters Foundation for Justice (HFJ) has opened applications for individuals interested in serving as <strong>Community Grantmakers</strong> for the Rapid Response Fund (RRF). This opportunity places decision‑making power directly into the hands of Minnesota community members, ensuring that grassroots organizations receive timely support during urgent political, social, and community‑based moments.</p> <p>Applications are open <strong>from June 10 to July 20</strong>, and HFJ seeks <strong>12–15 community members</strong> to serve on the committee from <strong>August 2026 through June 2027</strong>. This is a paid, community‑centered leadership role designed to strengthen collective decision‑making and support strategic organizing across Minnesota.</p> <div></div> <h3><strong>About the Rapid Response Fund</strong></h3> <p>The Rapid Response Fund provides <strong>$15,000 general operating grants</strong> to organizations responding to:</p> <ul role="list"> <li>Unexpected events</li> <li>Urgent challenges</li> <li>Rapidly emerging political or social moments</li> </ul> <p>The next grantmaking year begins in <strong>Fall 2026</strong>, with <strong>eight (8) cycles</strong> of funding. Across these cycles, the committee will select <strong>53 grantees</strong> whose work aligns with HFJ’s mission of justice, equity, and community power.</p> <div></div> <h3><strong>Committee Role Description</strong></h3> <p>As a Rapid Response Fund Community Grantmaker, selected individuals will:</p> <ul role="list"> <li><strong>Build relationships</strong> with fellow committee members and practice collective decision‑making.</li> <li><strong>Receive training</strong> in community‑led grantmaking and HFJ’s approach to shared power.</li> <li><strong>Read, evaluate, and select grantees</strong> for the Rapid Response Fund.</li> <li><strong>Participate in 3–4 cycles</strong> out of the 8 total cycles, based on personal availability.</li> <li><strong>Make final decisions</strong> on grant awards—your selections directly determine which organizations receive funding.</li> <li><strong>Receive a $1,500 stipend</strong> in recognition of your time, labor, and expertise.</li> <li><strong>Meet eligibility requirements</strong>, including living in Minnesota and being over 18 years old.</li> </ul> <div></div> <h3><strong>Committee Selection Process</strong></h3> <p>HFJ uses a transparent, community‑centered selection process:</p> <ol role="list" start="1"> <li><strong>Submit an online application by July 20.</strong></li> <li><strong>Rolling review:</strong> HFJ staff will schedule calls with applicants to discuss expectations, answer questions, and ensure clarity about the commitment.</li> <li><strong>Final notifications:</strong> All applicants will be informed of their selection status by <strong>July 30</strong>.</li> </ol> <div></div> <h3><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)</strong></h3> <p>Below is a broad overview of the types of questions addressed on the HFJ website:</p> <ul role="list"> <li><strong>Time Commitment:</strong> Committee members participate in training, relationship‑building, and 3–4 grant cycles.</li> <li><strong>Committee Schedule:</strong> Activities run from August 2026 to June 2027.</li> <li><strong>Ideal Candidates:</strong> Individuals passionate about justice, community power, and grassroots organizing.</li> <li><strong>Selection Criteria:</strong> HFJ seeks diverse voices, lived experiences, and community‑rooted perspectives.</li> <li><strong>Volunteer or Paid?:</strong> This is a <strong>paid</strong> opportunity with a $1,500 stipend.</li> <li><strong>Location Requirements:</strong> You must live anywhere in Minnesota—not limited to the Twin Cities.</li> <li><strong>Childcare:</strong> HFJ may provide accommodations; details are typically discussed during applicant calls.</li> <li><strong>Future Interest:</strong> Individuals not ready this year can stay connected through HFJ’s mailing list.</li> </ul> <div></div> <h3><strong>Important Dates</strong></h3> <ul role="list"> <li><strong>Application Opens:</strong> June 10</li> <li><strong>Application Deadline:</strong> July 20</li> <li><strong>Selection Notifications:</strong> July 30</li> <li><strong>Committee Term:</strong> August 2026 – June 2027</li> <li><strong>Grantmaking Cycles:</strong> Eight cycles beginning Fall 2026</li> </ul> <div></div> <h3><strong>Why This Opportunity Matters</strong></h3> <p>This initiative shifts power to the community, ensuring that those closest to the issues help determine where resources go. It strengthens grassroots leadership, supports rapid‑response organizing, and builds a more equitable funding ecosystem across Minnesota.</p> <p>Apply <a href="https://form.asana.com/?k=YXTjuz37b_sD2SxKWT6bzA&amp;d=407421526045874" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></p> <p>For more information about this opportunity visit <a href="https://headwatersfoundation.org/grantmaking/types-of-funding/rrf-grantmaker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></p> <p>Discover more  grant opportunities <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=grant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here </a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/06/15/become-a-rapid-response-fund-community-grantmaker-with-headwaters-foundation-for-justice-2026-2027-cycle/">Become a Rapid Response Fund Community Grantmaker with Headwaters Foundation for Justice (2026–2027 Cycle)</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>