Southeast Block & Build defines rapid response as emerging and urgent needs, including:

• Addressing new legislative threats or harmful local, state, or federal policies.
• Responding to hate, violence, or discrimination incidents in schools, workplaces, or communities.
• Something unexpected and not part of normal programming or operations. 

Eligible activities must involve time-sensitive actions that are not part of an organization’s ongoing campaigns or general operations but align with broader power-building and resistance strategies.

Organizations applying for this fund must meet the following criteria: 

• Projects must be led by individuals most affected, particularly Muslims, immigrants, Black communities, youth, and LGBTQ individuals.
• Proposals must address new incidents, initiatives, or policies that require an urgent response.
• Applicants must have an annual budget of $250,000 or less.
• Priority will be given to organizations with limited access to traditional funding sources.
• Proposals should emphasize actions that mobilize and elevate community voices and local leadership.

While the Block and Build Southeast Rapid Response Fund is designed to provide timely support, we recognize rapid response often requires immediate action. Due to the fund’s operational realities, applications should be submitted for emerging incidents or needs where funding within the next 30-90 days can make a meaningful difference. We encourage applicants to plan their requests accordingly, understanding that this fund is not designed to address immediate, same-day, or next-day needs.

Please note that you will need to create a free account in Submittable in order to complete your grant proposal. We suggest you turn on email notifications (under settings) so that you will receive emails from us directly to your inbox.

The Carolina Youth Power Fund (CYPF) is a project of the Carolina Youth Partnership (CYP) and is a nonpartisan grant fund that offers $500-$1,000 grants to support organizing projects led by young people in the south between the ages of 13-25. Projects must be led by people who are directly impacted by the issue(s), with a focus on Black, Muslim, immigrant, and/or LGBTQ+ youth. Projects are expected to empower young people with the skills and resources to engage with critical issues in their area, and must be nonpartisan.

If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact the CYP Program Coordinator at cotie@southernvision.org.