Fund for a Just Society

Fund for A Just Society

The Fund for A Just Society makes grants to non-UU groups in the U.S. and Canada that use community organizing to bring about systemic change leading to a more just society; mobilizes those who have been disenfranchised and excluded from resources, power and the right to self-determination; and have an active focused campaign to create systemic change.

The Panel considers 3040 proposals each cycle and makes 30 grants / year totaling $335,000.

Meetings : Each cycle contains 4 evening meetings (East Coast time) on Zoom; when in-person, over 2 to 3 days.

Panel members should have an understanding of social justice organizing strategies and organizational structures and with radical social change work.

Panel members are appointed by the President of the UUA and serve up to 4 2-year terms.

Unitarian Universalist Funding Panels Mission Statement

Inspired by the richness and diversity of the liberal religious tradition which guides us, the mission of the Unitarian Universalist Funding Program is to promote the influence of Unitarian Universalist principles through grantmaking. Grants are made which support the work of social justice, strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions, make Unitarian Universalism more visible in the world, and transform gratitude for being into generosity of living.

More Details about the Unitarian Universalist Funding Panels

Panels meet twice a year to review applications and make grants (usually November / December and May / June variable given people's schedules). Each of the four Funds has its own mission, guidelines, and process.

Panel members read all proposals to their Fund, and make comments and questions on the application platform (Foundant). Each Panel is assigned between 2 and 8 applications for these, they contact the applicant, introduce themselves, ask questions, get updates on the work, make the process humane. This conversation is part of the presentation at the Panel meeting.

Panel members are not expected to advocate for the proposals they are assigned to, but rather to present more information and updates. Each application is discussed with the entire Panel and funding decisions are made by consensus. While we used to meet in person in Boston over one to three days, we now meet on Zoom in two to four meetings lasting two hours, each.

Each Panel is comprised of ministers and lay leaders.