Programs
We build adventurous grantmaking programs that push the boundaries of what philanthropy can do.
Our Core Programs exemplify the Kindle Project ethos. Participatory Grantmaking programs shift decision-making power to community members who best know where resources should go. To become involved as a donor, get in touch.
Programs
Donate now to support the programs that amplify the Kindle Project mission.
Kishti – Afghanistan Fund
Kishti – Kindle Project Afghanistan Fund will support freedom-of-expression initiatives by organizations who are at risk inside Afghanistan or have managed to relocate outside of the country. Our goal is to raise a minimum of $300,000 as soon as possible. We are looking for donations of $5,000 and above. Learn more here.
Indigenous Women’s Flow Fund
The Indigenous Women’s Flow Fund (IWFF) is an Indigenous-led grantmaking program that nourishes community-sourced initiatives that are actively transforming systems. Grounded in trust-based philanthropic approaches, IWFF brings together five Indigenous women from across the United States to be decision-makers over grantmaking dollars and shape a program according to their vision. Kindle Project is currently seeking additional donors that are excited about shifting the power of grantmaking into the hands of Indigenous women to join this collaborative fund. To learn more, click here. To learn about the relationship-centered processes and the outcomes of our first and second years together, please read our Year One and Year Two Storytelling Reports.
Decarceration and Farming Fund
This fund intends to affect one area of the layers of the criminal justice system: access to resources that support individual self-determination and empowerment through skills development, positive community, and employment that is fulfilling, enriching, and healing.
Kindle Project Fund
Our founding grantmaking program supports those who are less likely to be funded by mainstream philanthropy because they are “risky.” We seek out and invest in rebels, rabble-rousers, risk-takers and underdogs. Since we believe the most fertile ground for change is at the intersections of crises and community-led solutions, we don’t limit our focus to single-issue areas. Often we are the first to fund people and projects that go on to have wider visibility and impact down the line. Check out our list of grant partners.
Makers Muse Artist Awards
Over a decade of supporting the vibrant and uplifting work of makers, creative disruptors, culture-jammers, and beautiful weirdos around the world.
Indie Philanthropy Initiative
Indie Philanthropy is a creative disruption to the status quo of funding. It gives a common name to decentralized, daring funding alternatives that together are poised to reshape the field of philanthropy. Some Indie Philanthropy practices have been around for decades while others are emerging in real time. Indie Philanthropy approaches are bringing radical ideas into the mainstream, changing the face of philanthropy, and adding much needed diversity and creativity to the field. Join us in activating the next wave of thoughtful, proactive giving.
Community Powered Philanthropy Toolbox
Kindle Project is a hub for thought leadership and skill development for community-powered philanthropy. We’re building tools and educational materials for donors and community-based decision-makers who participate in our programs. Our Indie Philanthropy Initiative toolbox celebrates methods, resources, case studies, and best practices for radical giving, and helps promote these path-breaking approaches to the public. We welcome your help in sharing them more broadly.
Participatory grantmaking funds
Built in partnership with our donors, these programs use an approach that democratizes giving by shifting power into the hands of community decision-makers.
SpiderWeave Flow Fund
Current
A web of multiracial women and gender non-conforming community activists bring joy, magic, curiosity, and deep grassroots knowledge to make uniquely informed grantmaking decisions. To learn more, click here.
Slow Fuse Flow Fund
A cohort of New Mexico-based women make grantmaking decisions that ignite their communities, with a focus on gender justice.
Commonplace
Current
Combining both individual Flow Funds and a Collective Fund during a cohort co-learning experience, this collaborative initiative in giving brings together a cohort of women that reinforces the wisdom, intuition and community knowledge outside traditional circles of philanthropy.
Past programs
Crossing Divides
Applications closed
Kindle Project and Cotyledon Fund are pleased to announce a grantmaking program for grassroots groups in Arizona, Mississippi, and Nebraska who are attempting to resolve conflicts in their communities, across aisles and despite differences. This open call closed on December 1.
Carousel
To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we held our first open call. Each month for ten months, prospective recipients responded to questions posed by our partners, and a motley crew of decision-makers from our community selected winners for $1K awards.
Boomerang
What if artists could help shape the distribution of philanthropic dollars? Boomerang creatively catalyzed unseen opportunities by widening who influences philanthropic resources. We welcomed our courageous Makers Muse Artist Award recipients to recommend an organization or project of their choice to receive a grant from Kindle Project.
Mozaik Philanthropy
Next-gen donors join forces with grassroots Los Angeles-culture makers to flow money to a colorful mosaic of vibrant local artists and activists.
Social Impact Film Fund
Seeding vital social-impact documentaries.
Solutions Laboratory
An intensive program aimed at sourcing and nurturing ideas for creative solutions and alternatives to complex problems. We invited our community in Northern New Mexico, across all sectors, generations, and fields, to share ideas to empower collective narrative-shifting in the face of a changing climate. Seven cohort members were selected, reflecting early-stage, place-based ideas serving Northern New Mexico, and the program culminated with a public storytelling event in Santa Fe.
We appreciate your donations to these programs. Reach out and let’s talk about creating a fund!
