Impact Fund rapid response grants are intended to provide rapid financial assistance for sudden out-of-pocket litigation expenses for public interest impact lawsuits related to economic, environmental, racial, and social justice.

Rapid RESPONSE GRANTS

 

WHAT AND WHEN?

Impact Fund rapid response grants are intended to provide urgent financial assistance of up to $10,000 for sudden out-of-pocket litigation expenses for public interest impact lawsuits related to economic, environmental, racial, and social justice.

How To apply

  1. Applicants must email Grant Program Director, Amy Daniewicz, to express a need for funding on a faster timeline than our standard quarterly process.

  2. If the case fits our funding criteria, we ask applicants to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through our online portal.

  3. Following a rapid review, if your case still meets our funding criteria, we invite a full application.

  4. Our Executive Director reviews the case and makes a final determination of funding.

FAQs

  • When can I apply?  Applicants may initiate a request at any time. LOIs are considered on an ongoing basis.

  • If I get a rapid response grant, will I still be able to apply for a larger grant later?  Applicants who receive a rapid response grant are eligible for a grant through our regular grantmaking program in the future. However, applicants must go through our regular application process, including the committee review. In addition, the committee will consider the total support to be granted to the organization in one year when making their final funding decision.

  • What is a recoverable grant?  If you are able to recover fees/costs at the conclusion of the case, you will be required to repay the Impact Fund the original grant amount, plus 7% simple interest. If you do not recover fees/costs, however, you will not owe anything.

  • What are out-of-pocket litigation expenses?  The most common expenses we fund are expert witness fees and costs, attorney/staff travel costs, discovery-related costs, records fees, witness fees, scientific analysis, court reporter fees, deposition transcripts, trial transcripts, interpreters, visual materials, class notice, and mediation fees. Impact Fund grants (including rapid response grants) may not be used to cover attorney’s fees or other staff costs.