Before You Start

We believe that solutions are often held by those closest to the issue and that by investing in organizations working on the frontlines, we can improve the material conditions of marginalized communities and build a more equitable society for all.

Our Approach

Our Approach

Movement Building:

We support organizations working to build powerful and leader-filled movements across the Carolinas.

Black Queer Feminist Framework:

To shift systematic oppressive systems, our grantmaking is guided by Black Queer Feminist theory, which critiques systems of racism, heteropatriarchy, classism, and capitalism.

Multi-Year General Operating Support and Leadership Development:

We provide ongoing funding to support the infrastructure and sustainability of movement-building organizations and invest in the leadership development of movement leaders.

Two black people smiling and looking at the camera

Learning Communities:

We support the creation of learning communities to foster knowledge sharing and capacity building.

Three females smiling and looking at the camera.

We envision a world where everyone thrives, communities are self-determined, and systemic inequities are addressed. To achieve this, we will:

Build Collective Power:

Organize our people to create a powerful movement capable of driving systemic change.

Transform
Systems:

Dismantle systems of cis-heteropatriarchy and white supremacy to create a more just and equitable society.

Shift
the Narrative:

Challenge dominant narratives and promote alternative perspectives that center marginalized voices.

Forge United
Fronts:

Build strong coalitions and alliances to amplify our impact and achieve shared goals.

Cypress Funding Eligibility

Cypress Funding Eligibility:

To be eligible for any Cypress grant, an organization or project must:

Be an organized group of people (we do not fund individuals).

Nonprofit with 501(c)3 status as determined by the IRS, or a federally recognized American Indian tribal government or agency OR is fiscally sponsored by 501(c)3 organizations or by federally recognized tribal governments

Use a community-organizing approach

Be led by people most directly affected by the problems the organization or project is addressing.

Must have a physical presence in North or South Carolina

Satisfy reporting requirements for any previous Cypress Fund.

Must have an organizational budget of under $1.5 million

If your budget is over $1.5 million, you may still apply, but you must speak with a grantmaking staff member first.

Defining community organizing:

We primarily fund organizations that build communities through community organizing. Although there are many approaches to community organizing, most of our movement partners are

Led by the people most directly affected by the issues the organization is working on.

Continually building leadership from within its membership, base, or community.

Working to understand and address the root causes of the issues, not just the symptoms.

Bringing people together to build the power they wouldn’t have individually.

Using that power to create systemic change, which includes altering unjust power relations.

Part of a more significant movement for social change and works towards strengthening that movement.

All movement partners must demonstrate that they are community-based and led by the people most directly affected by the issues the organization is working on.

Rarely Funded

We generally do not fund:

General operating requests from organizations primarily providing direct services to individuals and families. Direct service organizations can apply for project-specific funds for projects that fit our definition of community organizing.

Publications, reports, workshops, classes, conferences, research, or litigation efforts unless they are part of an ongoing community organizing effort.

Environmental work unless aimed at achieving social justice goals (i.e., environmental justice)

Projects sponsored by a government agency

Endowment funds or capital campaigns

About

Grantmaking

Our Movement

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