Who We Fund (North Star Fund)

We fund groups who…

Ensuring Economic Justice: Many New Yorkers still confront barriers to opportunity for education, healthcare, housing,work. Economic policy is shortsightedly determined by the well-connected, rather than the most affected. North Star Fund supports groups that are expanding democracy by bringing marginalized communities into the center of the decisions that affect their lives.
Securing Peace & Justice: Justice is the key to peace. We fund groups struggling for justice in all its aspects—economic, social and environmental—and who offer a program that turns away from militarism and war.
Protecting Civil Liberties and Constitutional Rights: Democracy is the ground from which the common good is envisioned and enacted. Basic civil rights include free speech and expression, the right of assembly, freedom from fear and intimidation. North Star Fund supports groups that safeguard our constitutional system and resist the erosion of these fundamental human rights.
Ending Institutional Racism and Gender Bias: Racism. Gender discrimination. Homophobia. Transphobia. The methods and means of exclusion are complex, interlinking, insidious. North Star Fund supports groups challenging institutional racism and other forms of discrimination.

Community Organizing: This is the center of our program. Effective community organizing builds both individual and community power, and has a long-term plan to change systems and institutions.
Grassroots Advocacy: Traditionally, advocacy is speaking on behalf of others to change policy and law. Grassroots advocacy is driven by the individuals who are affected by the issue speaking for themselves.
Culture and Media: Cultural expression and the media can assist and expand grassroots organizing work. The work must be linked to organizing efforts and the content must be shaped, at least in part, by the community it seeks to serve.
Technical Assistance/Resource Development for Community Organizing: Political training, research and technical support are crucial for building grassroots effectiveness and sustainability. These resources are used to support the capacity of organizations to do better community-based organizing work.