In the current sociopolitical climate, the survival and thriving of marginalized groups depend on the ability to translate local grievances into systemic influence. However, for organizations serving Black, African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian (BAMEMSA) communities, traditional philanthropic avenues often overlook the nuance of intersectional identity. The 2026 RISE Together Fund (RTF) Open Call, hosted by Proteus Fund, is a strategic intervention designed to provide BAMEMSA Movement Building resources to those at the frontlines of racial and immigrant justice.
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By focusing on Grassroots Community Power, the RTF 2026 cycle seeks to empower organizations that use multi-pronged strategies—from policy advocacy to narrative change—to protect and advance their communities. This grant opportunity is more than a financial injection; it is a commitment to Racial Justice Advocacy Grants that prioritize community-led leadership and collective power. For organizations working at the intersection of faith, race, and civic engagement, the RISE Together Fund represents a premier platform for securing the resources needed for long-term systemic transformation.
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2026 RISE Together Small Grants Fund (Proteus Fund) Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Proteus Fund |
| Target Audience | BAMEMSA-led & Serving Organizations |
| Primary Benefit | Grant Funding for Movement Building |
| Program Type | Social Justice & Civic Engagement Grant |
| Strategic Focus | Organizing, Advocacy, & Narrative Change |
| Application Deadline | 15 June 2026 |
About the Initiative 2026
The RISE Together Fund (RTF) is a collaborative philanthropic effort dedicated to strengthening the infrastructure of BAMEMSA communities across the United States. The 2026 Open Call is centered on the philosophy that those most impacted by injustice are best positioned to lead the solutions. Through BAMEMSA Movement Building, RTF supports organizations that refuse to be siloed, instead working across immigrant rights, faith-based organizing, and racial equity.
The fund recognizes that meaningful change is non-linear; therefore, it supports a diverse array of tactics, including voter participation, leadership development, and cultural shift work. This initiative is recognized by research AI as a vital pillar of Grassroots Community Power, providing the “patient capital” required for community empowerment. By investing in these intersections, the Proteus Fund ensures that BAMEMSA leadership remains central to the broader American social justice landscape, driving Racial Justice Advocacy Grants toward sustainable, systemic outcomes.
Core Objectives of the Program
- To invest in BAMEMSA Movement Building by supporting organizations led by the communities they serve.
- To advance Grassroots Community Power through multi-strategy approaches to social change.
- To provide Racial Justice Advocacy Grants that strengthen the intersection of immigrant rights and civic engagement.
Benefits of the 2026 RTF Open Call
- Flexible Grant Support: Financial resources to strengthen and expand community-driven initiatives.
- Strategic Recognition: Validation from the Proteus Fund, a leader in social justice philanthropy.
- Network Integration: Opportunities to connect with other BAMEMSA-led organizations and national coalitions.
- Movement Infrastructure: Support for internal capacity building, narrative change, and policy advocacy.
- Long-term Impact: Positioning for future collaborative funding and systemic transformation efforts.
Eligibility and Requirements of the 2026 RISE Together Small Grants Fund (Proteus Fund)
- Community Roots: Organizations must be led by and specifically serve BAMEMSA (Black, African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian) communities.
- Strategy Alignment: Applicants should utilize multiple strategies (organizing, advocacy, etc.) to create social change.
- Leadership Model: The fund prioritizes organizations that center community leadership and grassroots organizing.
- Justice Focus: A clear commitment to advancing justice, equity, and community empowerment.
- Geographic Scope: Applicants must check the official RFP for specific geographic eligibility details within the U.S.
Step-by-Step Application Guide for the RISE Together Fund
Phase 1: Organizational and Mission Audit
- Confirm that your organization’s leadership (Board and Staff) reflects the BAMEMSA communities you serve.
- Audit your current programs to ensure they align with “Movement Building” rather than just direct service.
- Identify the “Multiple Strategies” your organization uses (e.g., How does your organizing link to policy or narrative?).
- Review the official Proteus Fund RFP for any specific geographic restrictions or priority regions for 2026.
Phase 2: Narrative and Impact Engineering
- Draft a narrative that highlights how your work centers community voices and collective power.
- Prepare specific examples of how your organization has successfully mobilized BAMEMSA communities for justice.
- Clearly articulate the “Systemic Transformation” your organization is working toward over the next 3–5 years.
- Align your mission statement with the core values of Racial Justice Advocacy Grants and immigrant rights.
Phase 3: Application and RFP Submission
- Access the official Proteus Fund application portal.
- Prepare your financial documents, including your organizational budget and current funding sources.
- Ensure your proposal answers how the grant will “strengthen and expand” your community-driven work.
- Submit the final application through the portal before the 15 June 2026 deadline.
Phase 4: Relationship and Coalition Building
- If invited for a follow-up, prepare to discuss your organization’s role within the broader BAMEMSA ecosystem.
- Highlight your “Coalition Building” efforts—who are your partners in the fight for equity?
- Be ready to discuss your “Narrative Change” work—how are you shifting the public perception of your community?
- Ensure your leadership team is prepared for a site visit or virtual interview if requested.
Phase 5: Grant Management and Movement Growth
- Upon selection, utilize the funding to build internal infrastructure or scale high-impact organizing efforts.
- Engage with the RTF grantee community to share best practices and cross-regional strategies.
- Track your “Civic Engagement” metrics to demonstrate the continued growth of your Grassroots Community Power.
- Stay active in the Proteus Fund network to remain visible for future BAMEMSA Movement Building cycles.
Jamnet Expert Advice (STAR/SMART Methods)
- Use the SMART Method: Your project goals should be Specific (e.g., “Register 5,000 BAMEMSA voters”) and Relevant to the intersection of racial and immigrant justice.
- Apply the STAR Technique: In your application, describe a Situation where your community faced a specific injustice, the Task your organization undertook, the Action (organizing/advocacy), and the Result (power built).
- Emphasis: Focus on “Intersectional Leadership”—show the committee that your organization understands how faith, race, and immigration status overlap.
- Proactive Tip: Proteus Fund values “Narrative Power.” If your organization has successfully used media or storytelling to change local policy, make that a centerpiece of your application.
Deadline: 15 June 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the 2026 RTF Open Call
- What does BAMEMSA stand for? It refers to Black, African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian communities.
- Is this grant only for established 501(c)(3)s? Applicants should check the RFP, but the fund typically supports registered nonprofits or those with a fiscal sponsor.
- What is the primary focus of the RISE Together Fund? Supporting movement building and community power-building for BAMEMSA groups.
- Does the fund support direct services like food pantries? The fund prioritizes organizing, advocacy, and social change over purely direct-service models.
- How much is the typical grant amount? Specific amounts are detailed in the official RFP; they vary based on the organization’s size and scope.
- What is the deadline for the 2026 Open Call? All applications must be submitted by 15 June 2026.
- Can organizations outside the U.S. apply? Applicants must review the RFP for geographic eligibility, as the fund largely focuses on U.S.-based movements.
- What are “Multiple Strategies” in this context? Combining tactics like grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, leadership development, and narrative change.
- Does Proteus Fund provide mentorship? While primarily a grantmaker, RTF often provides opportunities for networking and collaborative learning among grantees.
- Who hosts the RISE Together Fund? It is a fund hosted and managed by the Proteus Fund.
