The Sigma Public Education and Research (SPEAR) Foundation is proud to announce its Mini-Grant Program for the 2026-2027 SY (FY27), awarding one-time grants between $500 - $1,500 to the following entities:

• Chapters and affiliates of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and
• Community-based organizations (CBOs)

The purpose of the Mini‑Grant Programis to support local activities and initiatives that align with SPEAR’s mission to promote social, civic, cultural, economic, and educational progress for vulnerable or at-risk families and communities.

Awards will be made across entities serving communities in the United States and internationally, are contingent upon the quality, completeness, and competitiveness of applications received, as well as availability of funds.

The Sigma Public Education and Research (SPEAR) Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization committed to advancing equity and opportunity for underserved populations. SPEAR seeks to:

• Equip families and communities with the skills to build their economic autonomy
• Develop initiatives centered on familial preservation
• Amplify the visibility and representation of minorities and women, locally and globally
• Pioneer educational strategies that empower women to advocate for themselves, their families, and their communities.

These objectives are fulfilled through community service, public education, advocacy, and social science and applied research, with a focus on reducing poverty and improving quality of life outcomes for minorities, women, and children.

For more information, visit www.spearfoundation.org.

To be eligible for consideration:

Alignment with Mission: Proposed activities must clearly align with the SPEAR Foundation mission and demonstrate advancement of social, civic, cultural, educational, or economic outcomes for underserved populations through community service, public education, advocacy, or social science and/or applied research.

Target Population & Data Requirements: Applicants must clearly identify the target population to be served, including relevant demographic and contextual information (e.g., age group, geographic location, community need, and estimated number of individuals impacted). Applications should describe the specific need being addressed, how participants will be engaged, and the anticipated outcomes.

Applicants will be required to provide the following information, such as:

• Estimated number of individuals served
• Brief needs assessment: Participant and community demographics (as appropriate)
• Anticipated outcomes or knowledge gains

Budget Narrative & Financial Accountability: Applications must include a detailed budget and budget narrative outlining how mini-grant funds will be used to support the proposed activities. The narrative should clearly explain:

• How requested funds directly support the targeted population via program implementation
• Any additional funding sources (e.g., chapter funds, donations, in-kind support, sponsorships)
• How resources will be leveraged to maximize impact

Applicants should demonstrate fiscal responsibility and sustainability, ensuring that all expenses (used with the mini-grant funding) are reasonable, allowable, and aligned with the proposed project outcomes.

Applying Sigma Gamma Rho Chapters:

• Must be 100% financial with SPEAR.
• Financial status for alumnae chapters is based on membership rosters as of December 31st of the application fiscal year (confirmed by SPEAR).
• Undergraduate chapters are exempt from this requirement.
• The alumnae chapter for any Affiliate applying must be 100% financial with SPEAR/sponsoring alumnae chapter.
• Must have completed all requirements of previous programming partnerships with SPEAR (e.g., submitting after-action/contribution reporting)
• Must have at least one (1) partner listed, to support implementation and impact of program/initiative.

Applying Community-Based Organizations (CBOs):

• Must be in good standing with SPEAR – completing all requirements of any previous programming partnerships (e.g., submitting after-action/contribution reporting)
• Must have at least one (1) partner listed, to support implementation and impact of program/initiative.

 

Announcement/Release of Request of Application: April 1, 2026

Intent to Apply Due: April 30, 2026 (11:59 pm PST)

• NOTE: the Intent to Apply submission is required, if an entity wishes to formally apply for funding.

Pre-Application Webinar Recording: posted for review on the Mini-Grant Webpage by April 30, 2026

Application Opens: May 1, 2026

Application Closes: May 15, 2026 (11:59 pm PST)

Application Reviews: Through June 1, 2026

Award Announcements: By June 30, 2026

Grant Distribution: By July 15, 2026

Implementation Deadline: By May 30, 2026

All funded activities must be completed no later than May 30, 2027.

Grant recipients will be notified via email and announced through SPEAR communication channels (newsletter, social media, website).

If awarded, mini‑grant funds will be distributed electronically no later than July 15, 2026, following official award announcements.

Applicants must provide accurate and current Zelle or PayPal information associated with the chapter/affiliate or community-based organization (CBO) to ensure timely disbursement of funds.

Awardees are required to submit a Final After‑Action/Data Report electronically within 90 days of program implementation or by June 30, 2027 (whichever occurs first). The report must include both quantitative and qualitative data, such as:

• Number of individuals served
• Participant demographics (as appropriate)
• Attendance and engagement measures
• Pre/post outcomes or knowledge gains (if applicable)
• Photos, flyers, testimonials, and other documentation of impact

Failure to submit the required FY27 After‑Action/Data Report by the stated deadline will negatively impact eligibility for future SPEAR funding opportunities.

Questions may be directed to minigrants@spearfoundation.org, or additional information may be found at www.spearfoundation.org/mini-grants.

Describe how the proposed activity aligns with the SPEAR Foundation’s mission to promote social, civic, cultural, economic, or educational progress for vulnerable or at‑risk families and communities.

Applicants should clearly connect the project to one or more of the following strategies:

• Community Service: Direct services addressing community needs 

• Public Education: Workshops, trainings, awareness‑building 

• Advocacy: Amplifying voices and promoting change (non‑lobbying)

• Social Science Methods: needs assessments, surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, document review 

• Applied Research: Data‑driven, community‑centered inquiry – applying findings to improve programs, inform advocacy, strengthen families, or address community needs 

Community Needs Statement

What specific problem your program/event/initiative aims to address? Include community demographic information to support your statement.

Why is this population in need? Explain why this need is important and how your organization is positioned to address it.

List at least one partner organization – include the following information below:

• Partner Name
• Type of Organization
  • School
  • District Shelter
  • Transitional Housing
  • Non-Profit Organization (NPO)
  • Neighborhood
  • Other
• Role in project (financial, in-kind, outreach, facilitation, etc)

Describe how your organization will collect and report both quantitative and qualitative data, such as:

• Number of individuals served
• Participant demographics (as appropriate)
• Attendance or participation measures
• Pre/post outcomes or learning gains (if applicable)
• Stories, testimonials, photos, or other documentation of impact

Describe the expected outcomes of the program/event/initiative - include the following information below:

What will change as a result of this program?

Include at least:

• 1 quantitative outcome (e.g., # served, % change)
• 1 qualitative outcome – expected knowledge, skill or awareness gains (e.g., increase in confidence related to job interviews)
  • What will change?
  • How will the success of this program/event/initiative be measured?

Budget Narrative: Explain how the requested funds will be used to directly support program implementation and the target population.

Applicants should also identify:

• Additional funding sources (e.g., chapter funds, donations, sponsorships, in‑kind support)
• How resources will be leveraged to maximize impact
• Assurance that all expenses are reasonable and allowable