GrowFundMe Nonprofit Application

GrowFundMe Nonprofit Application Form

Presented by Social Venture Partners Seattle www.svpseattle.org Applications open August 13, 2026 | Closes September 18, 2026
About the Program
GrowFundMe supports small, BIPOC-led nonprofits ready to strengthen their fundraising and storytelling capacity while connecting with SVP Partners and community volunteers. Each 6-month cohort (Jan–Jun 2027) includes 6–8 organizations that are community-rooted, equity-driven, and poised for growth.

Participants receive:
- $2,000 guaranteed participation stipend, received at the end of the program (dependent on full participation)
- Hands-on coaching in fundraising and storytelling
- Peer and Partner mentorship through “Thought Partner” pairing
- Visibility at the June 2027 Showcase, presenting to 100–150 attendees
- Equal share of pooled funds raised collectively, with a goal of raising $140,000 or more in total.
Eligibility Checklist
Please confirm that your organization meets these baseline requirements:
- At least 50% of leadership identifies as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or People of Color).
- Annual operating budget is under $500,000
- Organization is a 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored project.
- Located in or primarily serving King County / Puget Sound.
- Able to attend November 20, 2027 meet and greet (virtual).
- Able to commit 3–5 hours/month (Jan–Jun 2027) for virtual sessions and deliverables.
- Able to attend June 2027 Showcase (date TBD).
Confirmation
Organization Information
Organization Name
Website
Contact Full Name

First NameLast Name
Title
Phone Number
Format: (000) 000-0000.
E-mail
example@example.com
Year Founded
About You: Your Mission and Community

This section helps us understand your story and who you serve. Please share as authentically as possible — there’s no right or wrong way to describe your work. Note: You are welcome to use AI to help with your responses, but please check that your responses accurately reflect your work as it currently stands.
Your Mission Statement
Example: Our mission is to ensure every young person, regardless of income or background, has the tools and confidence to become a leader in building a more just and connected community.
Whom do you serve? (Describe the primary communities, populations, or neighborhoods you work with or want to serve.)
Example: We primarily serve Black, Latino, Pacific Islander, and immigrant youth in South King County — particularly those in Renton, Kent, and Tukwila. Our programs are open to all, but we intentionally prioritize youth who face barriers to traditional leadership opportunities due to systemic racism, housing instability, or lack of access to extracurricular programs.
How does your organization's leadership reflect or connect to the community you serve?
Example: Our Executive Director grew up in the same school district where we now work, and four of our five board members are alumni of our programs. Because our leadership team includes former youth participants, first-generation immigrants, and multilingual community members, we can respond quickly and authentically to emerging needs in the communities we serve.
Approximate annual operating budget
How would you characterize your organization's fundraising maturity?
Do you currently have fundraising staff?
Program Fit
Why are you interested in the GrowFundMe Cohort at this time?
Example: GrowFundMe feels like the right fit because it offers hands-on learning, mentorship, and partnership. We want to learn how to tell our story better, connect with potential supporters, and grow in a way that stays true to our community values.
Top priorities for participation
What domain of fundraising are you MOST interested in improving or expanding? (Pick your top three)
How will this opportunity help strengthen your organization over the next 2-5 years?
Example: Participating in GrowFundMe would help us take the next step in our fundraising. Over the next few years, we plan to hire our first paid program coordinator, expand our youth leadership program into two more schools, and grow our donor base beyond family and friends
What kind of volunteer support works best for you? (We'll use this to matchmake you with a volunteer team.) (Pick all that apply)
Commitment
Can you commit to the full 6-month program? (Virtual meet and greet in November, monthly meetings of 90 minutes Jan-Jun 2027, monthly connections with your volunteers of 30-60 minutes throughout program, attendance of the Showcase in June 2027, and participation in end-of-program evaluation of approximately 1 hour.)
*If no, why not? (This will help us understand barriers to engagement for this program for potential redevelopment.)
If unable to attend a session, will another representative participate?
You commit to completing deliverables with help/support from the program.
Preferred communication methods:
Accessibility needs or accommodations
Acknowledgement
By submitting this form, you acknowledge that:
- You have reviewed the eligibility checklist at the beginning of this form.
- You agree to participate fully in the program if selected.
- You commit to attending the Showcase in June 2027 and completing deliverables.
Please click your acknowledgement below.
- Applications open August 13, 2026
- Applications close September 18, 2026
- Nonprofits notifications October 28, 2026
- Cohort announced week of November 9, 2026
- Program Meet and Greet (virtual) November 20, 2026
- Program runs January-June 2027
- Showcase Event June 2027
Questions? Contact Gillia Bakie, Senior Advisor, Development
gilliab@svpseattle.org
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GrowFundMe Nonprofit Application Form

Organization Information

About You: Your Mission and Community

Program Fit

Commitment