LFC Swift Gift Fund

Due to current funding circumstances in the philanthropic field, our annual Swift Grants fund will be changed to Swift Gifts. Our goal is to support impactful nonprofits in mitigating the effects of the changes in the funding ecosystem, so they can navigate this changed landscape strategically, impactfully, and with minimal harm to the communities they serve. 

Bold Solutions Network members are invited to apply for unrestricted gifts of $20,000. These gifts are intended to cover urgent financial needs, sustain programming, and bolster organizational capacity and sustainability.  Examples include but are not limited to training for staff, transition and mergers, legal consultations, pilot programs, organizational strategy consultants, travel to conferences, hosting events for your field, etc. 

This year’s fund will have three application periods. For the first period, applications must be submitted by Friday, May 30 EOD. Please note we intend to notify selected giftees in June 2025 and disperse funds by the end of July 2025. There will be no reporting requirements for this gift. Selected organizations based in the United States will need to submit an ACH form and a W9 to receive funds. Additionally, international organizations will need to submit a W-8BEN-E form, proof of charitable status, governing documents, a list of senior directors and officers, and an affidavit. 

Gift applications will be rated by a committee of Lever for Change staff on a scale of nine total points. The criteria includes: 

• Need (3 points): Is the organization at risk of shutting down and/or discontinuing crucial programming? Is the organization mainly reliant on disrupted funding?
• Impact (3 points): Would this gift impact clients and communities served? Would the gift foster skills, funding opportunities, organizational processes, systems, programming, and/or partnerships for success? 
• Leverage (3 points): Could this gift be leveraged with other funding, resources or partnerships for greater impact?

Please note, the Swift Gifts fund is for active Bold Solutions Network members only. External applications will automatically be deemed ineligible. If you have any questions about the process, please email Vernon Smith at vsmith@leverforchange.org for assistance.