Action Catalyst Toolbox (ACT) scholarship

Applications  are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage folks to apply with as much in advance as possible to ensure time for funds to be processed. Please let us know if this is for a Rapid Response action in your application. 

The ACT Committee is composed of Ruckus Staff and select network members. Once the form is submitted, a committee member will reach out within 48 hours to obtain any additional information and go over next steps. The Committee will confer to decide on award status. You can expect a decision no later than 7 days after an initial conversation. 

Award recipients will be informed of the fund distribution process. Distribution of funds typically  occurs within 2 weeks after approval.

If you are applying to be a Rapid Response Recipient, you may hear from our committee within a shorter time frame.

Applicants should apply ideally a month (30 days) in advance of the day of action. Keep in mind that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the committee, which meets once per month! We cannot guarantee availability of funds prior to an action for applications submitted on a tight timeline.

Eligible community-led organizations, affinity groups, and formations who are in rapid response mode may send an email at ruckus@ruckus.org, subject line, ACT-RR:[Group name].

The ACT Scholarship Committee will only consider applicants that meet the Eligibility Criteria listed below. We encourage you to read thoroughly and reach out if there are questions.

Eligible community-led organizations, affinity groups & formations from Frontline communities must:

• Share Alignment with Ruckus’s Movement Work: 

  • Holds an intersectional approach and analysis of race, gender, sexuality, class and ability.

  • Demonstrates the decision-making power and leadership of the people most directly impacted by the issues the organization works on. Groups and organizations led by frontline communities.

  • United by a strong vision for social justice and systemic change.

• Lack Access to Traditional Funding:

  • Has less access to foundation funders and fundraising support.

  • Has less access to capacity building, training or consultation opportunities.

  • Has an annual budget less than $250,000 or groups without  501(c) status.

  • Uses an approach too new, risky or experimental to access funding.

• Working on Strategic Direct Action for Ongoing Campaign or Current Crisis:

  • Committed to using bold, creative actions to disrupt a target.

  • Working to develop a movement-oriented action that pushes for regional power.

  • Interested in or has a compelling and creative direct action approach to address the root cause of the problems they work on, or are responding to

  • Working to develop a response to an unanticipated moment of crisis, uprising, and mobilization.

• Groups, Formations and Organizations from Frontline Communities planning to engage in Direct Action and Mass Mobilization. We define Direct action as the strategic use of immediate acts to achieve a social or political end & challenge an unjust power dynamic. Direct actions should grab attention, show refusal in cooperation, be from the voices going through the struggle and provide alternatives. Groups and organizations engaging in direct actions as or part of mass mobilization particularly during moments of rapid response are encouraged to apply. By frontline communities, we mean grassroots communities, organizations and groups organized for action against the direct impacts of injustice or harm they experience. Strong preference will be given to community groups & grassroots organizations of Frontline communities that:

  • Belong to a Trans / Black / Native / POC / LGBTQI+ and GNC-led and/or Dis/Ability-focused organization / community and/or Affinity Group

  • Are a local rooted community, organization and/or group.

The ACT Scholarship is seeking to support rapid response direct actions. Eligible community-led organizations, affinity groups & formations from Frontline communities that are:

• Developing a response to an unanticipated movement moment, political crisis or political shift and/or,

• Identifying an opportunity to intervene or respond, which requires urgent action, are encouraged to apply

The ACT Scholarship will not fund actions of performative or symbolic nature. We also do not fund actions connected to large NGO mobilizations or conference events, as these often have access to traditional funding.

We are invested in our communities taking creative risks and using strategic nonviolent direct actions. We aim to fund unheard voices, folx testing experimental tactics, and new ways of resisting oppression.