What we support

The Arca Foundation supports organizations and projects that work to advance economic and racial justice, an inclusive democracy, peace and security, human rights, and a clean environment.

We support strategic initiatives that work to engage diverse, impacted communities in organization that puts people on the front lines of social change; educate the public about policies that advance the greater good; promote transparency and access to information; and strive for structural, game-changing reforms.

Learn how to apply
The Foundation accepts three types of grant applications:
  1. General Support Requests
    Requests for general organizational support.
  2. Project Support Requests
    Requests for a specific project housed within an organization.
  3. Fiscally Sponsored Project Requests
    Requests by organizations that do not have their own 501(c)3 status but have secured a 501(c)3 organization as a fiscal sponsor or requests by organizations who intend to make a sub-grant in support of a particular organization or project.

Our Focus Areas

Arca's long-term aim is to advance a sustainable planet where there is respect for human dignity and there is economic, democratic and social equity. We believe that achieving this aim will require structural reforms that restructure the economy and democracy to serve the many, not few.

Learn more about us
  • Domestic
  • International

The Arca Foundation provides grants to domestic public charities.

We do not provide grants for the following:
  • Individuals
  • Capital Projects/Endowments
  • Scholarships or Fellowships
  • Scholarly Research
  • Government Programs
  • Direct or Grassroots Lobbying
  • Direct Social and Human Services

Important dates

Arca is not accepting unsolicited grant applications for the August 2023 deadline. The information below is only applicable to open grant cycles.

Spring Grants Cycle

Early January: Application links are posted on the Foundation’s website for the February 1 deadline.

February 1: Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. EST.

May/June: Arca Foundation’s Board of Trustees makes grant determinations. Board decisions are communicated via email two to three weeks following the board meeting.

 

Fall Grants Cycle

Early July: Application links are posted on the Foundation’s website for the August 1 deadline.

August 1: Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. EST.

November/December: Arca Foundation’s Board of Trustees makes grant determinations. Board decisions are communicated via email two to three weeks following the board meeting.

Review process overview

Arca is not accepting unsolicited grant applications for the remainder of 2023. The information below is only applicable to open grant cycles.

Proposal deadlines are 5:00 p.m. EST on February 1 and August 1 for the spring and fall cycles, respectively. Out-of-cycle and emergency proposals are not considered unless solicited by the Foundation. When deadlines fall on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be the following business day by 5:00 p.m. EST. Proposals received after the 5 p.m. deadline will not be considered.

Applicants will receive an email notifying them that the Foundation has received their proposal. If you do not receive an email confirming your proposal submission, you have not successfully submitted your proposal via the Foundation’s online application system.

The Foundation will request further information regarding your application if needed.

The Arca Foundation Board of Trustees meets twice annually. The Foundation approves grants at these semi-annual board meetings, usually held in May/June and November/December of each year. Board decisions are communicated via email two to three weeks following each board meeting.