CA Dignity for Families Fund - FAQs

How does this fund connect with the State of California’s fund? 

The California Dignity for Families Fund (the “Fund”) is a separate but complementary entity that disburses private contributions to support migrant families and unaccompanied children. However, the Fund is part of a public-private partnership with Governor Gavin Newsom, who has proposed an aligned investment of $25 million for services to unaccompanied youth and children in support of the safety and well-being of families, especially newcomer youth as they settle and integrate into California communities.

How do organizations apply for funding?

The fund is not accepting unsolicited proposals or inquiries at this time.

What are the funding criteria to receive support from the fund?

Funds will be distributed in an equitable and timely manner according to a set of criteria developed by an advisory committee, which comprises field experts and funders representing diverse organizations, perspectives, and experiences. Funding criteria will be established with an eye toward, among other things, meeting needs in heavily impacted regions, filling gaps in regions with limited fundraising capacity, and ensuring that dollars are equitably distributed across the state based on need.

When will grants be made to selected organizations?

Grants to organizations will be made on a rolling basis, with $2,778,000 recommended by the advisory committee for investments for the first round of grantmaking in September 2021. The majority of funding will be distributed as two-year, general operating support.

Who is overseeing the fund?

Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR) serves as the lead organization for the Fund, responsible for strategic direction, fund development, and implementation. GCIR brings its more than 30 years of experience as the nation’s only immigrant-focused philanthropic network to oversee the Fund.

Tides Foundation acts as the fiscal manager for the Fund, helping to receive, disburse, and manage these critical resources to get them to heavily impacted border regions and destination communities. Tides is a philanthropic partner and nonprofit accelerator dedicated to building a world of shared prosperity and social justice. Innovative foundations look to Tides as a partner for grantmaking, collaboration, capacity building, and strategic thinking. Tides has helped some of the world’s most prominent foundations achieve their goals.