Collective Action Funds
A grantmaking solution created by Tides, collective action funds bring together multiple partners and the expertise of an independent advisory committee to shift power and strengthen social impact.
What is a Collective Action Fund?
A collective action fund (CAF) is a purpose-driven fund at Tides Foundation driven by the belief that there is power in numbers. Multiple individuals and organizations unite to raise funds, then grant money out to advance a shared cause.
Unlike a donor advised fund, a collective action fund awards grants based on the recommendation of the fund’s independent advisory committee (IAC). The IAC is a group of experts with deep connections to communities working to advance social justice, supported by a designated Tides advisor. Through collective action funds, our partners expand their grantmaking options, enhance collaboration, and explore innovative ideas that right the imbalances blocking our path to justice.
Why Tides?
Tides has the experience, expertise, and values alignment to turn our partners’ collective vision into solutions that advance social justice.
Innovation
The Tides team amplifies in-house capacity, making it possible to more quickly make grants or pilot collective impact initiatives to fund new fields or issue areas.
Flexibility
Collective action funds are more flexible than traditional donor advised funds, giving donors more ways to support the causes they care about. Grants from collective action funds can support a variety of forms of advocacy and civic engagement, including lobbying.
Neutrality
No matter how complex an initiative is, a collective action fund at Tides can be the collaborative space funders need to realize their impact. Our advisors provide a neutral ground to work across organizational lines to develop a shared vision, mission, and approach to impact.
Expertise
Tides originated collective action funds because we’re one of the few organizations willing and able to take on the due diligence they require. We handle the administrative and grantmaking details so our funders can focus on shifting power to social justice leaders while remaining compliant.
Community Stories
Celebrate the ingenuity and tenacity of the bold visionaries working with Tides to foster change.
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Learn MoreTides Foundation partnered with an individual donor to launch the Better Food Policy Fund, a grantmaking initiative working hand in hand with impacted communities to create a more equitable community food system and advance food justice. The Better Food Policy Fund’s early learnings offer powerful insights into what it will take to provide equitable food systems across America.
How to Start a Collective Action Fund
Work with Tides to start amplifying impact. Here’s how.
Step 1: Complete our questionnaire
Complete our Partner With Us form, then our team will contact you (if a partnership fit is determined) to discuss potential next steps.
Step 2: Talk to us
We’ll discuss goals with you to ensure our values are aligned, then recommend the best fund vehicle to support the causes you care about.
Step 3: Complete an application
If your collaborative and Tides are mission-aligned, our team will send an application to learn more about your goals for the fund.
Step 4: Make an establishing gift
Once we have full approval, we formalize our partnership and process to establish a gift.
Step 5: Start your giving journey
Members of your collective action fund meet your fund’s advisor and begin powering their social impact with Tides at their side.
Interested in Partnering With Tides?
There’s no greater force than the collective power of people united for justice. Join us to fuel lasting change.
Frequently Asked Questions
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