Deadline: 31 August 2026
Justice and Joy National Collaborative is proud to announce the launch of the HEAL (Health Equity Advancing Liberation) Collective, a new national initiative investing $750,000 in alliances, collectives, and youth-led efforts advancing justice with and for girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people of colour. Grounded in approach to health equity spanning many communities, issues, and fields, HEAL recognizes that lasting change requires investing not only in programs, but in the people, partnerships, and movement infrastructure that build collective power and address the root causes of inequity. Through this inaugural funding opportunity, HEAL will support organisations, individuals, and collectives working to strengthen movement ecosystem infrastructure, mobilise communities, advance policy and systems change, and expand opportunities for youth leadership.
Grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 will be awarded across three funding categories:
- Existing Alliances – Existing local, state, regional, or tribal alliances and coalitions ready to strengthen or expand their collective impact.
- Emerging Alliances – Organizations, collectives, collaborations, or existing alliances that are intentionally building or expanding work with and for girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people of colour while strengthening collaborative leadership, partnerships, and collective action
- Youth Organising Investments – Youth-led organising efforts advancing leadership, advocacy, organising, and community power.
Beyond grant funding, selected grantees will join a national learning community that includes training and technical assistance, peer learning opportunities, and an in-person convening designed to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and build collective power across the country.
Eligibility
What are we funding?
The HEAL Collective is seeking to invest in U.S.-based efforts that:
- Strengthen the movement ecosystem for girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people of colour
- Builds collective power
- Strengthens movement infrastructure
- Mobilizes communities
- Advances policy and systems change
- Expands opportunities for youth leadership
All funded efforts must use an intergenerational leadership model that meaningfully centers youth leaders in shaping priorities, decision-making, and implementation.
Funding supports:
- Collaborative, intergenerational efforts that are creating lasting change through organizing, advocacy, partnership building, leadership development, and other strategies that advance justice.
Who is eligible to apply?
The following groups are eligible to apply that are intentionally building or expanding work with and for girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people of colour while strengthening collaborative leadership, partnerships, and collective action. Existing or emerging:
- Organizations
- Collectives
- Collaborations
- Existing alliances
- Local, state, regional or tribal organizations/government
- Individuals
- Youth-led organizations
Can I apply individually?
Yes, young women and gender expansive young people ages 18-32 leading, organizing, and advocating in their communities.
Logistics
How do I apply?
The Letter of Interest (LOI) and application will both be submitted through Submittable. Please submit your LOI and allow between 24-48 hours for our team to confirm eligibility. Upon approval, applicants will receive an invitation to complete the full application.
The last day to submit an LOI is August 31 at 11:59pm local time. This is to allow adequate time between approval and the submission of a full application.
When is the application deadline? The deadline to submit an application is September 14, 2026 at 11:59pm local time.
Can I edit my application? You may save your application and return to it at any time before submitting. Once your application has been submitted, you’ll need to email Michelle@justiceandjoynatl.org within 24 hours of submission to request permission to reopen it for edits. Edits may be requested no later than 48 hours before the application deadline.
Will everyone who submits an LOI and/or application move to the next round? No. Not everyone who submits an LOI or application is guaranteed to move to the next round.
My organization has multiple projects that span more than one of your focus areas. Can I submit more than one application? We will fund an organization no more than once in a calendar year.
Do applicants need nonprofit status or a fiscal sponsor? No, this is not a requirement. Applicants can be a 501(c)(3), a fiscally sponsored organization, government or tribal agency, or individual.
Will I need to pay taxes if selected? Yes
How will applications be evaluated? Applications will be reviewed by the intergenerational HEAL Grantmaking Committee using a standardized review process and evaluation rubric.
Who is part of the grantmaking committee? Community leaders in collectives that center girls, women, and gender-expansive young people of colour, Young people with lived expertise, Subject matter experts
Funding
- How much funding is available per grant? Grants will be awarded in amounts of $25,000 – $100,000
- Can I apply for a specific amount of funding? Yes, you may apply due to your needs
- Can I use these funds for advocacy and organizing? Absolutely. Advocacy and organizing are eligible uses of funding. However, grant funds cannot be used for lobbying.
- Can they be used for indirect administrative costs? Yes, up to 20% of total funds may be used for indirect admin costs.
Youth Applicants
- I’ve never received a grant before. Can I still apply? Yes
- Do I need previous leadership experience? No
What can grantees expect to receive from the HEAL Collective?
- Funding ranging from $25,000–$100,000
- Capacity-building support and technical assistance
- Peer learning opportunities with fellow grantees
- A national, in-person convening with the cohort
- Ongoing opportunities to build relationships, share strategies, and strengthen collective impact
- Coaching with subject matter experts and community leaders
Application Process and Timeline:
Step 1: Submit a Letter of Interest (LOI)
All interested applicants must first submit a Letter of Interest (LOI). The LOI is a brief opportunity to introduce your work, your collective or organization, and why you’re interested in participating in the HEAL Collective.
LOI submission period: July 20–August 31, 2026. Please note: this is before the full application deadline to allow adequate time between approval and the submission of a full application.
Step 2: Invitation to Apply
After reviewing the LOI, you may be invited to submit a full application. Invitations will be sent shortly after each LOI has been reviewed.
Step 3: Submit a Full Application
Invited applicants will complete a more detailed application describing their work, goals, and how they would use HEAL Collective funding and support.
Full application deadline: September 14, 2026
Step 4: Finalist Conversations
Following the review of full applications, finalists will participate in a conversation with members of the grantmaking committee. These conversations are an opportunity for us to learn more about your work, answer questions, and better understand your vision.
Finalist conversations: September 14–18, 2026
Step 5: Award Notification
Selected HEAL Collective participants will be notified of funding decisions.
Awards announced: September 21, 2026
Important Dates:
- 07/20 to 08/31 – Letter of Interest (LOI)
- 07/20 to 09/14 – Full Application (by invitation only)
- 09/14 to 09/18 – Finalist Conversation (selected applicants only)
- 09/21 – Grantees notified
- 09/30 – Grant Agreements Executed
- 10/01 – Inaugural HEAL cohort begins
- October – Virtual Cohort Kickoff & Orientation Meeting
Join the HEAL mailing list to receive updates, application materials, important deadlines, and announcements about the funding opportunity by emailing heal@justiceandjoynatl.org
Together, we are investing in the leadership, partnerships, and collective power needed to build healthier communities and advance justice with and for girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people of colour.