Grassroots organizations are the backbone of community transformation. They are often closest to the issues, with deep relationships, cultural understanding, and trust. Yet, they receive a disproportionately small share of global philanthropic funding.

The Problem
Despite their importance, grassroots groups face:

Barriers to access: Complex applications, language barriers, or lack of formal structure can exclude smaller orgs.
Short-term, restricted grants: These make it difficult to invest in long-term planning, staff development, or organizational growth.
Lack of voice in decisions: Funding priorities are often set far from the communities being served.
The Power of Flexible Funding
Flexible funding — also known as unrestricted or core support — allows organizations to decide where money is needed most. This could mean:

Covering operational costs
Investing in leadership development
Pivoting quickly during crises (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics)
Scaling successful programs
When organizations aren’t forced to tailor their work to narrow funding streams, they can innovate, respond in real time, and stay aligned with their mission.

Real Impact
Studies show that organizations with access to flexible, long-term funding:

Deliver more sustainable outcomes
Retain staff longer
Build stronger community trust
Trust-based funders are leading this shift by centering relationships, honoring community expertise, and funding with fewer strings attached.

At Better Funding, we amplify these approaches — offering tools, research, and connections for funders ready to step into a more equitable, effective model of giving.