Community Organizing


Community OrganizingCommunity organizing enables democracy at the grassroots level and beyond. It is a process that brings together into an influential group of people who, individually, may lack sufficient power to improve their opportunities and their communities. Once organized into an effective organization, individuals gain a vehicle for articulating their concerns and goals, proposing ideas and solutions, demanding accountability from influential forces, and shaping the relevant public policies. Successful organizing "builds power for effective action in the public arena". It also generates hope, fosters leadership as well as intentional communities of interest, and strengthens institutions in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. As a structure, community organizing is largely comprised of dedicated community-based leaders and community residents.

The Woods Fund aims to support community organizing that:

  • Develops independent, community-controlled organizations that elect their own leaders and determine their own "grassroots" issues
  • Demonstrates a willingness to develop, or already possesses experience in developing, relationships with similar organizations and broad-based coalitions to achieve greater impact both within and beyond the Chicago metropolitan area
  • Seeks to shape public policies through strategies that provide participatory and leadership opportunities for the residents of economically disadvantaged communities
  • Continually reflects on, improves and documents practices to increase effectiveness of both operations and outreach (particularly developing new leaders, members, and strategies to engage less- advantaged residents)
  • Shares best practices and learning experiences with other grantees and stakeholders

Organizations wishing to apply for a Woods Fund Community Organizing Grant should follow the Inquiry Form and Application Instructions.