For guidelines in PDF format, click here.

Funding Priorities

In its consideration of grant requests, As You Sow will give priority to proposals in the following areas:

Geographic Limitation

As You Sow’s grantmaking program is primarily funded by enforcement of California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act (“Proposition 65”).  Accordingly, As You Sow gives priority to proposals that will substantially benefit citizens of California through neighborhood, regional, or statewide projects.  As You Sow will also give consideration to proposals from organizations outside the state if the project or organization has a California emphasis or component.

Funding Levels

AYS is a new foundation with limited resources. We are engaged in building a long-term source of stable funding. The grants are generally in the range of $5,000-$10,000.

Application Process

Please provide the following information in applying for a grant from As You Sow.

1. Executive Summary (one page)

State the problem being addressed by your group, the amount of funding sought and whether you have a specific project seeking support or seek general organizational support.

2. Grant Request (five pages or less).

Briefly describe the organization's mission, goals and objectives, and record of achievement. The request should address who will benefit from your services or what impact your services are likely to have on public policy or business practices.

Describe the project for which support is sought, if applicable, including a plan of execution, time frame, and intended impact. How do you plan to measure the success of the project?

What other organizations provide your services? Is your work complementary? Can you or are you coordinating with them to avoid duplication of effort?

What other funding sources do you have? Indicate the source of current revenues by funding sector and current fund raising plans (i.e. others from whom you have or may seek funds).

Provide brief biographical information or resume of key staff members.

The following supporting data may be requested at a later time:

Send your completed proposal to: grants*asyousow.org

SPAM-FIGHTING TACTIC: You must change the * in the address above to @ in order to send an email!

Email is strongly preferred. However, if you wish to send a hard copy it must be on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper printed double-sided. Send to the address below. Please do not send duplicates via both email and regular mail.

Lawrence E. Fahn, Executive Director
As You Sow
311 California Street, Suite 510
San Francisco, CA 94104