Be a current DC Fund grantee partner funded within the last 12 months. (Spring/Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 grantee)
Special Opportunity Fund
KEY INFO–
Grant Size: Capped at $5,000, depending on fund availability.
**NOTE: The Special Opportunity Fund opens June 11, and closes June 30 at 11:59PM.
We are launched the Special Opportunity Fund in April 2025. The Special Opportunity Fund is a smaller grant program that grantee-partners who have received a grant from DC Fund in the last 12 months (Spring & Fall 2025 and Spring 2026) can apply for outside of our general spring/fall cycles. This program is intended to support folks in meeting emergent needs aligned with work we’ve previously funded.
Eligibility
Address emergent needs that hinder accomplishing DC Fund-funded goals or activities. READ MORE HERE!
The Special Opportunity Fund's PURPOSE
Provide additional assistance to DC Fund grantees facing unexpected challenges or opportunities outside of DC Fund’s regular grant cycles.
The Special Opportunity Fund's Process
The grant will open in April, May, June, July, September, and/or October on every first Thursday and close every fourth Thursday at 11:59.
A review team of two Grantmaking Team members and one DC Fund staff member or Board of Instigators Member will review applications and make funding decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Special Opportunity Fund?
The Special Opportunity Fund provides timely financial support to DC Fund grantees facing unexpected challenges or opportunities that arise between regular grant cycles.
Who is eligible to apply for the Special Opportunity Fund?
DC Fund grantee partners funded within the last 12 months can apply for funding related to time-sensitive challenges hindering their project goals.
How often can grantees apply?
Grantees partners may apply once annually to ensure equitable distribution of available funds among eligible applicants.
How quickly are funding decisions made?
Funding decisions typically take 30-45 days, prioritizing expedited processing for urgent needs.
Will the Special Opportunity Fund operate year-round?
The Special Opportunity Fund operates with a monthly application deadline in 2025, excluding August, November, and December to focus on general grant rounds and accommodate staff capacity.