IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING GRANT APPLICATION OPENING
We have always believed in trust-based philanthropy, making our applications simple to complete and never requiring detailed reporting following a grant award. In addition, it has always been our desire to listen closely to what the community needs, rather than designating a detailed priority.
However, over the past year, we have watched our government make funding cuts targeted at specific communities and pass legislation that is deeply harmful to them. We also recognize how these actions have created further exacerbations by causing a chilling effect among some funders who have pulled back out of concern for government and/or community backlash. “business as usual” in no way seems appropriate at this time. Thus, we paused our granting earlier this year and took time to evaluate how our limited funding could strategically make the greatest impact in this region.
After careful consideration, we have decided to open part of our 2026 grant funding with a firm priority for organizations and projects that have been negatively impacted by targeted government funding cuts and/or legislation. We recognize that the suffering caused by our government is deep and impacted organizations are facing unprecedented challenges. It is our hope to help in ways that are impactful both in easing stress and providing necessary funding.
We will continue with our trust-based approach of simple application process and no detailed reports required as follow-up.
We recognize that while making a detailed priority in our grant cycle, we are leaving out other organizations doing important work in our region and will open funding later in the year for these organizations.
Thank you for your patience and understanding,
Lerria, Sharon and Don
GRANT APPLICATION OPENING: May 1, 2026 (Prioritizing organizations targeted by government funding cuts and/or legislation)
GRANT DEADLINE: May 15, 2026
Submit application to: grants@smith-barbieri.com
Application Questions:
1. Has your organization or the project you are proposing been impacted by government budget cuts and/or legislation? In what way? If your organization has not been impacted by government budget cuts and/or legislation, please note that this is our priority for this granting cycle.
2. Describe the nature of the project or service for which you are requesting funding (Please include if it is a new project/service or if it is expanding or maintaining an existing one).
3. Does your project/service benefit a specific community (ie people with disabilities, previously incarcerated, geographic area) and how the funds will be used specifically (ie staffing, operations, outreach, direct service).
4. Is this a community based project? Who do you consider your community? Please include how you are engaging or plan to engage them.
5. What amount is being requested?
6. Is the project/service secular? (secular organizations have no religious or spiritual basis) If a religious affiliation exists, confirm that there is no proselytization and it falls under no religious doctrine or oversight – the Progressive Fund values freedom from religion as strongly as it does freedom to worship.
7. Include your web site and Facebook link or if you don’t have one, who are the principles associated with your project/service?