Impacted by Unexpected Federal Funding Changes?

The Federal Readiness and Leverage Fund is a single, coordinated access point through which grantseekers share requests with multiple grantmakers, streamlining access for participants and funders alike. Due to current uncertainties in the federal and state funding landscape, the FRLF is accepting emergency needs requests from impacted organizations and jurisdictions in need of urgent support. Emergency requests are separate from the general FRLF process and are open to all Oregon nonprofits and jurisdictions impacted by recent federal funding shifts.

Are you a grantmaker ready to make an immediate impact or hoping to learn more about current needs?

If you are interested in seeking funding through the standard Federal Readiness & Leverage Fund, this is separate from the emergency needs requests and remains available. The Fund is open to rural and underserved nonprofits and jurisdictions in Oregon that are experiencing barriers to securing and managing federal funding. Learn more about the FRLF and its Focus Areas below. Thank you for all you do for Oregon’s people and places!

LET'S CONNECT.

Learn more about applying, joining as a Funding Partner, or serving as a Referral Partner.

Supporting Rural and Underserved Nonprofits and Jurisdictions

Coordinated Action to Increase Access to Federal Funds

INTRODUCTION

The Federal Readiness and Leverage Fund aims to:

01.

Direct more federal funds into Oregon

02.

Increase capacity in Oregon's underserved and rural communities

03.

Strengthen avenues for collaboration across public, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors

Flexible support for rural and under-resourced communities.

UNLOCKING FEDERAL FUNDS​

Although the Federal Readiness and Leverage Fund (FRLF) was developed largely in response to a massive influx of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dollars, the Fund is available to increase access to all federal funding – knowing that challenges to securing and managing it existed long before BIL. The coordinated, flexible, and responsive support that the Fund provides to rural and under-resourced organizations and jurisdictions is now more important than ever.

Background

Taking Coordinated Action

This Fund was born to increase access to transformative federal funding and advance high-potential projects led by rural based, BIPOC-led and serving, and other underresourced organizations and jurisdictions. The FRLF leverages near-term investments from participating Funding Partners to unlock millions in federal funds, build long-term capacity through accompanying technical assistance, and move projects sitting at strategic inflection points forward

Launched in 2024, the Federal Readiness and Leverage Fund was developed by Kelley Nonprofit Consulting and a collaborative group of Funding Partners, whose efforts were informed through conversations with the organizations and communities across Oregon who would benefit most from this model.

Seizing Opportunities

Addressing Barriers

Federal funds propel vital community projects through large infusions of support, but can present many challenges and barriers. These challenges vary – from the fast-paced opportunities that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law introduced to changing circumstances brought forth by the new administration. Any ensuing funding pauses can quickly instill uncertainty and confusion for nonprofits and communities, leaving underresourced – but impactful – organizations at a significant disadvantage. As a responsive funding mechanism, the FRLF can also help grantees who manage federal funding stay afloat during times of uncertainty. 

In addition to project funding, the FRLF infuses grantees with technical assistance, including tailored resource navigation and 1:1 federal fiscal readiness assessment and grant compliance support.

Priorities With Immediate And Lasting Impact

FOCUS AREAS

Many nonprofits and small communities miss out on funding opportunities to advance important projects. FRLF funding requests should fall into one or more of the Fund’s four Focus Areas, which were identified as frequent barriers to federal funding by organizations and jurisdictions during the planning of this program:

Pre Development & Financial Leverage

Helping applicants meet the financial requirements necessary to access federal funds

Incentivizing & Increasing Collaboration

Supporting organizations to lead collaborative efforts; Creating coalitions to put forth competitive federal funding applications

Increasing Coordination Between Public Sector & CBOs

Ensuring representatives of underserved, unincorporated, and rural communities remain “at the table” by supporting staff capacity for coordination

Broad, Complementary Technical Assistance

Supporting technical assistance providers who are dedicated to building capacity within nonprofit organizations and jurisdictions

How It Works

The Federal Readiness & Leverage Fund coordinates giving from Funding Partners to help applicants in overcoming barriers in alignment with the Fund’s Focus Areas.

Aligned Nonprofits and Jurisdictions

Qualifying nonprofits and jurisdictions are identified and vetted for alignment and invited to complete a single, brief application

Philanthropic Participation

Funding Partners join with the goal of addressing barrier(s) to securing federal funds through one of the Fund’s four Focus Areas

Resource Navigation

Grantees receive one-on-one, curated resource navigation including needs assessment and technical assistance recommendations to build their internal capacity

Technical Support

Grantees may also receive additional funds earmarked for technical assistance, subject matter expertise, or other support of their choosing, along with a Federal Funding Readiness Assessment and tailored accounting support

“Meyer Memorial Trust is excited to work alongside partner foundations on this initiative, a joint response to meet multiple needs of frontline rural, tribal, and underserved communities. The Federal Readiness & Leverage Fund will contribute to meaningful change in under-resourced areas, advancing Meyer’s mission to accelerate racial, social and economic justice for the collective well being of Oregon’s lands and peoples.”
Helen Wong
Director of Learning and Grant Operations, Meyer Memorial Trust