Eligibility Criteria

To apply for funding under this RFP, proposals must meet the following baseline eligibility requirements:

• Local frontline or state-level organizations or coalitions. (Applications may be submitted by a single frontline entity or co-anchored partners).
• State-level coalitions (e.g., those targeting Public Utility Commissions) are eligible and encouraged, provided the campaign remains anchored by grassroots frontline participation and local governance.
• The lead applicant or primary co-anchor must be an active USCAN member.
• Applicants (or their fiscal sponsors) must hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. All grant expenditures must be used exclusively for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt purposes.
• Preference will be given to proposals demonstrating existing on-the-ground traction (i.e., such as active campaigns or established cross-coalition relationships) to ensure success within the 12-18 month project timeline.
• Note on Timeline: This surge investment naturally favors groups with existing coalitions and established ground relationships, as these are best positioned to demonstrate tangible impact within a 12-month cycle. Starting long-term power-building from scratch is not a requirement or expectation for this specific award.

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Core Operational Requirements (Non-Negotiable)

Every proposal must explicitly center and demonstrate alignment with these non-negotiable core baselines:

• Campaigns and projects must be run and directly anchored by local or state-level frontline coalitions.
• Proposals must demonstrate a viable, realistic strategy to secure a tangible local victory (policy, utility, permitting, municipal, other) within the 12–18 month grant period.
• Applicants must outline goals, inputs, outputs, timelines, and success metrics. These may recognize incremental process steps as valid wins and accept both quantitative numbers and qualitative/anecdotal evidence.

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Flexible Guidelines (Optional)

Local teams have full autonomy over their project/campaign and targets. Applicants are encouraged (but not required) to incorporate any of the following tactical options into their proposals based on local or regional realities:

• Local policy efforts, municipal zoning ordinances, public utility commission interventions, or hazard protections (e.g., data center moratoriums or industrial permitting restrictions).
• Proactive municipal operations ordinances (e.g., zoning to block polluting infrastructure) and generating public testimony.
• Engaging non-traditional allies, such as faith leaders, labor unions, educators, young people or healthcare advocates, to build "big tent" local power.
• Incorporating train-the-trainer storytelling models, cross-organizational strategy toolkits, or community readiness checklists.
• Partnering with national member groups for legal, technical, or research support.