Welcome to Headwaters
Since 1984, Headwaters Foundation for Justice has resourced movement organizations that are too often overlooked or excluded by mainstream philanthropy. Our grantmaking supports organizations and groups on the front lines of social change. We believe that the people who directly experience society’s injustices are the ones who know the path to collective liberation.
Fueled by Community
Community-led Grantmaking
Each of our programs engages community leaders, advocates, and volunteers in unique ways. We put decision-making power into the hands of our communities because we believe that's the way to collective liberation.
Donor Organizing
As a people-powered community foundation, we need your participation. Gifts of all sizes are honored and appreciated. Donations collected from individuals are pooled and moved out into community as large-scale, multi-year grants to grassroots organizations working to advance equity and justice. Our donors and volunteers are a brilliant and diverse cross-section of Minnesotans. You’re most welcome to join us!
Philanthropic Organizing
Our grantees are unapologetic in their fight for liberation. We are called to be just as bold in organizing our philanthropic peers towards a new way of funding social change. We partner with local, regional, and national philanthropic funders as an intermediary to put money back into the hands of community decision-makers.
Fighting for Collective Liberation
Our Grant Programs
We distribute multi-year, general operating grants of various sizes through our four unique grant programs. All of our grantmaking prioritizes BIPOC-led organizations leading work toward justice and collective liberation. There is wisdom in a collective process. That's why we recruit, train, and entrust people from the community to serve on committees that make decisions about which organizations to resource.
Fund of the Sacred Circle
The Fund of the Sacred Circle (FSC) is HFJ’s longest-standing fund. Since 1999, FSC grants have been investing in Native-led organizations in Minnesota that focus on community organizing, self-determination and sovereignty, and systems change.
Giving Project Grant
Members of the Giving Project cohort raise the funds to support the Giving Project Grant, read and evaluate grant applications, conduct site visits with organizations, and make collective decisions about which organizations will be selected for funding. Giving Project cohorts are cross-class, multi-racial, multi-generational groups of community volunteers that come together over the course of 6 months to move money to BIPOC-led organizations that focus on systems change.
Justice & Liberation Fund
The Justice & Liberation (J&L) Fund provides financial resources to Black-led groups working on the frontlines of justice. This fund is housed within the Black Radiance Network, a community-powered network, created by and for Black leaders who are reshaping our state.
The Wellspring Fund
The Wellspring Fund is dedicated to nourishing organizations that have deep roots and long horizons. Wellspring grants build meaningful capacity for BIPOC-led organizations to do long term power building and organizing for systems change.
Advance Equity. Demand Inclusion. Transform Power. Trust in Community.
The Latest News at HFJ
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Our Impact
$4.1 Million
Granted by Headwaters during Fiscal Year 2024.
159
Number of grants awarded to organizations across Minnesota during Fiscal Year 2024.