Jen Jope

Philanthropy systematically excludes leaders of color who have first-hand knowledge of the most pressing issues of our day. Through its exclusionary (“we fund who we know”) and expensive – it can cost an organization $5,000+ per application – nature, Black and brown communities are chronically underfunded resulting in inequities across all parts of life, from criminal justice to education to healthcare. Developed by funders and organizers of color, JustFund is unlocking much-needed capital and transforming an archaic philanthropic model. With the nation’s first and only Common Application platform, JustFund seamlessly connects funders to groups on the frontlines of social change. And, applicants can apply for multiple funding opportunities with one application, on one platform, for free, in perpetuity. BIPOC-led organizations receive only 4% of all philanthropic dollars, but since JustFund’s launch in 2017, over $280M has moved to mostly Black communities, in the US South, and to organizations with budgets under $500K. JustFund’s equity-first technology has saved applicants a combined 38 years of time. By streamlining the entire grant process, JustFund helps funders and applicants focus on the transformative work of advancing their mission and building deep relationships. Already used by 170 collaborative and pooled funds and corporate and national foundations, JustFund aims to reach tens of thousands of funders globally so underfunded communities finally get the resources they need to thrive. By building more equity-centered tech solutions, JustFund is poised to help philanthropy move tens of billions of dollars annually to frontline organizations working at the intersections of the most complicated issues of our time.