What is the Starling Collective?
GivingTuesday's Starling Collective is a new kind of learning collective for grassroots leaders to discover and share best practices for increasing generosity and driving systems change. The program offers coaching, peer learning and connection to GivingTuesday’s global leader network, as well as microgrants to jumpstart or accelerate on-the-ground work.
The program was named after birds that create extraordinary patterns and movements by working together. A scientist once admired their "remarkable ability to maintain cohesion as a group in highly uncertain environments and with limited, noisy information." Grassroots leaders around the world have incredible power to mobilize and strengthen their communities, especially in times of crisis.
The Starling Collective was created by GivingTuesday, in partnership with its global network of leaders, partners, communities and generous individuals. GivingTuesday is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. Our ultimate goal is to create a more just and generous world, one where generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity, and equity around the globe.
Who is eligible for The Starling Collective?
We invite applications from organizations or individuals with particularly innovative approaches to catalyzing generosity, empathy, equity and justice. Applications are accepted from anywhere in the world.
Applicants must be Individuals over the age of 18 or any groups or organizations that are conducting applicable projects. Youth-led projects are encouraged, but the grant agreement and any kind of certifications or representations made through the application must be signed and committed to by an adult over the age of 18.
Applicants must be legally permitted to receive and accept funds from a U.S. nonprofit organization.
Applications must be received by September 2, 2020 at 11:59pm PT.
What are the requirements to apply for Starling Collective?
To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must complete an online application describing their innovative approach to generosity and the basic costs of the proposed project.
The online application will ask applicants to describe the following components:
• Explain the proposed project and why it is an innovative approach to generosity
• Goals and how the applicant will measure success, including how they might get the information you need to evaluate progress.
• How the Starling Collective grant will help you achieve these goals
We will prioritize grants to leaders operating in regions of lower resource or greater need. All award decisions will be made in the sole discretion of Giving Tuesday, Inc.
Grant funds cannot be used to support direct or grassroots political lobbying. Please note that GivingTuesday cannot offer any advice or guidance regarding taxes.
Selected grantees may be asked to provide additional documentation and execute a grant agreement before grant funds are released.
The final pool of grantees will represent the global diversity of the GivingTuesday network. We will reserve a portion of funds during this grantmaking cycle for GivingTuesday’s existing global and community leaders, but encourage anyone with an innovative approach to generosity to submit an application.
What is the timeline? When will applications be reviewed?
The 2020 Starling Collective Application is now closed. Applications began on August 4, 2020 and closed on September 2, 2020 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Participants will be announced by October 6, 2020. Stay connected with us on social media to learn about other opportunities.
How are the applications reviewed and selected?
Applications are reviewed by a team of Regional Directors, who will follow up with applicants during the selection process. Final determination will be made by the GivingTuesday staff and selected applicants will be notified by October 6, 2020.
Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria: Leadership and Vision, Potential Impact, Ingenuity and Creativity, Focus on Generosity, Cultural Relevance, Diversity and Belonging, Measurable Goals, Clear Plan