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Family Power Fund

Family Voices, System Solutions

A family at a rally, used to represent the family power fund

We believe that youth, parents and caregivers should lead the way in shaping policies and systems that impact their health.

a woman making a speech. image used to show our work in the family power fund
Young person engages at a rally

Through the Family Power Fund, we support nonprofits that develop and engage leaders, drive advocacy for health-related policies, and amplify stories that reveal health challenges and inspire solutions.

Grantee Spotlights
The Family Power Fund focuses on three connected strategies:
Cartoon outline of a family of 3

Building family leadership and belonging

We partner with organizations that work directly with youth, parents and caregivers to cultivate a sense of belonging, build leadership and create pathways for advocacy on issues affecting their health.
Cartoon outline of a fist

Supporting organizing and advocacy

We invest in groups that are building movements and coalitions, shaping policy, and helping communities navigate decision-making processes on the health issues that matter most to families.
Cartoon book

Shifting narratives and sparking policy solutions

We fund journalism, storytelling, and research that expose barriers to health, elevate community voices, and shift the stories that shape public understanding and policy.
Could your organization be a fit for the Family Power Fund? Learn more:

Additional Funding Considerations

We fund organizations and projects that align with our mission, vision, and values and work alongside families in our 15-county Western Montana service region. We focus on parents, caregivers, and youth facing the biggest barriers to health. That includes families with kids 0–18 who are living on low incomes, Indigenous, Black and other families of color, families living with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ families.

We look for organizations that:

  • Center the voices and experiences of these families by investing in their leadership, including them on staff and boards, and involving them in decision-making.
  • Organize and build coalitions alongside these families and engage them directly in advocacy.
  • Have deep relationships and partnerships in their communities.
  • Create a sense of belonging and offer leadership opportunities for the people they serve.

See organizations we have funded on our Past Awards page.

Grant Types and Amounts

Grant amounts depend on the project scope, organizational size, length of partnership with Headwaters, and available funding.

  • Planning Grants (up to $25,000; average $25,000): One-year support for organizations developing new engagement work that need resources to plan or launch a project.
  • New Partner Grants (up to $75,000; average $62,000): One-year support for organizations that are new to Headwaters Foundation or have only previously received a GO! Grant.
  • General Operating Grants (up to $150,000; average $89,000): Flexible funding for organizations whose mission closely aligns with ours. Multi-year funding may be available for partners with a strong advocacy track record.
  • Project Grants (up to $125,000; average $115,000): Support for specific projects or programs focused on building community power.

How to Apply

If you think your work fits with the goals of the Family Power Fund, we’d love to hear from you! Please fill out this inquiry form.

You can expect to hear from us within three weeks. If your work is a potential fit, a Resource Partner will reach out to set up an inquiry conversation.

From there, they may invite you to complete a short application and let you know which cycle it will fall into: spring, summer, or fall.

We are currently accepting inquiries for 2027.

Questions? Email us at [email protected].