The fund considers only those proposals that are developed by or in collaboration with residents and advocacy organizations affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and that demonstrate how they will address one or more of the following issues: right of return and right to stay; ecological health; environmental justice and health; just and sustainable rebuilding; worker rights; cultural arts; and youth and education.

The fund focuses on the rebuilding and revitalization of areas in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas impacted by the hurricanes. Priority is given to areas where community organizations have been advocating for environmental justice and working to stop the injustices of both unsustainable development and systemic racism that harm the health and lives of residents, as well as areas where local organizations have been working to protect coastal lands.

Any organization that has 501(C)(3) or 501(C)(4) tax status, or has a fiscal sponsor with 501(C)(3) status, is eligible to apply.  Preference is given to applicants with a budget under $1 million,  although organizations that fall outside of this range may apply.  One-year grant requests in the range of $5,000 to $40,000 each will be considered. Most grants will be $15,000 or less. Smaller grants and emergency grants may also be considered if requested.

Organizations that received a grant from the Gulf Coast Fund in the May 2006, July 2006, and December 2006 grant cycles are now eligible to apply for renewal funding.

Visit the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Web site for the Request for Proposals.