What if nonprofit workers decided where grant money goes?
Workers know
what workers need.
Nonprofit workers are often asked to do more with less, but they’re rarely asked what support they actually want.
Without asking workers, a wellbeing grant could end up paying for a breakroom massage chair that no one uses or a subscription to a meditation app that no one opens. Nonprofit workers know what they need better than any funder does, so instead of deciding for them, we’re working with them to shape the decision.
The Workers Decide Fund puts $400,000 in the hands of New York City nonprofit workers to address the needs of their peers. A committee of workers will decide what matters most—whether that's mental health care, childcare, housing support, or something else—and award five one-year grants of $80,000 to organizations meeting those needs.
Does your nonprofit offer services that address social sector worker wellbeing?
Our request for proposals from 501(c)(3) charities opens in spring 2027. If you might be a fit, sign up for our newsletter to learn when it’s live.
Get our newsletterJoin the
Steering Committee.
We're looking for 9 to 12 nonprofit workers to serve on our steering committee from January to June 2027.
Committee members will:
- Set the focus of the request for proposals
- Decide how proposals are evaluated
- Choose the grantees
What’s required of committee members:
- Live in the wider NYC metropolitan area
- Work for a nonprofit in NYC
- Are 18 or older
- Care about the wellbeing of your peers in the sector
- Are able to join for required convenings
What to Expect
- Time
- An estimated 20 hours over six months, including a virtual onboarding in January, two in-person Saturdays (January 30, 10 am–2 pm, and June 12, 1–5 pm), and a few short virtual meetings
- Stipend
- $2,000
- Support
- Childcare and caretaking reimbursement and accessibility accommodations for gatherings
We are excited to have committee members who are:
- Passionate about the wellbeing of your peers
- Understand the demands of nonprofit workers in New York City
Bonus if you bring insights (professional or through lived experience) about challenges in human resources and talent retention, mental health, housing, and career advancement.
No grantmaking experience needed and folks of all identities are encouraged to apply.
Steering committee application timeline
- November 5
Steering committee applications open
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. - December 4, midnight ET
Steering committee applications close
- December 18
All applicants notified
- Spring 2027
Grantmaking request for proposals opens
Questions?
Contact Jessica Beebe, Grantmaking + Strategy Lead, at grants@otigofoundation.org. Include “Workers Decide Committee” in the subject line.