Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fundaction?
FundAction is a new participatory fund making grants for social transformation, organized around a community of activists based in Europe to support social movements working towards a transition to a just and equitable world.
Normally philanthropic money sits in an institution where staff and board members decide where to spend it. Participatory grantmaking seeks to involve those directly affected by the issues – the people that the money intends to help – in decision-making about where that money goes.
This is our webpage and our blog
How is FundAction managed?
FundAction does not have paid staff or a board or anything like that. A group of members manages the day-to-day operations: the Facilitation Group. Information on the Facilitation Group can be found here.
What is Fundaction’s Online Assembly?
It’s a decision-making platform where all the members can participate.
It’s based on the decidim platform: an open code digital platform that can be used for different kinds of decision-making processes. Here you can find information if you’re interested in using the platform for other purposes:
How can I participate?
Members can participate in different ways:
- By applying for a grant
- By taking part in the decision about how grants are distributed
- By becoming a member of the P2P panel (this group of people has a specific role in the case of some kinds of grants)
- By joining one of the Working Groups
- By becoming a member of the Facilitation Group
- By being active in our online community (e.g. commenting on proposals, writing for our blog, etc.)
- By attending the annual (face to face) assembly
Who can become a member?
Only activists based in Europe can become members, if they meet certain basic criteria. You can find them here
In addition, you need to receive an invite, because we want the platform to grow slowly. If you haven’t been invited, you can send us a message expressing your interest in becoming part of FundAction contact@fundaction.eu
Why are there representatives of foundations at the online assembly?
These members are here just to see what happens in the assembly. We do this in order to be as transparent as possible regarding how the decisions about the use of the money are made. These members do neither have a voice nor a vote in grant-making. In addition, they have a profile like any other member, so everyone else can see who they are.
Which kinds of grants does Fundaction offer and how often?
FundAction has three different types of grants:
- Renew - Support for new initiatives and ideas that promote systemic change. Open to: Members / Funding up to: 20.000 € (first launched in April 2018)
- Rethink Creating a European network and community through funds for collaboration, exchange and capacity building. Open to: Members / Funding up to: 5.000 € (first launched in November 2017)
- Resist Rapid funding to respond to urgent actions. Open to: Members and non-members / Funding up to: 500 € (to be launched as soon as possible)
You can find more information here.
Does getting the grant on the online assembly mean that my project will necessarily get funded?
Not necessarily. In order to receive the money you also need to meet the legal criteria and offer the documentation that you're asked for before you sign the contract.
How can I apply for a grant?
First you need to register as a member (after receiving an invite).
After generating your profile you simply need to click on “Processes”, and then just make a proposal by following the instructions.
How can I receive updates about what’s happening on the online assembly?
You need to activate notifications. In order to do this, just go to your account (click on your name on the top right corner of the webpage), then click on “notifications settings”, and activate/deactivate them.
What should I do if I have a question that is not answered here?
You can click on “Processes” and choose a process called “Q&A”. Then you can simply make a question (click on “new proposal”). Other members or admins will offer answers.
Can I report problems or make suggestions about how to improve the platform?
Yes you can. You simply need to click on “Processes” and choose a process called “Feedback”. There you can send your comments to the Facilitation Group.
Can I take part on my mobile phone?
Yes, you can.
What can I do if I have technical problems?
You can send an email to contact@fundaction.eu
What can I do if I see improper comments/proposals, or if I discover that some members don’t share FundAction’s values?
You can (and should) flag the user by clicking on the flag icon next to their name. An admin will receive a message and deal with the case.
How can I delete my account?
You need to click on your username (at the top right end of the page), then click on “My account”, and then on “Delete my account”.
