Welcome to the Insight to Action Grant Competition Application Portal

 
The AIR Opportunity Fund’s Insight to Action Grant Competition is all about empowering communities to lead the way in creating meaningful, lasting change. We’re here to support innovative solutions that expand opportunities and help communities across the United States thrive. 

This competition is looking for projects that tackle real, long-standing challenges in education, workforce development, public safety, and community health. We want solutions that build on the unique strengths of each community, that engage local voices, and that create measurable, positive outcomes over the next three years. Collaboration will be key—these projects should bring together local organizations, partners, and stakeholders to address challenges with creativity and a focus on long-term success.

 
The competition is open to nonprofit organizations and tribal governments in 25 priority places across the United States. We’re excited to hear from projects that align with the competition’s goals and show the potential to drive meaningful change. Each selected grantee will receive up to $7 million over three years, as well as research support and technical assistance from AIR to help ensure the success and sustainability of the project. Only six projects will ultimately be selected for funding, so we’re looking for ideas that are fresh, impactful, and ready to make a difference. 

Before Applying
Before applying, we encourage you to: 

• Complete the Organizational Readiness Tool: This tool will help determine if your organization meets the eligibility criteria and is ready for the competition. 
• Review the Application: The application guidelines are available in PDF here. Please review the requirements carefully to ensure your submission is complete. 

Key Dates 

• Competition Opens: February 10, 2025 
• Registration Deadline: April 9, 2025 
• Application Deadline: May 9, 2025 
• Award Amount: Up to six grants, each for $5-7 million 

Eligible organizations will have the opportunity to apply for funding to support initiatives that aim to improve outcomes in underserved communities. The Insight to Action Grant competition will prioritize approaches that create sustainable, scalable impact by focusing on collaboration, community priorities, and measurable progress.

 
How to Apply
Before you begin your application, we encourage you to: 

• Review the Eligibility Criteria: Ensure your organization meets the criteria for applying by completing our Organizational Readiness Tool. 
• Download the Application Guide: The application is accessible in PDF here. Please take time to review the requirements to ensure a complete and strong application. 

Application Process

1. Register to Apply: If you haven’t already, please register here to create a Submittable account and gain access to the application portal. 
2. Complete the Application: Once registered, you’ll be able to access and submit your application via the Submittable platform.  
3. Submit your Application: The deadline for submitting completed applications is April 28, 2025. Make sure to submit by the deadline to be considered for funding. 

Evaluation Process

• Initial Review:  Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and evaluated by an external panel based on the selection criteria, with consideration of our portfolio areas and geographic diversity. 
• Final Selection: The top-scoring applicants may be contacted with additional questions. Final awardees will be selected based on their alignment with competition goals and potential for impact. 

Support and Resources 

• Informational Webinars: Register to join us on Feb. 24, 2025 at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT to learn more about the application process. 
• FAQ and Support: If you have any questions during the application process, please refer to our FAQ page or reach out to us directly at InsighttoAction@air.org.  

We look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your commitment to driving change in your community.