It is in a spirit of hope, trust and letting go that we center these three core pillars in our Sunset grantmaking strategy:
We will carry these guiding pillars forward as we honor the courageous work of leaders, organizations, and movements advancing Arts & Culture, Environment and Climate Justice, and Civic Engagement & Democracy.
Our approach will remain simple, responsive, and grounded in the realities of this moment. We recognize the urgency before us and will move with care, generosity, and transparency as we make difficult decisions. Above all, we hope that our journey—its questions, learnings, and acts of courage—will offer insight and inspiration for others in family philanthropy. We will share our steps so that the lessons of this sunset chapter may continue to grow beyond us.
Fresh Sound supports a bold, inclusive vision of leadership—one that centers community voices, builds intergenerational resilience, and uplifts leaders grounded in values, courage, and clarity. We define transformational leadership as the ability to listen deeply, act boldly, and help others rise.
Through our Sunset Strategy, we seek to invest in leadership that shapes collective vision and action, mobilizes movements, and empowers others to lead.
Fresh Sound believes that lasting change begins with authentic connection. Since our inception, we have invested in people and organizations that bring communities together—across difference, across geographies, and across generations. We view the power of Convening as a practice of belonging, trust-building, and collective wisdom. It is essential to strengthening civic life, advancing equity, and nurturing the next generation of leadership.
Our Sunset Strategy seeks to support leaders and organizations that hold space for deep listening, shared learning, and collaborative action. We stand behind those who build bridges—because relationships are the infrastructure of resilience, and connection is where transformation begins.
As part of our Sunset Strategy, Fresh Sound is committed to investing in the core capacity and infrastructure of leaders and organizations. We ask: What do you need right now to thrive? Whether it’s staffing, strategic planning, technology, professional development, or rest and well-being, we believe that leaders know best what is needed and we seek to offer support that strengthens the backbone of organizations—so they can lead with clarity, adapt with purpose, and sustain their work over time.
Our Sunset Strategy seeks to support intermediaries that support and build the resilience, capacity and sustainability of community-based initiatives and organizations that encompass arts and culture, environmental and climate justice and inclusive democracy.
Fresh Sound Foundation’s official sunset date is June 30, 2027
Grant proposals are by invitation only.