Advocacy

Deadline:

Currently not accepting applications.

Advocacy for Integrated, Affordable Housing for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

The Fairview Trust is committed to improving housing opportunities for people with an intellectual or developmental disability in Oregon. Our goal is to create 250 new units of integrated, affordable housing for people with I/DD by 2030. At least 25% of the units will be in rural or other underserved areas.

Overview

Public policy has a profound impact on housing availability and accessibility. Our investment in advocacy efforts is aimed at addressing the systemic barriers that hinder housing access. By supporting policies that promote the development of integrated and affordable housing, we strive to cultivate an environment where individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) can not only live but thrive.

For our 2024 grant cycle, the Trust has identified two advocacy priorities. First, we are focused on enhancing the capacity of self-advocates to engage in policy work related to integrated housing. These organizations play a crucial role in voicing the needs and rights of individuals with IDD. Second, we are continuing our commitment to policy advocacy, targeting those systemic policy barriers that obstruct the availability of affordable and community-integrated housing for people with IDD.

Central to the Fairview Trust’s mission is our focus on advocating for housing that is not only integrated and accessible but also affordable, specifically for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While our efforts may indirectly benefit individuals with other types of disabilities, the heart of our mission lies in addressing challenges uniquely faced by those with IDD.

In alignment with these goals, the Trust is prepared to consider grant proposals of up to $300,000. We invite applications from established nonprofits holding tax-exempt status, who share our vision for a more inclusive and accessible housing landscape for individuals with IDD.

NOTE: Currently Fairview Trust is not accepting applications for the Advocacy Grant

Priority 1: Enhancing Self-advocate Capacity

Self-advocacy is a crucial component of the Trust’s mission to promote integration for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Empowering self-advocates not only ensures that their voices are heard in shaping policies but also strengthens the foundation of an inclusive community. Moreover, self-advocates are the most credible and compelling advocates for systemic change. Their active participation is vital in creating housing solutions that are truly reflective of their needs and aspirations.

Intended Outcomes

Applications should pursue one or more of the following outcomes.

  • Increased Self-Advocate Participation: Encouraging more significant involvement of self-advocates in policy discussions and housing advocacy initiatives, thereby ensuring their perspectives are integral to decision-making processes.

  • Developed Policy Agenda: Creating a platform for housing policy built with self-advocate.

  • Enhanced Policy Impact: Fostering an environment where policies are directly influenced by the contributions of self-advocates, leading to more effective and relevant housing solutions.

  • Strengthened Advocacy Skills: Providing self-advocates with the necessary skills and knowledge to advocate effectively for their rights and needs in the housing sector.

 Potential Activities

To support these outcomes, the Trust is open to funding a variety of activities:

  • Training and Workshops: Conducting sessions led by self-advocates to build and enhance the advocacy skills of self-advocates.

  • Networking Opportunities: Creating platforms for self-advocates to build relationships with one another and key policymakers and housing advocates.

  • Resource Development: Developing tools and resources alongside self-advocates to support self-advocacy in housing policy.

  • Policymaker Education: Self-advocate led initiatives aimed at educating policymakers about the housing needs and rights of the IDD community.

Preferred Characteristics

To ensure the most impactful use of funds, proposals exhibiting the following characteristics are preferred:

  • Collaborative Efforts: Proposals that showcase effective partnerships with existing leaders in the field and exemplify a collaborative approach to promoting the interests of self-advocates.

  • Proven Track Record: Organizations with a demonstrated history supporting self-advocates to be leaders in policy work and elevating self-advocate voices.

Priority Two: Policy Advocacy

The Fairview Trust continues its commitment to policy advocacy, building on the momentum of our 2023 advocacy funding priorities. Our focus remains on influencing policies to create more integrated, affordable housing opportunities for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Oregon. This priority seeks to directly address the systemic barriers that prevent the creation of such housing and to work towards the Trust's goal of adding 250 new integrated affordable units by 2030.

Outcomes

Advocacy projects should pursue one or more of the following outcomes:

  • Increased Policymaker Understanding: Policymakers better understand the needs of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities related to integrated, affordable, and accessible housing.

  • Policy Development: Develop policy ideas that would use existing state funding streams and affordable housing programs to increase the supply of safe, stable, habitable, accessible, supportive, affordable, and integrated housing in Oregon. The policy development process should include self-advocates at the table in a meaningful way.

  • Favorable Policy Environment: Work to create a favorable policy environment for systemic policy change through coalition building, public education, and communications. 

Strategies

Projects should use one or more of the following strategies:

  • Educating Policymakers: Engaging in efforts to educate policymakers and advance policy proposals that align with the broader affordable housing movement and the specific needs of the IDD community.

  • Technical Support for Lawmakers: Providing expertise and support to lawmakers crafting policies to enhance the availability of accessible, affordable housing.

  • Self-Advocate Training: Training self-advocates in advocacy tools and ensuring their active participation in educating policymakers and housing organizations.

  • Participation in Coalitions: Actively participating in coalitions or advisory groups to garner broader support for expanding housing options.

  • Partnership Development: Fostering partnerships between housing advocates and the IDD community, including key organizations like the Oregon Housing Alliance.

Competitiveness

The following factors are preferred and will enhance the competitiveness of proposals:

  • Collaborative Potential: Projects that deepen collaborations between developmental disability case management, advocacy or provider organizations, or housing advocates to drive systemic change.

  • Statewide Impact: Initiatives that can achieve statewide impact for people with IDD.

  • Inclusive Leadership: Organizations with significant representation of people with disabilities in leadership roles or who have substantive partnership with developmental disability system partners like case management entities, advocacy organizations and/or providers.

Disallowed Uses

  • Any advocacy that promotes segregated housing or living for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Application Process

Complete applications will be reviewed by the Fairview Trust Advisory Board and will include both qualitative and quantitative analysis. A scoring reference is included as a part of the application packet. Recommendations for funding will be made by the Fairview Trust Advisory Board. The Oregon Community Foundation’s Board has final decision-making authority.

  • Completed applications should be submitted here.

  • Please download the application forms (budget spreadsheet and scoring rubric) for more detailed information about this grant program and its application process.

NOTE: Currently Fairview Trust is not accepting applications for the Advocacy Grant

Application

Please fill out the application form questions below and attach the required documents before submitting. 

Required Attachments

The following must be attached to your application.

How the Applications will be Evaluated

The scoring rubric is available for download here.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please send an email to: fairview@droregon.org.