Starling Collective Frequently Asked Questions

The Starling Collective

FAQ

Need more information about GivingTuesday's Starling Collective? We have answers. Click on the questions below to learn more.

What is the Starling Collective?

GivingTuesday’s Starling Collective is a new kind of learning collective for grassroots leaders to discover and share best practices for increasing generosity and driving systems change. The program offers coaching, peer learning, and connection to GivingTuesday’s global leader network, as well as microgrants to jumpstart or accelerate on-the-ground work.

The program was named after birds that create extraordinary patterns and movements by working together. A scientist once admired their “remarkable ability to maintain cohesion as a group in highly uncertain environments and with limited, noisy information.” Grassroots leaders around the world have incredible power to mobilize and strengthen their communities, especially in times of crisis.

Who is organizing this?

The Starling Collective was created by GivingTuesday, the global generosity movement. This program is made possible through our partnership with our global network of leaders, partners, communities, and generous individuals. GivingTuesday is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to unleashing the power of radical generosity around the world.

What are the benefits of being a part of this?

If selected, you’ll participate in the Starling Collective learning community, and receive coaching and peer support along with a microgrant of $2,000 USD. As part of the learning community:

You’ll build relationships and with a global community of movement leaders
You’ll tap GivingTuesday’s movement-building experience to accelerate your work and impact
You’ll have access to the GivingTuesday data team to develop strategies for goal setting and measurement of your work
You’ll receive ideas and best practices from your Starling Collective peers

Who is eligible for The Starling Collective?

We invite applications from individuals with particularly innovative approaches to catalyzing generosity, empathy, equity, and justice. Applications are accepted from anywhere in the world. The Starling Collective is specifically designed for grassroots organizers, activists, artists, and changemakers from under-represented and under-resourced communities.

Applicants must be individuals over the age of 13 in the United States or the equivalent legal age to participate in the program in their home country. If accepted, applicants under the age of 18 must have the permission of a parent or guardian to participate in and receive any fellowship payments under the Starling Collective

Applicants must be legally permitted to receive and accept funds from a U.S. nonprofit organization.

Applications must be received by September 1, 2021 at 11:59pm PT.

What will be expected of me should I be accepted into the Starling Collective?

If selected, you’ll receive coaching and peer support along with funds to fuel your work, while participating in a virtual learning community. Participants are expected to participate in a series of virtual workshops and idea exchanges that will take place 1-2 times per month between October 2021 and March 2022. Programming will be conducted in English with live Spanish translation.

We ask that you share your experiences and expertise with others in the cohort and take advantage of the same from your fellow cohort members. We also ask that you complete a short form to share your learnings, experiences, and results from your project or initiative, if applicable.

Selected grantees may be asked to provide additional documentation and execute a grant agreement before grant funds are released.

What are the requirements to apply for Starling Collective?

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must complete an online application describing their leadership goals and how they plan to pursue or continue work that increases generosity. We are especially focused on supporting grassroots leaders with particularly creative and innovative approaches to increasing generosity, community action, and civic participation.

The online application will ask applicants to describe the following components:

Individual leadership goals and challenges
An example of an idea, project, or program the individual is leading to scale generosity
What distinguishes their leadership and/or work from others working for change in your area
How their work lifts up under-represented communities and/or welcomes diverse participants and perspectives
What they hope to gain from their participation in the program

We will prioritize grants to leaders operating in regions of lower resource or greater need. All award decisions will be made at the sole discretion of Giving Tuesday, Inc.

Grant funds cannot be used to support direct or grassroots political lobbying. Please note that GivingTuesday cannot offer any advice or guidance regarding taxes.

Selected grantees may be asked to provide additional documentation and execute a grant agreement before grant funds are released.

I have co-leaders or a group -- can we all apply and participate together?

The Starling Collective experience is designed to focus on an individual’s leadership strengths, opportunities, and challenges. Applications should be submitted by individuals, and those accepted into the fellowship are asked to participate as individuals. We welcome Starling participants to share what they’ve learned with their teams, co-leaders, or others in their community.

Is this a funding opportunity for my nonprofit or charity?

Not exactly. The Starling Collective is a learning fellowship focused on leadership and movement building skills for grassroots organizers, activists, artists, and changemakers from under-represented and under-resourced communities. Applications should be submitted by individuals, and those accepted into the fellowship are asked to participate as individuals.

Applicants do not have to work for registered charities or nonprofit organizations to be eligible to participate in the Starling Collective fellowship.

In what languages is the application available?

The application for the Starling Collective fellowship is available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Portuguese. Applicants will need to be proficient in English or Spanish, as programming will be conducted in English with Spanish simultaneous translation.

How much funding is available?

Participants will each receive a $2,000 USD microgrant for their participation in the fellowship. The funds can be used in any way the participants sees fit. Participants will also have the opportunity to present their idea or initiative for a chance to receive additional funding during the fellowship period.

What is the timeline? When will applications be reviewed?

Applications open on July 15, 2021 and close on September 1, 2021. Participants will be announced by October 8, 2021.

How are the applications reviewed and selected?

The Starling Collective applications are reviewed by a team of Regional Directors, who will follow up with applicants during the selection process. The final determination will be made by the GivingTuesday staff and selected applicants will be notified by October 8, 2021.

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria: Leadership and Vision, Potential Impact, Ingenuity and Creativity, Focus on Generosity, Diversity and Belonging, Measurable Goals.

Do I have to pay taxes on the microgrant?

All recipients of Starling Grants are liable for any applicable taxes and responsible for any applicable reporting requirements associated with the grant funds. Recipients should consult with their own advisors regarding these obligations. GivingTuesday does not offer advice to recipients on reporting obligations or tax liabilities.

Can I nominate someone for this program?

There’s not a nomination process, but we hope that you’ll help spread the word and encourage innovative and passionate leaders to apply.