Blog Post

Group 173

JustFund Common Application

Why Funders Are Shifting to the JustFund Common ApplicationTM (Part 3)

In this multi-part series, we look under the hood of our flagship grantmaking solution: The JustFund Common ApplicationTM. In part three, learn how JustFund streamlines the grantmaking process for funders.


JustFund is the nation’s first – and only – grantmaking platform that uses a common application designed to move money quickly to communities that have been historically excluded from traditional philanthropy. 

With increased interest in trust-based philanthropy, more funders are moving away from traditional grantmaking toward a reimagined practice that centers the applicant experience. Funders choose JustFund’s technology to offer their applicants a simple experience that ensures applicants spend less time applying for a funding opportunity, and more time focused on their critical work.

The JustFund Common ApplicationTM allows applicants to apply to any funding opportunity they are eligible for, democratizing access to new resources. In addition, all profiles are searchable for donors, philanthropic advisors, and program officers who use JustFund Search to find new groups to fund.

Since 2017, hundreds of foundations, collaborative funds, giving circles, donor networks and regranting organizations have used JustFund to easily design and launch grant cycles using the JustFund Common ApplicationTM.


How it Works for Funders

Built upon the foundation of the JustFund Common ApplicationTM, JustFund Apply is the core product offering funders a range of features to streamline the grantmaking process in one centralized, secure platform. 

  • Delegate administrative tasks related to applicant support
  • Collect and review applications
  • Analyze key data about applicants and grantees
  • Review and score submissions 
  • Produce one-click dockets 
  • Send award and declination letters all in one centralized, secure platform
  • Track follow-on funding and aligned funding while amplifying applicants and grantees to other funders 

Funders can add up to three questions and up to three attachments for each grant cycle managed on JustFund. Answers may be collected as long-form paragraph responses or multiple-choice. All answers to funders’ supplemental questions and attachments are private to the funder and the applicant.

What Makes the JustFund Common ApplicationTM Different

All JustFund Common ApplicationTM questions are fixed and can not be changed by funders running grant cycles on JustFund. We strive to keep the process streamlined for applicants, but we understand the landscape can change. Funders are welcome to  recommend new filter categories if they are working on a focus area or with a specific community that isn’t covered on the JustFund platform.

Benefits for Funders

Funders enjoy a range of benefits when using the JustFund Common ApplicationTM.

Fast Grant Cycle Launch: JustFund’s technology makes it simple and easy for funders to launch and manage their grant cycles, walking them through five key steps. 

More Time for Relationships: JustFund’s team supports all applicants with any questions they have about the application platform. JustFund offers regular applicant webinars, has a Help Center with dozens of articles, a chatbot, and dedicated email support to make sure applicants have an easy time applying to a funding opportunity.

Track Follow-On Funding: All applicants applying to a grant cycle will have the opportunity to use their common application profile to apply to any other funding opportunity for which they are eligible. Funders will be able to track all follow-on funding or aligned funding to know how much other funding their applicants successfully raise on JustFund.

Find Aligned Funders: Funders can connect with other grantmakers who fund the same projects, organizations, and funds as they do and collaborate for greater impact.

Analyze Key Applicant Data: Funders can analyze key data from both their grantees and their applicants to better understand who is getting funded and the types of groups applying for funding. This information helps funders streamline future RFPs and know what communities or types of groups they’re missing.

Find New Grantees with JustFund Search: Our other core product – JustFund Search – helps funders find new prospective grantees among the 13,000+ active common applications in the JustFund database. The easy-to-use search tool includes a range of filtersso funders can narrow their search for specific types of groups to determine if they are eligible for funding. You can find more details about JustFund Search on our blog.


Ready to get started? Schedule a funder demo.

Iara Duarte Peng

Iara Duarte Peng

Iara Duarte Peng is the Founder and CEO of JustFund.

Related Articles

September 17, 2024

$300 Million Moved

It was only 15 months ago that we announced a major milestone: $200 million moved via the JustFund platform. Today, I’m thrilled to share that...

Read More
July 8, 2024

JustFund Common Application

Calling All Applicants: Why JustFund Just Makes Sense (Part 2) In this multi-part series, we look under the hood of our flagship giving solution: The…

Read More
July 1, 2024

How JustFund Is Using Trust and Technology to Reimagine Philanthropy

This article was originally published by PEAK Grantmaking, a member-led association of philanthropy professionals leading the way in advancing equitable, effective grantmaking practices. For over…

Read More
June 27, 2024

JustFund for Foundations

Solving Long-Standing Challenges for Foundations and Changing Philanthropy as We Know It For years, I’ve seen the numerous challenges funders face during the grantmaking process…

Read More
June 21, 2024

JustFund Common Application

The Origin and Impact of the JustFund Common ApplicationTM (Part 1) In this multi-part series, we look under the hood of our flagship giving solution:…

Read More
February 29, 2024

Introducing JustFund Search – Designed with You in Mind

When we started JustFund in 2017, I was eager to build a simple way to share different funding needs with members of the donor network…

Read More
January 19, 2024

Welcome 2023 JustFund Partners

In 2023, JustFund welcomed over 20 new partners committed to centering equity in their grantmaking and working together to #resetphilanthopy for good. Values-aligned funders including:…

Read More
January 16, 2024

Meet the People Behind the Platform | Joseph Mercurio

Welcome to JustFund’s People Behind the Platform series, where we introduce our incredible team! Today, we are thrilled to introduce Joseph Mercurio, Senior Product Manager….

Read More
January 4, 2024

Celebrating our collective power to #resetphilanthropy, for good

Dear JustFund Community, Thank you for being a valued partner as we work together to change the way we give, so that communities can thrive….

Read More