No matter where we come from or where we live, we should all be able to have a safe and stable place to come home to. Yet, too many have been denied this basic human need. In order to transform this reality, we need to address historical and persistent spatial injustices, especially related to housing, land use, and environmental disparities. A reparative spatial justice approach aims to repair these historical wrongs, recognize and rectify systemic racism, and restructure the American landscape to serve all communities equitably. 

Today, leaders are seeding new policies and programs to grow this future in rural towns and big cities alike — from efforts for land rematriation to Indigenous communities, to campaigns for housing reparations and removing racist deed restrictions, to land restoration and restitution projects addressing environmental injustice and gentrification. These communities not only seek redress for past injustices, but to be the architects of their futures — where homes and land are for the people, instead of commodities to be bought and sold.

The SFF supports advocates leading these efforts for spatial justice around the country — campaigns and strategies rooted in repair, abolition, restitution, and reckoning. The fellowship foregrounds reparative approaches to addressing environmental and spatialized racism's harmful impacts on marginalized communities. In our inaugural year, we're establishing a transformative learning community centered on reparative spatial justice frameworks. 

The SFF will serve as an incubator for housing and land justice leaders dedicated to infusing this "Reckoning, Repair, and Transformation" approach into their work and the broader ecosystems they influence. Through this fellowship, we will test and scale innovative interventions, advocate for local and federal reparative land and housing policies, and forge new models for public and private investment in communities.

SFF is designed to support advocates, organizers, policymakers, leaders, and other changemakers leading housing and land work that seeks to address historical harms, dismantle systemic barriers, and build equitable futures. 

Applicants should share how their work has advanced spatial justice through reparative strategies and approaches, whether they involve research, community engagement, policy advocacy, communication, or narrative strategy. We encourage applicants who bring their experiences and identity into their work, and strongly encourage applications from those that have been directly impacted by or have lived experiences of systemic injustice. We prioritize applicants with clear connections to their communities and demonstrated engagement in grassroots movements relating to housing and/or land.

What Capacity Building Do Spatial Futures Fellows Receive?

Spatial Futures Fellows will share their ideas and experiences, forge new alliances, expand networks, and take action to infuse a “Reckoning, Repair, and Transformation” framework for housing and land justice into the national consciousness. Fellows will explore the following areas: 

• Reparative Frameworks: Gain a comprehensive understanding of reparative spatial justice frameworks, tools, and strategies that challenge the status quo and pave the way for equitable housing and land use.
• Policy Advocacy: Learn how to advocate for policies that address historical injustices, center community priorities, and expose racial inequities in land use and housing policies––all with the aim of influencing national policy conversations and ushering in a new era of housing and land equity.
• Narrative Power: Acquire the skills to shape and change the narrative about reparative spatial justice, both internally and externally, to create a broader understanding of its importance.
• Coalition Building: Explore how to engage a diverse range of allies and partners in the pursuit of shared equity goals, amplifying fellows’ impact in the housing and land justice movement.
• Peer Exchange: Connect with like-minded fellows in a collaborative learning environment. Exchange ideas, lessons, and tools that will support fellows to build new partnerships and a strong sense of solidarity that will drive transformative change.

The fellowship will run for 18 months (February 2025 to August 2026). Fellows will receive ongoing support and growth opportunities, including, but not limited to:

• Virtual meetings: Fellows will meet twice a month for shared learning, group discussions, and professional development.
• Two in-person convenings: Fellows will convene in April 2025 and a second date to be determined, to build relationships with other fellows, advisors, and PolicyLink staff.
• Financial support: Fellows will receive a stipend of $15,000 to support their work.
• Networking and guidance: Fellows will have access to a network of advisors and mentors who can provide guidance, support, and thought-partnership.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions about fellowship eligibility, the application process, the fellowship convening and more. Please review the FAQs in detail before submitting your application.