Applicant Case Study
Pilgrim's Progress CDC: How JustFund Became a Lifeline in a Moment of Crisis
Key Results
Challenge
When federal funding that Pilgrim's Progress CDC depended on for their Youth Summer Works Program was unexpectedly put on hold, the organization had to find a solution — fast. It was at risk of canceling stipends for youth, halting environmental justice projects, and losing momentum in one of the most economically vulnerable neighborhoods in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
What they didn’t have was time — time to complete multiple lengthy applications, reframe their story for every funder, or time to wait for bureaucratic processes. They needed a solution that didn’t require rewriting 10 different proposals from scratch.
“Through JustFund, we were able to upload our Common Application and immediately be visible to funders who prioritize equity, sustainability, and youth development. That visibility — and the ability to tell our story in one comprehensive, values-aligned narrative — resulted in new connections with mission-aligned funders who might never have found us otherwise.”
Solution
With the Common Application, Pilgrim’s Progress CDC was able to:
Quickly identify new opportunities to sustain programming. This included job opportunities for youth — many of whom rely on it as a safe, structured alternative to violence and economic insecurity
Connect with funders who care about community-based solutions, environmental justice, youth empowerment, and equity — all pillars of Pilgrim’s Progress CDC’s work in the East Central neighborhood of Fort Wayne.
Feel valued for the impact they make, not just “the polish of a perfect proposal.”
“JustFund helped our team at Pilgrim’s Progress CDC and the PBC Green Team turn a funding crisis into a community success story.”
Impact
Through the JustFund platform, Pilgrim’s Progress CDC was able to secure the support needed to reinvest over $22,000 back into their community. The funding supported paid youth jobs, environmental justice projects, and essential life skills training — giving young people purpose, income, and a stake in improving their community.
And beyond programming, the team found a values-aligned space that understood the needs of grassroots leaders and BIPOC-led organizations.
“What surprised me most about JustFund was how human-centered and affirming the experience felt — especially in a funding world that can often feel cold, competitive, and transactional. JustFund trusted us to share our story once, and allowed funders to come to us with curiosity and alignment. But maybe the biggest surprise was emotional: we felt seen, respected, and uplifted — not just funded.”
Sheila Curry-Campbell, Program Director Resource Manager, Pilgrim's Progress CDC
Key Learnings
Stipends for youth and environmental justice projects were sustained because of new funding.
JustFund helped the organization connect with funders who care about community-based solutions.
The organization became visible to funders who prioritize equity, sustainability, and youth development.
Pilgrim's Progress CDC found a solution that didn’t require rewriting 10 different proposals from scratch.
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