LGBTQ+ Grants for Nonprofits

As we celebrate and uplift the LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month, check out these grant opportunities for LGBTQ+ nonprofits. 

 

The Arcus Foundation – is a prominent advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and social justice. They offer a range of grants to organizations working tirelessly to promote equality. From supporting LGBTQIA+ rights advocacy to funding health and wellness programs, the Arcus Foundation plays a vital role in advancing the rights and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

How to Apply: Currently, Arcus’ Social Justice Program makes grants through an invitation-only application process. 

 

The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice is a global organization. Their U.S. Fund is dedicated centers the liberation of queer, trans, two-spirit and intersex people of color and challenges the criminalization of 2SLBTQI BIPOC, migrants, women of color, mothers, sex workers and youth, among other constituencies who experience high levels of violence and oppression. Their grant programs focus on critical issues such as transgender rights, reproductive justice, and intersectional LGBTQIA+ movements. By providing funding, resources, and capacity-building support, Astraea empowers LGBTQIA+ communities to create lasting change. 

The Foundation highlights the following themes and values: supporting an abolitionist framework, prioritizing community organizing that directly impacts QTPOC lived realities, U.S. South-specific strategy, and healing justice, leadership development and joy. Their current funding priorities include: Bodily Autonomy, LBQ Women Leaders, Housing and Land Acquisition, Migrant Justice, and climate and natural disaster relief and resistance for QTPOC communities. 

How to Apply: They are accepting concept proposals for the U.S. Fund with a call for concept proposals on both Climate Justice for queer, trans, and intersex communities in the U.S. and Housing and Land Acquisition for BIPOC 2SLBQTIA+ Communities in the U.S. Learn more here.

 

The Pride Foundation – works tirelessly to advance LGBTQ equality in the Northwest region of the United States, specifically supporting organizations that are working to address the needs of LGBTQIA+ people in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. 

Through their grant programs, they support a wide range of initiatives, including LGBTQIA+ youth support, legal protections, healthcare access, and community building. By investing in local organizations, the Pride Foundation strengthens the LGBTQIA+ movement at the grassroots level. They offer three categories of funding opportunities: Community Grants Program, Community Care Fund, and the Oregon Immigrant and Refugee Funders Collaborative. 

How to Apply: 

• Those interested in applying to the Community Grants Program can apply by emailing grants@pridefoundation.org. The next Community Grants Program award cycle will be the summer/fall of 2023. Those interested can sign up for their email list to receive notification of the new grants cycle at that time; please note there is no formal open application process, the Foundation asks that those interested reach out for more information on how to receive funding. 
• For the Foundation’s Community Care Fund apply through their application portal here and check out last year’s application questions here. Organizations that are a fit for funding will also have a phone interview. Applications are accepted on a quasi-rolling basis until they’ve awarded all $551,000. Upcoming application deadlines are October 30th and November 20th 2023 at 4pm. 

• To apply for the Oregon Immigrant and Refugee Funders Collaborative applicants can apply through their “Common Application” here. Once the form is completed, email one of the funders listed at the end of the application form. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

 

The Trans Justice Funding Project – recognizes the unique challenges faced by transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. They provide grants exclusively to grassroots groups led by and for these communities. By focusing on the specific needs and perspectives of trans individuals, this project helps to amplify their voices and drive impactful change. 

The organization supports grassroots, trans justice groups run by and for trans people with a total budget of less than $250,000, located in the United States or a U.S. territory, that centers around the leadership of trans people organizing around their experiences with racism, economic injustice, transmisogyny, ableism, immigration, incarceration, and other intersecting oppressions, meeting the needs of different local communities and using organizing and/or providing services to help bring people together, and sees their work as part of a bigger picture of trans-led work that seeks dignity and justice for all people.

How to Apply: Applications open in December and are due by February 15, with decisions made by early June. Sign up to be notified for the next cycle here.

 

The Point Foundation – Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, and the Point Foundation understands this well. They provide scholarships and mentorship programs to LGBTQIA+ students who have demonstrated leadership and academic excellence. By supporting LGBTQIA+ young people in pursuing higher education, the Point Foundation helps create a brighter future for these individuals and fosters a generation of LGBTQ leaders. 

How to Apply: The Point Foundation currently offers three scholarship opportunities. Check out the list below for more information on how to apply to each!

– The Flagship Scholarship is for those that are a high school senior or a higher grade enrolled or intending to enroll in an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program at an accredited college or university in the United States. The application window is between October 26 – December 1. Learn more and apply here.

– The Community College Scholarship for students in the US planning to either 1) transfer to a bachelor’s degree or 2) graduate with an associates degree within 2 years the application window is between November 3rd- January 4th. Learn more and apply here.

– The third scholarship offered is the BIPOC scholarship For LGBTQ-identified Black, indigenous, and people of color enrolled or intending to enroll at a US accredited community college, four-year college/university, or graduate program the application window is between February 15th – March 15th. Learn more and apply here.