Read the Grant Application Guidelines here
In our Grant Application Guidelines you can read about eligibility, timeline and the application questions. Click here to view.
Our LGBTQ Fund was established in 2014 to provide a safe, welcoming and healthy environment for LGBTQ+ communities in West Michigan by increasing wellness and prosperity levels, visibility, acceptance, support and access to resources. Show support today by contributing to Our LGBTQ Fund through a financial gift. You will have the opportunity to choose an endowed gift or non-endowed.
2024 Grant Awards
Our LGBTQ Fund accepted and is now reviewing applications for funding from community organizations with programming that addresses social determinants of health for LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about the feedback and factors which will influence the grant process and grant award decisions.
In our Grant Application Guidelines you can read about eligibility, timeline and the application questions. Click here to view.
On March 25, staff and volunteers hosted an informational session about the grant application and its guidelines. You can view the informational session here. Attending or viewing the session is not a requirement to apply or be awarded a grant.
See an artistic demonstration of the report.
Our 2022 and 2024 grantmaking process and priorities were informed by feedback gathered at community engagement sessions. Brigham Consulting detailed the process and themes from those sessions. See the whole report here.
2024 Grantmaking Timeline
Our LGBTQ Fund grant round application portal opened in Grant Central on March 1. In our Grant Application Guidelines you can read about the eligibility, timeline and the application questions which will inform grant decisions. Click here to view.
On March 25, staff and volunteers hosted an informational session about the grant application and its guidelines. You can view the informational session here. Attending or viewing the session was not a requirement to apply or be awarded a grant.
Our LGBTQ Fund grant applications closed on April 22, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
Our LGBTQ Fund's advisory committee will review all grant applications and may request additional information from applicants while they make decisions about grant awards.
All applicants will be notified about funding decisions during the week of June 3 -7.
Learning will be shared with community via ongoing engagement.
Community will be invited to come and hear a review of the grantmaking process and funding decisions, share feedback for future grant rounds and identify future engagement touchpoints.
Support Us
Our LGBTQ Fund Leadership Circle is a great way to ensure the sustainability of the fund into the future.
To join the Leadership Circle, complete these simple steps: give a minimum of $2500, which may be pledged over five years, and advocate and share your enthusiasm with others about the fund. If you are interested in joining the Leadership Circle, please contact Jenine Torres.
fund founders
2022 Grant Awards
Amount
Date
Purpose
$25,000
The Direct Cash Transfer Project will be used to help eliminate barriers within LGBTQ+ communities especially those in poverty experiencing unstable housing.
$10,000
To provide leadership development opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth coupled with meaningful youth employment and one-on-one mentoring.
$40,000
Puertas Abiertas seeks to re-establish its support groups for LGBTQ+ Latinx youth and expand its 1:1 culturally sensitive counseling services.
$25,000
To provide mutual aid and direct giving support to LGBTQ+ communities.
Grants Awarded in 2020 + 2018
Amount
Date
Purpose
$25,000*
Aug. 2020
Expansion of LGBTQIA+ Education Track Training, to equip agencies in Kent and Ottawa Counties with knowledgeable staff who can create atmospheres of inclusion and equity for LGBTQIA+ youth.
*Made in partnership with $7,500 from Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.
$60,000
Aug. 2020
Supporting the Foster Care A.L.L.Y Project, to build the foundation and infrastructure for a Kent County foster care system that welcomes and affirms LGBTQ+ youth and families.
$1,500
Mar. 2020
Technology updates to move support groups and information sharing to virtual platforms, in response to COVID19.
$45,000
Dec. 2018
LGBTQ Youth Host Home Housing: Arbor Circle’s Host Home Housing Program serves to stabilize and house homeless LGBTQ+ identified youth through connection and housing with safe and affirming adult hosts.
$2,500
Dec. 2018
Trans Education Fund (Learning for Life): To expand Grand Rapids Trans Foundation's current Academic Scholarship program.
$12,500
Dec. 2018
OOTL: At Home In Ottawa County: To facilitate a collaborative and educational process of serving Ottawa County's LGBTQ youth through an active, growing, and visible organization, Out On The Lakeshore.
$40,000
Dec. 2018
LGBTQIA+ Social Justice Education Track: Youth serving organization participation in The Social Justice Institute’s LGBTQIA+ Social Justice Education Track, which offers a progressive learning opportunity for community stakeholders and organizations who seek to enhance their awareness, knowledge, and skills to advance full LGBTQIA+ inclusion and equity.
Our LGBTQ Fund Leadership Circle
Our LGBTQ Fund Leadership Circle is a group of donors who are deeply committed to ensuring the sustainability of the fund into the future. They give a minimum of $2500, which may be pledged over five years, and advocate and share their enthusiasm with others about the fund. If you are interested in joining the Leadership Circle, please contact Jenine Torres.
*Deceased
Our LGBTQ Fund Donors as of July 1, 2022- June 30, 2023
*Deceased
Development Officer
English, Español
Strategic Communications Manager
English
Program Officer
English