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. Or, if you represent a community organization aligned with our values, please connect with us!
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.
2022 Grant Awards
Our LGBTQ Fund accepted 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 influenced 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.
Our 2022 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.
On October 19, we hosted an informational session about the grant application and how community listening informed our current grantmaking process, you can watch the informational session here. Viewing the session was not a requirement to apply.
After grant awards were announced, the committee hosted a community debrief session. During this session, staff and volunteers explained the process, the award decisions and invited feedback about the process. Read a summary by clicking here.
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.
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, 2021- June 30, 2022
*Deceased
Development Officer
English, Español
Strategic Communications Manager
English
Program Officer
English, Español