Read the Grant Application Guidelines
The Grant Application Guidelines include information about eligibility, the submission process and reporting requirements. Click here to view.
Our LGBTQ Fund
Supporting Wellness, Visibility and Access
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.
2026 Grant Application
Open through July 31
Our LGBTQ Fund is accepting applications from community organizations with programming that addresses social determinants of health for LGBTQ+ communities.
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Information Session about the Application
We hosted a virtual session Thursday, July 16 at 4:00 p.m. to share more about the application process and highlight the priority areas specific to Our LGBTQ Fund. You can view the information shared here.
2024 Grant Awards
Recipient
Amount
Date
Purpose
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AYA Youth Collective
$15,000
May. 2024
Direct cash payments to mitigate the needs of LGBTQ+ community members experiencing homelessness.
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Grand Rapids Pride Center
$40,000
May. 2024
To create a learning cohort that will train mental health clinicians of color to specialize in providing treatment care for LGBTQ+ communities, with the goal of hiring one at GRPC.
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Grand Rapids Trans Foundation
$30,000
May. 2024
To extend legal guidance, advocacy, and financial assistance to transgender and nonbinary residents seeking legal name change and document updates in Kent County.
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Michigan Organization Adolescent Sexual Health
$15,000
May. 2024
Support an LGBTQ+ youth summit to create community and develop advocacy skills in youth to improve their school community.
Carol Sarosik & Shelley Padnos, fund founders
“When we initiated the fund, we hoped to increase awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ community, and to begin to address the issues of youth homelessness. With the incredible generosity of the West Michigan community, we have experienced some positive impact, but we have a long way to go, and it is our hope that the fund continues to grow in size and impact.”
Support Us
As an advocate in the community, we need your help to make this happen.
Leadership Circle
Our LGBTQ Fund Leadership Circle is a great way to ensure the sustainability of the fund into the future.
Members of the Leadership Circle give a minimum of $2,500 (which may be pledged over five years) and advocate and share their enthusiasm about the fund with others. Interested in joining? Contact Jenine Torres today.