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.
Here’s what you need to know
Our LGBTQ Fund Advisory Committee's current recruitment priorities include folks who identify as members of LGBTQ+ communities and are able to actively participate in meetings and between meetings to help move this critical community work forward. Please complete and interest form by October 24, 2024 by clicking here.
Our LGBTQ Fund Advisory Committee meets monthly on the 3rd Thurs. of each month. Click here to read a position description for advisory committee members. Click here to read the fund's purpose, vision and committee discussion agreements
The grantmaking priorities of our fund center on addressing social determinants of health. If you have been impacted by challenges such lack of access to housing, employment, physical and mental health services and more, we encourage you to apply.We recognize that many folks in our community don’t have formal experience in philanthropy, grantmaking or even nonprofit work. If this is the case for you, please still consider applying. We will also prioritize individuals between the ages of 18-24 and 50+, those who live on the lakeshore, and those with intersecting identities.
Our recent grantmaking process and priorities were informed by feedback gathered at community engagement sessions. See the whole report here.
2024 Grant Awards Announced
Amount
Date
Purpose
$15,000
May. 2024
Direct cash payments to mitigate LGBTQ+ homelessness
$40,000
May. 2024
EquiPulse: Cultivating Inclusive Therapists - to create a learning cohort that will train BIPOC mental health clinicians in specializing in 2-SLGBTQ+ care with the goal of hiring one at GRPC.
$30,000
May. 2024
Grand Rapids Trans Foundation "Update!" Program: to extend legal guidance, advocacy, and financial assistance to Transgender and Nonbinary residents seeking legal name change and document updates in Kent County.
$15,000
May. 2024
BAMM Pride Summit - Support an LGBTQ+ youth summit to create community and develop advocacy skills in youth to improve their school community.
2024 Grant Partnerships
Our LGBTQ Fund accepted and reviewed 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.
Community was 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. Click here to view the debrief presentation.
In our Grant Application Guidelines you can read about eligibility, timeline and the application questions. Click here to view.
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.
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.
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.
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, 2023- June 30, 2024
*Deceased
