DO NOT PUBLISH. Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation Grants Program in the US

Deadline: 30-Mar-23

The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation (GRGRF) is announcing its Grants program to award grants to 501(c) organizations who serve the LGBTQ community and align with the Foundation’s mission.

The mission is to “change lives by supporting organizations that promote a happy, healthy and connected Bay Area LGBTQ community.” GRGRF is committed to raising and distributing funds to grassroots organizations that strengthen the diverse populations that make up the Bay Area’s LGBTQ community. The goal is to support charitable organizations that create local impact, sustainable results and measurable change in the areas of LGBTQ civil rights, community development, social services, the arts, and/or HIV/AIDS and other health-related issues.

Funding Information

• The Foundation has three funding programs each year. They are:
  • Tier A – Foundation and Events Committee Selected Grants.
  • Tier B – Host Selected Grants.
  • Tier C – Flagging in the Park DJ’s Selected Grants.
• The Foundation selects two Tier A grantees per year and funds four Tier A grantees per year (staggered terms). Each year, the Board of the Foundation determines a total donation amount for all three tiers. After distribution of Tier B grants ($20,000 total) and Tier C grants ($10,000 total), the remaining amount available will be distributed equally among the Tier A grantees.

Eligibility Criteria

• IER A GRANTS – Foundation and Events Committee Selected Grant
  • Applicants must be a 501c3 non-profit corporation or fiscally sponsored by a 501c3 non-profit corporation.  Each applicant should:
    • Be able to demonstrate how the applicant’s programs/services create local impact, sustainable results and/or measurable change for diverse LGBTQ populations in the Bay Area.
    • Demonstrate the fiscal health and financial sustainability of your organization.
    • Be willing and able to provide volunteers to work at its main dance events (Tier A grantees only)
  • Tier A grantees are restricted from applying for Tier A or B grants for the period of 3 years after the last year payment has been issued. In other words:
  • If awarded a Tier A grant in 2023, you will be eligible to apply for another grant in 2028.
    • Tier A grantees may not also be grantees in Tier B in the same year. Applicants should not be a governmental agency or a for-profit entity.
  • If awarded a Tier A grant in 2023, you will be expected to provide updated financial information prior to the payment of the second year of your grant. In addition, GRGRF will invite you to make a verbal presentation to the Events Committee and the Board, outlining your organization and the work you have done with grant proceeds.
• TIER B GRANTS – Host Selected Grant
  • Applicants must be a 501c3 non-profit corporation or fiscally sponsored by one.
  • If you receive a Host grant in 2023, you will be eligible to submit another application for Tier B in 2025.
• Tier B organizations should review the Tier B – Sample Grant Agreement for further information regarding Beneficiary Responsibilities and GRGR Foundation Responsibilities.
  • Tier B grantees are restricted from applying for Tier A or B grants for the period of two years after the last year payment has been issued. In other words:
  • If awarded a Tier B grant, you will be eligible to apply for another grant in 2025.
  • Applicants should not be a governmental agency or a for-profit entity. Of the two organizations awarded Tier B grants, at least one must be a local organization.
• TIER C GRANTS – Flagging in The Park Dj Selected Grants
  • Each year, GRGRF’s long-time partner, Flagging in the Park, holds 5-6 flagging events at the National AIDS Memorial Grove to benefit 501c3 organizations. The DJ’s at these events select the beneficiaries for their event. There is no application process for Tier C grants. The Foundation provides matching grants of up to $2,000 for each beneficiary so selected.
  • There are no time restrictions for Flagging in the Park grantees from applying for Tier A or B grants.

For more information, visit Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation.