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Nonprofits that serve the state’s LGBTQ+ communities have until Aug. 15 to apply for grants of up to $10,000 through  the Equity Action Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation.

“In times as challenging as these have become, supporting organizations that serve the state's LGBTQ+ communities is vital,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “We are grateful to have donors who believe as we do that every Rhode Islander deserves access and acceptance.”

There are two categories of grants: Projects that meet the priority needs of the LGBTQ+ communities and capacity building.

Last year, the Foundation awarded grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to 12 organizations, including GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, Haus of Codec, Newport Pride, Pride in Aging RI, Project Weber/RENEW, the Providence Gay Flag Football League and Sojourner House.

The work included offering health care, supporting ongoing youth and civil rights advocacy, providing youth programs and protecting LGBTQ+ victims of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

Guided by a volunteer advisory committee comprised of leaders in Rhode Island LGBTQ+ communities, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants through the Fund to dozens of organizations over the years. The public can support the fund’s work by donating here.

The Equity Action Fund is just one of the ways the Foundation supports Rhode Island’s LBGTQ+ communities. Just since 2020, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million in additional funding to provide housing and health care among other services for LGTBQ+ Rhode Islanders.

Find more information about applying for an Equity Action grant here.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, together with neighbors and partners, the Foundation is helping to create progress that lasts.