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Nonprofits that serve the state’s LGBTQ communities have until April 11 to apply for grants of up to $10,000 through the Equity Action Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation.

“These grants are open to organizations that focus on Rhode Island’s LGBTQ communities, as well as nonprofits that are launching or expanding their work on behalf of LGBTQ Rhode Islanders,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

There are two categories of grants: Projects that meet the priority needs of the LGBTQ communities and capacity-building programs such as board development, strategic planning and fundraising for organizations that play a vital and unique role in the LGBTQ communities. Applicants can receive one project or capacity-building grant a year.

Last year, the Foundation awarded grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to 12 organizations, including GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, Meals on Wheels of RI, Newport Pride, Project Weber/RENEW, the Open Door Health clinic at the Rhode Island Public Health Foundation, Sojourner House and Youth Pride Inc.

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 the LGBTQ communities, the Foundation has made more than $1.2 million in grants to dozens of organizations over the years. The public can support the fund’s work by donating here.

Find more information about applying for an Equity Action Fund 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, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders.