Since 1999, Diversity Richmond has given out more than $1 million in grants to local LGBTQ nonprofits. This year, the organization is giving $25,000 — and they’re currently taking applications.
Up to $25,000 in grant funds are available for LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly nonprofit organizations this year as part of Diversity Richmond’s annual grant program.
For more than 20 years, Diversity Richmond, an organization dedicated to serving Central Virginia’s LGBTQ community, has been helping support local organizations through various grant funds, distributing more than $1 million in the past two decades.
This year is no different. However, the coronavirus pandemic has created a few barriers for Diversity Richmond to serve its local community. Diversity Richmond President Bill Harrison said the event hall, which functions as a space for numerous organizations, was forced to close. Numerous booked events from May to December had to be canceled.
Despite these challenges, Harrison said the organization is committed to being a supportive network for the local LGBTQ community.
“We’ve talked about the possibility of not doing grants this year, because the future is so uncertain,” Harrison said. “We decided that we did want to continue the grants program this year because there are numerous nonprofits and organizations that need financial assistance.”
The grants come from proceeds raised by Diversity Thrift through special events and fundraisers, as well as from various donors. There are four levels of funding available nonprofits can apply for: $5,000, $2,500, $1,000, and $500. The different grant levels allows organizations to apply for funds that meet their specific goals and needs, Harrison said.
With their grant program, Diversity Richmond hopes to address unmet needs in the community. Harrison highlighted past grants that were allocated to organizations, such as Nationz Foundation and Health Brigade, that have emphasized providing health services to transgender women, especially trans women of color.
The grant program also is open to non-LGBTQ organizations who may provide services to LGBTQ and other marginalized communities. Organizations such as Jewish Family Services previously have received grants to defray adoption costs to LGBTQ folks.
The deadline to apply is Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. Applications are available to download on the Diversity Richmond website. Winners will be announced before year’s end.
Top Photo by Sara Wheeler
