[Rochester Area Community Foundation](https://www.racf.org)

May 1, 2026 (Full application deadline) | July 23, 2020 (Full application deadline)

Typical grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 for a one-year term.

Supports initiatives advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging for LGBTQ+ individuals in the Greater Rochester area.

--- ## Description The LGBT+ Giving Circle, an initiative of the Rochester Area Community Foundation, provides annual grants to nonprofit organizations serving the LGBTQ+ community in the Greater Rochester region. Its focus is on fostering equity, inclusion, and belonging for LGBTQ+ individuals, with particular attention to historically marginalized groups such as BIPOC, transgender and gender non-conforming people, youth, and elders. Grantmaking priorities include supporting ongoing programs with proven impact, as well as innovative new activities that address unmet needs. Eligible projects may span health and human services, arts and culture, and other areas that improve quality of life for LGBTQ+ residents. --- ## Due Dates - May 1, 2026: Full application deadline (upcoming 2026 grant cycle) - July 23, 2020: Full application deadline (2020 grant cycle) Funding decisions will be announced in June 2026, with the grant term running from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant awards range from **$1,000 to $5,000**. - Grants are for a one-year period. - Each organization may submit only one application per cycle. - Prior funding does not guarantee future support. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be classified by the IRS as a **501(c)(3)** or **509(a)(1) public charity**. Organizations without this status may apply with a fiscal sponsor. - Must be located in and serve one or more of the following counties: **Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates**. - Organizations must have, or be developing, a **nondiscrimination policy inclusive of sexual orientation and gender expression**. - Only one proposal per organization per grant cycle. - Fiscal sponsors may submit their own application for programs they directly manage (separate from sponsored organizations). - Ineligible uses: political campaigns, lobbying, capital or endowment campaigns, direct support to individuals, gala or fundraising events, projects serving exclusively religious purposes, or projects completed before the grant period. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the [Rochester Area Community Foundation online grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=racfg). - First-time users must register their organization before applying. - Required attachments include budget documents and other supporting materials. - Programs should demonstrate alignment with the Giving Circle’s mission and be responsive to the needs and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people. - Applicants may be contacted for clarification or a site visit during the review process. - Grantees are required to provide periodic updates, submit a final report, and participate in at least one Giving Circle event. --- ## Additional Information - In 2026, priority will be given to requests for **Operational Support** for ongoing activities with proven impact, but applications for **Program Support/Pilot Funding** for new activities are also welcome. - The grant cannot be used to reimburse expenses incurred outside the July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 period. - The program emphasizes collaboration, asset-based approaches, and centering historically underserved populations within the LGBTQ+ community. --- ## External Links - [LGBT+ Giving Circle Grant Opportunity page (RACF)](https://www.racf.org/grant/lgbt-giving-circle) - [LGBT+ Giving Circle Collaboration page](https://www.racf.org/collaborations/lgbt-giving-circle/) - [Online Grant Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=racfg) - [2020 Grant Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.racf.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/LGBTGivingCircleRFP2020.pdf) - [LGBT+ Giving Circle Brochure (PDF)](https://www.racf.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/LGBT-Brochure.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | Address | |-------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------------|---------------|---------------------------------------| | Dawn Perry | Collective Giving Officer, Philanthropic Engagement | [dperry@racf.org](mailto:dperry@racf.org) | 585.341.4330 | 500 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 | | General Inquiries | Grants Administration | [RACF staff directory](https://www.racf.org/about/staff/) | 585.271.4100 | |

LGBT+ Giving Circle

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