[Omaha Community Foundation](https://omahafoundation.org)

January 2027 (application opens) | March 2027 (full application deadline) | April 2027 (committee member application deadline)

Up to $200,000 total awarded annually; typical grant size $15,000–$20,000; one-year project period.

Supports organizations advancing inclusion, leadership, and access to critical services for LGBTQIA2S+ communities in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area.

--- ## Description The LGBTQIA2S+ Equality Fund, administered by the Omaha Community Foundation, aims to strengthen, support, and empower lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and non-binary individuals and families in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro region. The fund prioritizes projects that build strong support networks, elevate LGBTQIA2S+ leadership, foster intersectionality, and improve equitable access to essential services such as housing, healthcare, mental health, wellness, and education. Funding decisions are made by a resident-led committee of LGBTQIA2S+ community members, ensuring that grantmaking reflects community needs and priorities. The program encourages collaborative proposals, values diverse representation, and welcomes innovative ideas that address systemic inequities and uplift LGBTQIA2S+ voices. --- ## Due Dates - **January 2027:** Application period opens (anticipated) - **March 2027:** Full application deadline (anticipated; submit by 11:59 PM via the online grant portal) - **April 2027:** Resident-led committee member application deadline (anticipated; to join the Equality Fund committee, open annually March 1 – April 1) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Total Funding:** Up to $200,000 awarded annually across all grantees. - **Typical Grant Size:** $15,000–$20,000 per project. - **Duration:** Projects must be completed within the calendar year awarded. - **Eligible Uses:** Both project-based and general operating support are considered, provided there is a clear alignment with the fund’s goals and community needs. --- ## Eligibility - Open to public, tax-exempt organizations as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or those working with an eligible 501(c)(3) fiscal agent. - No organizational operating budget limit; organizations of any size may apply. - Activities must serve LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and families in Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie Counties (Omaha-Council Bluffs metro). - Applicants must have and submit a non-discrimination policy that covers race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, and gender. - Prior grantees may reapply if reporting requirements were met. - Organizations may apply to multiple Community Interest Funds for different or the same projects (must disclose if requesting funds from multiple sources). - Nonprofits funded by other Omaha Community Foundation programs or partner foundations are eligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the [Omaha Community Foundation online grant portal](https://omahafoundation.org/submit). - Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the [FAQ](https://omahafoundation.org/nonprofits/community-interest-funds/lgbtqia-equality-fund/faq-lgbtqia2s-equality-fund/) and consider one-on-one grant coaching during the open application period. - Required materials include a completed application form, project and organizational budgets, and a copy of the organization’s non-discrimination policy. - Applications are reviewed and scored by the resident-led committee, with a focus on alignment to community needs, collaboration, innovation, and measurable outcomes. - Awards are typically announced in May. - Committee member applications to join the grantmaking committee are accepted annually (March–April). --- ## Additional Information - Funding priorities include healthcare and health education, legal services and advocacy, public leadership and workforce development, and safe spaces/shelter. - Proposals that demonstrate collaboration among multiple organizations are encouraged. - General operating support is considered if closely tied to the LGBTQIA2S+ community and the fund’s priorities. - All requirements, including eligibility and funding priorities, are subject to annual review and may change. --- ## External Links - [Program Page (Equality Fund)](https://omahafoundation.org/nonprofits/community-interest-funds/lgbtqia-equality-fund/) - [Online Grant Portal](https://omahafoundation.org/submit) - [FAQ](https://omahafoundation.org/nonprofits/community-interest-funds/lgbtqia-equality-fund/faq-lgbtqia2s-equality-fund/) - [Strengths and Needs Assessment (PDF)](https://omahafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/LGBTQIA-Strengths-and-Needs-Assessment.pdf) - [Application Questions (PDF)](https://omahafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EQ_Application.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |-----------------|------------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------| | Dasia Horne | Senior Program Manager | dasia@omahafoundation.org | 402-933-4245 | | General Inquiries | Omaha Community Foundation | info@omahafoundation.org | 402-342-3458 | | Technical/Portal | Aaron Koontz (Grants Admin) | aaron@omahafoundation.org | 402-939-6780 |

LGBTQIA2S+ Equality Fund

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