[Hartford Foundation For Public Giving](https://www.hfpg.org)

April 27, 2026 (proposal submission) | May 13, 2026 (full application)

Up to $50,000 per award (one year); total pool up to $200,000

Supports operating costs for organizations advancing the wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ residents in Greater Hartford.

Only one proposal per organization; current core support grantees ineligible.

--- ## Description The Equality Fund, managed by the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation and established by donor Joel Roskin, provides competitive operating support grants to organizations working to improve the wellbeing and quality of life for LGBTQIA+ residents in the Greater Hartford region. The Fund is informed by research on the needs of the local LGBTQIA+ community and seeks to strengthen this community through support of organizations that empower people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. Priority areas include initiatives that foster social connectedness, advocacy, access to affirming healthcare, harm reduction, and safe housing. --- ## Due Dates - April 27, 2026: Proposal submission deadline (all required questions of the online application must be completed by 11:59pm) - May 13, 2026: Full application deadline (online grant application due by 11:59pm) - Award notifications: Expected by mid-June 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Applicants may request up to $50,000 in operating support for a one-year grant period. - The Equality Fund expects to award up to $200,000 in total across all grantees. --- ## Eligibility - Organizations must serve the Greater Hartford region (the Foundation’s 29-town catchment area). - Eligible applicants: - Must be a registered nonprofit. Community-based groups without 501(c)(3) status may apply using a fiscal sponsor. - Must have a mission explicitly supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, **or** - Must demonstrate that their programs/services are trusted and sought after by LGBTQIA+ community members (including third spaces and affirming organizations). - Organizations located outside Greater Hartford can apply if funding is geographically/proportionately restricted to Greater Hartford-related operating costs. - Organizations currently receiving a core support grant during the 2026 Equality Fund’s one-year grant period are **ineligible**. - Only one proposal per organization is allowed. - Applicants must demonstrate mission alignment or prior experience engaging with the LGBTQIA+ community, including attention to intersectionality (e.g., race, ethnicity, disability). - A current strategic plan (or work plan) must be uploaded with the application. --- ## Application Process - Complete all required questions in the online application by April 27, 2026, to be eligible. - Submit the full grant application by May 13, 2026, at 11:59pm. - Only one proposal per organization is permitted. - Applicants should plan ahead to avoid technical issues close to the deadline. - Funded projects must identify grant outcomes and measures, and complete a final report at the end of the grant period. --- ## Additional Information - Priority is given to proposals aligning with recommendations from the Foundation’s LGBTQIA+ Resident Wellbeing study, such as: - Supporting social connectedness of queer youth - Creating or sustaining third/community safe spaces - LGBTQIA+ advocacy (e.g., inclusive legislation) - Improving access to culturally relevant, inclusive healthcare and mental health services - Community-based harm reduction - Access to safe, affordable housing and shelter - Organizations without explicit LGBTQIA+ missions or programs intentionally designed to serve the queer community are not eligible. - If you have multi-year Foundation funding, contact staff before applying. --- ## External Links - [Hartford Foundation For Public Giving (funder homepage)](https://www.hfpg.org) - [Equality Fund 2026 RFP Announcement (PDF)](https://greaterhartfordgives.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Updated-2026-Equality-Fund-Announcement-.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |------------------------------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Kate Piotrowski | Senior Community Impact Officer | [kpiotrowski@greaterhartfordgives.org](mailto:kpiotrowski@greaterhartfordgives.org) | | | Grants Administration | Technical/Application Support | [grantsadministration@greaterhartfordgives.org](mailto:grantsadministration@greaterhartfordgives.org) | 860-548-1888 |

The Equality Fund

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