Carpenter Foundation - LGBTQI Grants

Carpenter Foundation - LGBTQI Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation
Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Summary

The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, established in 1975, supports public charities focused on the LGBTQI community, particularly those aiding individuals of faith. Grants are available for projects that foster understanding and inclusion within faith communities. The foundation prioritizes organizations with a historical connection to the Carpenter family and does not fund private education, individuals, or large public charities. This initiative aims to promote affirmation and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons.

Overview

E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation was formed in 1975 as the E. Rhodes Carpenter Foundation by E. Rhodes Carpenter, founder of the Richmond, Virginia based company now known as Carpenter Co. During Mr. Carpenter’s lifetime, the Foundation made a few substantial gifts but for the most part had minimal assets. In accordance with Mr. Carpenter’s wishes, the Foundation received significant funding following his death in 1980. His wife, Leona B. Carpenter, died a year later leaving substantial assets to the Foundation. In 1982, the name of the Foundation was changed to E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. The Foundation operates independently of, and has no connection, to Carpenter Co. LGBTQI Grants The Foundation will consider funding public charities’ projects and programs (e.g., conferences, resources, etc.) offering support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons of faith, or endeavoring to insure faith communities’ understanding, affirmation, and inclusion of such persons.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Foundation will consider grant requests from public charities which had direct relationships with Leona or Rhodes Carpenter during their lifetimes.The Foundation will consider funding public charities’ projects and programs (e.g., conferences, resources, etc.) offering support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons of faith, or endeavoring to insure faith communities’ understanding, affirmation, and inclusion of such persons.Grants are made for specific projects, programs and operating support.

Ineligibility

The Foundation generally will not consider requests to support private secondary education, individuals, local religious congregations, or large public charities, e.g., the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, United Way, etc.The Foundation generally will not transfer funds from its endowment to the endowment of another organization.