Equity Action Grants- Project and Capacity Building Grant

The Equity Action Grants aim to foster social change and support LGBTQ Rhode Islanders by funding projects and capacity-building initiatives. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are awarded annually to nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life within the community. Eligible applicants include all agencies serving LGBTQ needs, ensuring non-discrimination policies are in place. The Rhode Island Community Foundation, a private funder, administers these grants, with decisions typically made within 8-10 weeks.

Equity Action is committed to enacting social change by championing initiatives and organizations that encourage justice for, provide support to, and improve the quality of life of LGBTQ Rhode Islanders.
[Requests from $2,500 to $10,000]
Decisions typically take 8-10 weeks.
Awarded annually to support:
Projects that meet the needs of the LGBTQ communities in Rhode IslandBoard development, strategic planning, program development, nonprofit business development, fundraising, program evaluation, or other activities that build the capacity of organizations that play a vital and unique role in the LGBTQ communities
Organizations can receive one Project or Capacity-Building Grant award per year.
Equity Action funds a variety of initiatives including, but not limited to:
Increasing advocacy capacity to address policy issues that affect the LGBTQ community (statewide or at the local level)Developing skills and processes to build effective partnerships, coalitions, and alliances to increase program operation and effectivenessProviding community education

Eligibility

All agencies and associations proposing to serve the needs of Rhode Island’s LGBTQ communities are encouraged to apply, whether or not the agency is LGBTQ-focused. All applicants must:Have a board-approved policy regarding staff (volunteer or paid) employment, the election of a governing board, and provision of services that mandates non-discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or national origin. Be incorporated as 501(c) nonprofit organizations or be sponsored by an umbrella 501(c) organization.Units of local or state government are also eligible grant recipients.Groups that have not yet applied for or received a determination of their nonprofit status may work through a fiscal sponsor.

Ineligibility

Equity Action will NOT make grants to:Organizations that discriminate on the basis of age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or religionIndividualsFraternal organizations, unless in support of a specific program open to or benefitting the entire communityFundraising events such as annual campaigns, walk-a-thons, tournaments, fashion shows, auctions, or dinnersOrganizations with religious affiliations, unless the program is open to the entire community without regard to religious beliefsOrganizations and programs designed to elect candidates to public officeOrganizations located outside Rhode Island unless for a specific program benefitting the residents of and conducted within Rhode IslandPay off past debts and obligationsEndowment fundsAcademic scholarships, fellowships, and travel grantsCapital support, unless it is limited to equipment needs where there is a demonstrated programmatic benefitProgram or organizational start-up funding, unless a funding plan is in place and sustainability beyond the one-year grant period is likely