LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund Grant

LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Cleveland Foundation
Amount: US $10,000 - US $25,000
Last Updated: September 19, 2025

Summary

The LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund, launched by the Cleveland Foundation in 2024, aims to support and empower local LGBTQ+ communities through a $3 million endowment. This fund focuses on grantmaking for organizations that foster community network building and narrative change, addressing both visibility and advocacy for LGBTQ+ issues in Greater Cleveland. By leveraging philanthropy, the fund seeks to enhance queer justice and equity, making a positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in the area.

Overview

LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund The LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund is an affinity fund launched in 2024 with a $3 million endowment from the Cleveland Foundation that will grow for decades with community support. The fund’s mission is to empower LGBTQ+ communities by leveraging philanthropy to advance queer justice and equity. Ohio has the sixth largest LGBTQ+ adult population, with an estimated 75,000 LGBTQ+ adults in Greater Cleveland, according to the Williams Institute. While this is likely an undercount, the Cleveland Foundation is proud to be among the top 10 community foundations investing in LGBTQ+ causes. The Cleveland Foundation recognizes the need for more resources, which is why we launched the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund to continue supporting and investing in our LGBTQ+ community. The Opportunity Fund will raise and grant resources for Greater Cleveland organizations serving and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community. The fund itself is guided by a committee of LGBTQ+ community members and allies who help steward grantmaking, fundraising and overall strategy.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Focusing on local partners, the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund grants resources to Greater Cleveland 501(C)(3) organizations serving and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community.  Impact Areas Community Network Building Grants to organizations focused on building and/or strengthening networks and connections within the LGBTQ+ community. Projects for consideration may include, but are not limited to:  Advocacy and community organizingSkill building and trainingExpanding allyship and community partnerships Visibility and Narrative ChangeGrants for projects aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community’s lived experience. Projects for consideration may include, but are not limited to: Elevating the LGBTQ+ lived experience Educating individuals, groups and/or corporations