LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund Grant

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.

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.
Ohio has the sixth largest LGBTQ+ adult population, with an estimated 75,000 LGBTQ+ adults in Greater Cleveland, according to the Williams Institute.
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

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