LGBTQIA+ Equality Fund Grant

The LGBTQIA+ Equality Fund Grant supports initiatives that foster inclusion, respect, and understanding for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. Through collaboration with local organizations, this fund aims to empower diverse voices, enhance community visibility, and ensure equitable access to essential services. Focus areas include workforce training, accessible healthcare, and homelessness prevention. The grant prioritizes innovative programs that uplift the LGBTQIA2S+ community, promoting a strong network of support for all community members.

Cultivating support, inclusion, and respect
The LGBTQIA+ Equality Fund has been established to cultivate a community that supports, includes, and respects lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and non-binary individuals and families.
Goals:
Provides LGBTQIA+ community members, especially youth and elders, with a strong network of support; Achieve collective impact by organizing within the LGBTQIA+ community and investing in leadership development opportunities;
Increase visibility and acknowledgement of intersectionality within the queer community, empowering diverse voices and experiences to be heard;
Foster inclusivity, openness, and acceptance with and within the greater community around LGBTQIA+ issues; and,
This Fund is a collaboration between the Sherwood Foundation (founding partner), Mutual of Omaha, Conagra Brands Foundation, Peter Kiewit Foundation—and is administered by the Omaha Community Foundation (OCF).
All decisions are made by a community-led committee that represents the LGBTQIA+ community. Tom Elser serves as the chair for this committee.
Funding Priorities
Workforce training, education, and development. LGBTQIA2S+ representation (staff, leadership, board), LGBTQIA2S+ facilitators leading trainings around LGBTQIA2S+ topics.
Informed, supportive, and accessible health care. Physical and behavioral health.
Justice system involvement/intervention.
Public leadership. Advocacy and allyship.
Safe shelter and homelessness prevention.
Applications that demonstrate collaboration among multiple organizations are encouraged. LGBTQIA+ representation (among clients served, management, staff, and board members) is considered during the decision making process.
General operating request will be considered if there is a clear connection between the organization’s mission and findings from the Strengths and Needs Assessment. Additionally, we recommend that you clearly state how your programs/services uplift the LGBTQIA2S+ community, which, in turn, will support your operating request.

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements: Public, tax-exempt organizations as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, OR working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent receives funds on your behalf.There is no organizational operating budget limit. Organizations of all sizes that fit the other criteria are eligible to apply.Innovative programs, initiatives, services, or other ideas within the above-stated focus areas that serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and non-binary individuals and families in Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie Counties.Nonprofits receiving funding from Omaha Community Foundation’s other grant programs, or from the Fund’s other philanthropic partners are eligible to apply. Applicants from previous years may apply again this year if they’ve submitted last year’s evaluation report to the Omaha Community Foundation.Applicants must have a non-discrimination policy that applies to employees, volunteers, customers, and clients that at the minimum includes protections with regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state, or local law.

Ineligibility

The Omaha Community Foundation does not make grants in support of individuals, for political campaigns or lobbying efforts, for new small businesses established for personal gain or profit, to support annual fund drives, capital campaigns, to fund an agency’s deficit or endowment, or for the direct support of religious activities.Secular activities provided by religious organizations may be eligible for grant funds.