MCF: Equity Fund Grant

The MCF: Equity Fund Grant, established by the Maine Community Foundation, aims to strengthen LGBTQ+ organizations in Maine through general and project grants. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and public agencies that engage LGBTQ+ individuals in their leadership and services. This grant prioritizes initiatives that enhance healthcare access, reduce disparities, and promote respect. The fund, which became permanent in 2000, continues to support community-based efforts that align with its mission.

Background
The Equity Fund was established in 1996. Originally funded with a two-year matching grant to the Maine Community Foundation from the National Lesbian and Gay Community Funding Partnership, the Equity Fund became a permanent fund of the foundation in December 2000. A community assessment and forum were conducted in 2003 to clarify the criteria and priorities of the Equity Fund.
Purpose
The Equity Fund's mission is to strengthen lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) organizations in Maine and support community-based initiatives.
Types of Funding
This program provides:

• General support grants for LGBTQ+ organizations for ongoing programming, operational needs, and capacity-building.
• To apply for a general support grant, an organization must have previously received a project grant.
• Project grants for new or expanded projects.
• Projects are activities with a clear start and end date, with goals and objectives related to but not the same as the organization’s mission.
• Project grants will support staff time dedicated to supporting proposed activities.
• They may also include administrative or indirect costs in their request as a line item in their budget.
• These funds may be used at the discretion of the organization to cover overhead or indirect costs but must be limited to 20% of the total amount requested.
• Grant funds can be used to support:
• Staff time dedicated to the proposed project
• New equipment or materials that are necessary to achieve the goals or outcomes of the proposed activities
• Training for staff, volunteers, or board members
• Administrative overhead (up to 20% of the requested funding).
• Interest Areas
• Civil RightsSocial ActionAdvocacy; Health Care

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply:
Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and also classified as an organization described in sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2)
Public agencies working for the State of Maine
Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior
Groups without any tax status may apply with a fiscal sponsor that is an eligible organization as described above.To receive a grant, an organization or project must:Involve people in Maine who identify as LGTBQ+. They need to be at least one of the following:In leadership positions on board and staff of the organizationInvolved in the design, delivery, and evaluation of the programs and servicesMost of the participants or intended recipients.

Ineligibility

Funds may not be used for:Endowments or capital campaigns: Activities designed to increase capital or assets of organization. This includes costs related to verbal or written requests for financial support such as appeal letters or fundraising events.Camperships: Funding for admission, enrollment, tuition, or other costs related to individual or group attendance at a short-term recreational or educational program.Capital expenses: Purchases of equipment or building materialsExpenses already incurred
Regranting to a secondary grantee through a competitive process
Lobbying in the form of calls to action on a specific vote
Religious activities, including, but not limited to, religious services, promotion of religious beliefs, or activities that are restricted to church or religious group membership.