(ACTIVE) LGBT+ Giving Circle

Purpose

The LGBT+ Giving Circle, an initiative of Rochester Area Community Foundation, is a philanthropic and educational effort led by LGBTQ+ and allied community leaders who share a commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging for LGBTQ+ individuals across the Greater Rochester area.

The Circle engages donors and advocates in collective giving and support nonprofit organizations that are deeply rooted in the community. These organizations work to educate, empower, and uplift LGBTQ+ individuals and provides essential, affirming services to address systemic challenges and community needs.

Grounded in the values of collective philanthropy, community engagement, and impactful grantmaking, the LGBT+ Giving Circle serves as a convener and catalyst—promoting meaningful change through the organizations it funds. The ultimate goal of its grantmaking cycle is to strategically invest in initiatives that create safer, more inclusive communities where LGBTQ+ people can thrive.

Click here to learn more about the Giving Circle.

Typical Grant Size

Grants will likely range from $1,000 to $5,000.

In 2025, priority will be given to organizations seeking Operational Support for ongoing activities with proven impact. We also welcome applications for Program Support/Pilot Funding for new activities that intentionally center the needs of historically marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community, including but not limited to BIPOC individuals, transgender and gender non-conforming people, youth, and elders.

Grants are for one year. An organization may only submit one request for funding per cycle. The LGBT+ Giving Circle grant term is from September to August of the following year.

A LGBT+ Giving Circle grant awarded in the 2024 grant cycle would not prohibit an organization from applying for another grant in 2025. Please note that a prior grant from the LGBT+ Giving Circle does not guarantee renewal or continued annual support.

Grants or grant requests made through Rochester Area Community Foundation are separate from those made through the LGBT+ Giving Circle. Therefore, organizations can submit grant requests to both the LGBT+ Giving Circle and the Foundation simultaneously.

Eligibility Criteria

The LGBT+ Giving Circle is committed to supporting organizations that are either led by LGBTQ+ individuals or that primarily serve underinvested LGBTQ+ communities. LGBTQ+-serving means that a majority (51% or more) of the organization’s constituents identify as LGBTQ+. Priority is given to organizations that intentionally center the needs of historically marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community, including but not limited to BIPOC, transgender, gender non-conforming, youth, and elders.

Organizations in the eight-county region served by the Community Foundation (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne and Yates counties) must be classified by the Internal Revenue Service as a 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or, under certain circumstances, a 509(a)(3) public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations must be primarily located in the Greater Rochester region and serve individuals who live in or are directly connected to the local LGBTQ+ community. This can include service, charitable, faith-based, educational, and government organizations and institutions.

Programs should be shaped by and responsive to the voices, needs, and lived experiences of those served. An asset-based approach is encouraged—where the work is done not only for LGBTQ+ individuals, but with and by them.

Successful applications will clearly demonstrate how the organization’s mission, strategies, and programming advance the LGBT+ Giving Circle’s priorities of equity, visibility, belonging, and safety for LGBTQ+ people in the region.

Please ensure all budget documents and attachments are accurate and consistent before submitting your application.

Ineligible Uses

Grant funds shall not be used for:

• Electioneering or political activities
• Contributions to any candidate for public office or political committee
• Campaigning on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office
• Grants to individuals

Application Due Date(s)

Applications will open on June 24, 2025.

The upcoming deadline to submit an application is Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Future opportunities will be announced in our quarterly e-newsletter, Grant Opportunities. (Click to subscribe.)

Application

Eligible organizations should submit their application through Rochester Area Community Foundation’s online grant portal. To register, log in, or begin a new application click here.

Notification Date(s)

Funding decisions will be announced in September 2025.

Contact

Dawn Perry
Collective Giving Officer
Rochester Area Community Foundation
500 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
585.341.4330
dperry@racf.org