Table decorations at the 2023 Tres Litros Pride Launch event. Photo by Carly Winchell.
Grant Applications Open June 3
The newly formed Arkansas River Valley (ARV) LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+) Fund has announced that it has met its fundraising goal. The Fund’s first grant opportunity of $10,000 will be available to local initiatives. Applications will open up on Monday, June 3 with a deadline to apply by Monday, July 8. Awards will be announced in October.
The fund seeks to address critical gaps in services, resources, and community programs for LGBTQ+ individuals in Chaffee County. Awardees will also receive technical assistance to achieve their project goals, and up to $5,000 will be available for capacity support.
Eligible organizations may be a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6) or under the fiscal sponsorship of an eligible organization in good standing with the IRS and the State of Colorado. Government entities and grassroots organizations may apply as well. All applicants must be up to date on previous grant reports and be able to commit to CCCF’s non-discrimination statement.
Further eligibility guidelines and application information are available at www.arvlgbtqfund.org.
Applicants will begin by submitting a Letter of Intent via the Grant Portal by July 8. The ARV LGBTQ+ Fund Steering Committee will review the letters of intent and select one or more applicants to move on to the full application.
Selected applicants will then be paired with a mentor from the steering committee who will assist with the second part of the application process. Final award decisions will be made by the Steering Committee by mid-October. On top of the funding, awardees will be offered access to capacity-building and professional development services to assist in completing the project.
More information about the Letter of Intent (LOI) is available online. Grant application questions are also available online.
The Fund will prioritize projects focused on the following areas:
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Salida Pride Parade 2023. Photo by Carly Winchell.
Promoting supportive spaces and a sense of belonging and acceptance for those in the LGBTQIA+ community. This includes social, recreational, or other supportive and inclusive services.
- Developing inclusive services or expanding existing services to better serve the LGBTQIA+ community. This includes program changes, new programs, staff training, or other programs seeking to remove barriers for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The website also states, “To promote innovation, the committee is open to other ideas that meet the stated values and goals of the fund. Please note that those projects that specifically address Supportive Spaces and Inclusive Services will be prioritized in their grant round.”
Funded projects should take place between November 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025.
Applicants must showcase clearly defined activities focused on the LGBTQIA+ community, measurable outcomes, outputs, and impacts for the proposal, and a strong commitment to the Fund’s values of equity, intersectionality, community inclusivity, and affirmation.
About the Fund
Arkansas River Valley LGBTQ+ Fund Logo. Courtesy image.
The Arkansas River Valley LGBTQ+ Fund represents a collaborative effort from local community leaders and subject-matter experts to address trends observed across the county.
It was created in response to urgent needs within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among youth, and will provide financial support for health and wellness needs, such as housing, transportation, medical care, food access, and activities that promote affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors.
“We are dedicated to fostering a community where LGBTQ+ people can authentically express themselves and feel safe,” said Arkansas River Valley LGBTQ+ Fund Chair John McGowan. “This initiative is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment in Chaffee County.”
The steering committee was established in early 2023 to explore the requirements for launching and managing a grant specifically designed to serve as a safety net for LGBTQ+ needs in the absence of immediate funding sources.
The committee includes Survivor Advocate Shelley Schreiner, Community Advocate Andrea Coen, Business Advocate John McGowan, Community Advocate Bianka Martinez, Public Health Advocate Andrea Carlstrom, Fund Advisor Jimmy Sellars, and CCCF Liaison Betsy Dittenber.
A grant from the Colorado Health Foundation allowed the steering committee to conduct an assessment and identify the strategy for supporting the local LGBTQ+ community through a grant process. The ARV LGBTQ+ Fund Steering Committee engaged in a community-led fundraising effort that generated the funding for this initial round of grants.
The committee has worked closely with the Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) to ensure a fair and competitive application process. It anticipates funding two or more innovative initiatives that empower the LGBTQ+ community of all ages.
The Committee seeks donations to allow the continuation of grant offerings for local initiatives. Hosted by the CCCF, all contributions are tax-deductible and will continue to create local resources for local solutions.
Those interested in financially supporting the fund, or simply interested in learning more, can go to the Fund’s website or email arvlgbtq@chaffeecommunity.org.
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