Movement and Power Building Grant

The Contigo Fund’s Movement and Power Building Grant for 2025-2026 is designed to support organizations and coalitions in Central Florida that are led by and serve Queer communities, particularly those that experience systemic marginalization due to race, immigration status, and other intersecting identities. Contigo Fund is a philanthropic organization with a focus on fostering racial, economic, and gender justice for Black, Latinx, immigrant, and other communities of color within the LGBTQ+ population. The grant’s goal is to sustain and grow the capacity of these organizations, while also encouraging long-term movement-building and leadership development within these communities. The grant offers up to $75,000 per organization for a 12-month grant period. Applicants must demonstrate how the funds will help achieve their organizational goals, advance the broader movement for justice, and address specific unmet needs in the community. While formal nonprofit status (501(c)(3)) is preferred, fiscally sponsored groups may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements. Coalitions must consist of at least five autonomous groups and demonstrate formal agreements regarding shared mission, governance, and collaborative processes. Eligibility is restricted to organizations based in Central Florida’s Brevard, Flagler, Indian River, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, and Volusia counties. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate leadership by and accountability to the communities they serve, with clear strategies and outcomes that align with Contigo’s values of equity, inclusion, and belonging. Preference is given to organizations with annual expenses under $1 million and those addressing unique community gaps with medium to long-term solutions. The application process begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI) due by 5:00 PM EST on March 6, 2025, submitted through the Proteus Fund’s Fluxx portal. Successful LOIs will move on to an interview stage in mid-March, and final funding decisions will be announced by the end of April 2025. Grantees will participate in learning community activities, including leadership training and the Orlando Strong Symposium on November 13-14, 2025. Additionally, a site visit and mid-term progress update will take place in October 2025, and final reports will be due on February 6, 2026. Contigo’s evaluation process emphasizes community leadership, collaboration, institutional commitment to Queer communities of color, and a clear track record of impact and success. The fund values strategic alliances and expects applicants to work within coalitions to amplify collective impact. While no formal written or financial reports are required, Contigo Fund staff will engage regularly with grantees through informal check-ins and site visits to foster open communication and ongoing support. Throughout the grant period, Contigo Fund provides capacity-building support, including training and technical assistance. Grantees are expected to fully participate in this learning community as a condition of funding. This collaborative model reflects Contigo’s belief that sustainable change requires strong relationships, leadership development, and shared learning across organizations working toward social justice in Central Florida.