HCAI Fund for LGBTQ+ Support and Education

Health Care Advocates International (HCAI), based in Stratford, Connecticut, is a nonprofit health and advocacy organization dedicated to addressing the mental, physical, and emotional health needs of the LGBTQ+ community. As a medical practice and community support entity, HCAI delivers comprehensive services through prevention initiatives, educational programs, advocacy, and treatment options. The organization emphasizes holistic care and acts as a conduit for additional community resources when necessary. Through its funding arm, The HCAI Fund, the organization provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that align with its mission to foster wellness, end discrimination, and promote equality. The HCAI Fund supports 501(c)(3) organizations that work directly with the LGBTQ+ community in addressing areas such as basic needs (e.g., food insecurity, homelessness), substance abuse affecting treatment and care, equality in community life (including housing, employment, healthcare, and education), mental health services, stigma and discrimination, and HIV/AIDS prevention, education, and care. The fund also considers support for advertising and marketing services, provided these are tied directly to the program for which the grant is requested. However, funding is not available for administrative expenses, individual medical procedures, political or religious programs, scholarships, salaries, or organizations without tax-exempt status. Applications for the HCAI Fund are accepted twice annually, from January 1 to March 31 and again from July 1 to September 30. All applications must be completed in full and submitted through the HCAI website. Supplementary materials, including videos and images, are accepted with the application, though limited to three items. Only organizations with approved 501(c)(3) documentation are eligible, and preference is given to applicants who have not previously received funding, unless there are documented special circumstances. The evaluation process involves a review by HCAI staff and board members, who may request site visits or additional information during the selection phase. Funding decisions are communicated within 30 business days following the end of the review periods in May and November. Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Acceptance and, in some cases, a Donation Agreement. These must be signed and returned within 30 business days. Funding is disbursed directly to the organization's listed business address. Use of funds must strictly adhere to the approved proposal, and a written follow-up report is required within one year of the award or upon program completion. To remain eligible for future grants, organizations must comply with all post-award requirements, including a detailed report on how the funds were spent, outcomes achieved, and the program's future direction. HCAI reserves the right to conduct a follow-up site visit based on this report or any other documentation deemed necessary. Failure to meet these reporting requirements will disqualify the organization from receiving future funding.

Preference is given to applicants who have not previously received funding; clarity and completeness in submissions are emphasized.