Gamma Mu Foundation Grants

The Gamma Mu Foundation is dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ communities by supporting organizations and initiatives that create lasting, positive change. The Foundation aims to address the unique challenges faced by rural and underserved populations, with a focus on promoting health, education, social support, and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. Their efforts are particularly focused on providing assistance to local LGBTQ+ community organizations, helping them expand their reach, enhance services, and build stronger, more inclusive environments. The Foundation’s grants are designed to foster communities where every individual can thrive, especially those who are marginalized. The Foundation has identified three main program areas for grant support: Community Support Services, Public Education and Research, and HIV and Health Programs. Community Support Services are aimed at addressing the needs of rural LGBTQ+ communities, with particular attention to vulnerable groups such as young people, seniors, and victims of bullying. These initiatives promote empowerment and inclusivity. Public Education and Research initiatives are focused on increasing awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and fostering a more inclusive environment. HIV and Health Programs seek to provide support for people affected by HIV and other health challenges, including mental health issues, aging, and caregiving. The Foundation does not accept proposals for certain types of activities. These include capital campaigns, construction or physical facility projects, endowment or general operating fund drives, political or lobbying activities, religious programs, and payroll or staffing costs not directly linked to the execution of the funded project. These exclusions ensure that grants are directed toward their intended purposes of supporting specific initiatives that benefit LGBTQ+ communities. Grant applications are accepted annually from January 13 to March 31. The upcoming grant cycle runs from October 1 to September 30 of the following year. The Foundation awards grants up to $15,000, with funding distributed in two phases: 50% in August/September and 50% in March/April of the following year. The Foundation employs a thorough evaluation process, which includes proposal reviews, site visits if necessary, and final funding decisions made by the Board of Directors by the end of August. Applicants are typically notified of the Board’s decision by the end of August. The Gamma Mu Foundation conducts informational webinars to assist potential applicants. These webinars, scheduled for February 6 and March 4, 2025, provide an opportunity for applicants to gain insight into the grant process and better understand the Foundation’s funding priorities. The Foundation also defines "rural" as communities that meet the USDA’s criteria, which include areas with populations of 2,500 or fewer, as well as towns with populations between 2,501 and 49,999 that are not part of a major labor market.