LGBTQ+ Community in Alabama

The LGBTQ Fund is a charitable endowment housed within the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. Its mission is to build a supportive and affirming community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning individuals and families. The Fund operates with the belief that all people should be treated with equal respect and dignity within an inclusive community. The Fund recently received national recognition through a grant from the "Out in the South" initiative, which offers a 50% match for donations up to $100,000, aiming to further strengthen its impact. The purpose of the LGBTQ Fund Grant Cycle is to support projects that directly impact LGBTQ individuals in the community. Funding objectives include strengthening the infrastructure of organizations led by or serving LGBTQ persons, supporting services for LGBTQ youth, individuals, and families, providing educational opportunities that highlight LGBTQ needs, fostering collaboration between LGBTQ organizations and other community organizations, and supporting nonprofits that work on public policy and social justice issues intersecting with LGBTQ concerns. For the 2025 grant cycle, the application window is open and will remain so until Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. This extended timeframe is intended to give community partners more time to prepare and submit high-quality, LGBTQ-forward project proposals. Applications must be submitted by the closing date to be considered for funding. There is no mention of a pre-application deadline or letter of intent requirement for this cycle. Eligibility is limited to organizations serving within Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, and Walker counties in Alabama. Specific eligibility conditions include a focus on LGBTQ individuals, youth, families, or a broader community impact with significant LGBTQ inclusion. Collaboration between LGBTQ organizations and other sectors is also encouraged. Applicants with questions about their projects are encouraged to contact Meg Ford at mford@cfbham.org or by phone at 205-327-3807. General inquiries can also be made to the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham at their main number, 205-327-3800. The grant is managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, located at 1531 Third Avenue North, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35203. While the exact award notification date is not provided, applicants should assume that announcements will follow the close of the grant cycle.