Queer Youth Initiative

The Queer Youth Initiative, which was developed in partnership with the Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues, seeks to specifically support youth programming including operating costs, special programming costs and or seed money for new initiatives. Grants will be in the $500 to $5,000 range and will be decided by a committee of young people.

Grant Eligibility. To be eligible for a Legacy Fund grant via The Queer Youth Initiative, an organization must:

  1. Be designated a 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code, or have an appropriate fiscal agent which has been designated a qualified 501(c)(3) organization; and are public charities.
  2. Have a written and published policy prohibiting discrimination in employment, access, and programs on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, disability, religion, age, marital status, or veteran status;
  3. Have appropriate processes and procedures for organizational and fiscal accountability;
  4. Engage/propose to engage in programs or services which assist or otherwise positively affect GLBT persons and the GLBT community located within Central Ohio; and
  5. Meet any other qualifications specified in the attached Guidelines.

Types of Grants.  The Queer Youth Initiative seeks to provide financial resources to organizations that celebrate diversity and dignity, invest in youth and justice, and promote tolerance and compassion.  The Queer Youth Initiative will place special focus on the following areas:

  1. Safe environments that promote acceptance (community support and involvement);
  2. Safe shelters (individual responsibilities);
  3. Training for teachers and administrators (educating the public);
  4. Less division amongst the GLBT community (GLBTQ acceptance and individuality); and
  5. Teachers and administrators who are willing to stand up for GLBT youth (policies).

Applying for a Queer Youth Initiative Grant. The 2009 grant cycle has passed, please check back in the fall for information about the 2010 grant cycle.

**We will be announcing the grantees of the 2009 cycle soon.