Navigating the landscape of small-business funding can be particularly challenging for LGBTQ entrepreneurs. If you’re an LGBTQ business owner seeking financial support, you understand the unique hurdles that come with finding and securing grants tailored to your needs. This guide promises to ease that journey by highlighting the 9 Best Small-business Grants for LGBTQ+ Community, offering you opportunities to grow and sustain your business. We’ll explain each grant in details, providing you with the essential information on eligibility, application processes, and the benefits these grants can offer. Let’s explore how you can leverage these funding opportunities to elevate your business.
Pepper Startup Grant for Black Women
In collaboration with the Startup Girl Foundation, Pepper offers a $5,000 grant aimed specifically at Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs. Grantees benefit not only from the financial boost but also from mentorship sessions with Pepper’s founders, promotional support on Pepper’s social media platforms, and consultations with a variety of business experts.
To be eligible, at least 50% of your business must be owned, controlled, or operated by Black or African American, female or nonbinary individuals. Additionally, your business should be in its early stages, with less than $500,000 in external equity financing raised. This grant is designed to provide a comprehensive support system, enhancing both your business acumen and visibility.
Restaurant Business Development Program
Administered by the Feed the Soul Foundation, this program offers financial stipends and six months of educational training to food businesses. Eligibility extends to businesses that are at least 51% owned by individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, military combat veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, or senior citizens.
Recipients of this grant gain access to critical resources and training designed to bolster their business operations and ensure long-term success. The combination of financial support and educational services makes this program particularly valuable for minority-owned food enterprises aiming to thrive in a competitive market.
National Pride Grant for LGBTQIA+ Small Businesses
The National Pride Grant, distributed by Founders First, provides 25 grant packages totaling $25,000 to eligible businesses. This nonprofit organization supports the growth of small businesses led by individuals from diverse backgrounds, focusing on those that identify as LGBTQIA+.
To qualify, you must be an LGBTQIA+ business owner, have been in business for at least one year, employ between two to 50 people, and generate less than $5 million in annual revenue. The application process includes submitting a short pitch video via the Founders First website. This grant not only offers financial support but also aims to highlight and accelerate the growth of LGBTQIA+ businesses.
David Bohnett Foundation
The David Bohnett Foundation supports various nonprofit groups, including those advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, leadership programs, and gun violence prevention initiatives. For the LGBTQ+ community, the foundation focuses on activism that promotes equal rights and protections.
Currently, the foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications; proposals are considered by invitation only. To increase your chances of being noticed, it’s beneficial to host community events showcasing your projects, invite potential funders to these events, and encourage community testimonials about your organization’s impact. These activities can significantly raise your profile and attract the foundation’s attention.
NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), in partnership with the Grubhub Community Fund, offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 to support LGBTQ-owned or ally-owned restaurants, bars, and cafes that serve food. This program aims to strengthen the community by providing substantial financial aid to these establishments.
Eligibility requires proof of LGBTQ ownership or allyship. Applications are accepted in regional batches—East, Central, and West—with specific deadlines for each region. For instance, applications for the Central region close on June 4, 2024, while the West Region opens on June 4, 2024, and closes on June 25, 2024. This grant is an excellent opportunity for food establishments to gain essential funding and support.
The Transform Business Grant
Designed to support individuals from systemically oppressed groups, the Transform Business Grant offers $1,000 along with a year-long, customized business strategy and development program. This grant targets people of color, formerly incarcerated individuals, and queer, transgender, and nonbinary persons.
Applications are accepted twice a year, in March and August. To qualify, applicants must be based in the U.S., demonstrate financial need, and have a business or business idea focused on social impact. This grant provides not just financial support but also crucial business development resources to help marginalized entrepreneurs succeed.
Queer to Stay: An LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative
This annual grant program, administered by the Human Rights Campaign and Showtime, focuses on supporting small businesses owned by LGBTQ+ people of color, women, and transgender individuals, particularly those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since its inception in 2020, the program has grown significantly, awarding funds to 25 businesses in 2023. Applications for the current year are open until August 31, 2024. This initiative offers critical financial support to help preserve and sustain LGBTQ+ businesses during challenging times.
Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice
The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice offers multiple grant opportunities to both U.S. and international nonprofits working toward social change. One notable grant is the climate justice grant, which provides between $5,000 and $30,000 to organizations focusing on climate justice, environmental racism, or disaster resilience.
To be eligible, your organization must work with or on behalf of queer, transgender, and intersex populations. This grant supports projects that address significant environmental challenges, emphasizing the intersection of social justice and environmental advocacy.
FAQs
What types of businesses qualify for LGBTQ-specific grants?
Businesses that are majority-owned by LGBTQ individuals or allies, and those that support the LGBTQ community through their mission or services, typically qualify for these grants.
How can I apply for the Pepper Startup Grant for Black Women?
To apply, ensure your business meets the eligibility criteria and submit your application through the Startup Girl Foundation’s platform.
What should I include in my pitch video for the National Pride Grant?
Your pitch video should succinctly explain your business, its impact, and why you need the grant. Highlight your achievements and future goals to make a compelling case.
Can nonprofits apply for the David Bohnett Foundation grants?
Yes, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations focused on various social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and activism.
When are applications due for the NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program?
Application deadlines vary by region. For example, the Central region’s applications close on June 4, 2024, while the West Region’s applications open on June 4, 2024, and close on June 25, 2024.
What kind of projects does the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice support?
The foundation supports projects related to climate justice, environmental racism, and disaster resilience that involve and benefit queer, transgender, and intersex communities.
Conclusion
Securing funding as an LGBTQ business owner can significantly enhance your ability to grow and sustain your business. By exploring these grant opportunities and understanding their requirements, you can identify the best fits for your enterprise and take steps towards financial stability and growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, these grants offer valuable resources and support tailored to the unique needs of the LGBTQ community. Apply diligently, showcase your impact, and leverage these opportunities to elevate your business to new heights.
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