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Queer Mobilization Fund’s Applications are currently closed. Please check back in the Spring for our next cycle.  

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What is the Queer Mobilization Fund?  

The Queer Mobilization Fund (QMF) was created in 2016 as a rapid response fund to support community mobilizations and projects that advance Queer and Trans liberation in the wake of NC House Bill 2 (HB2). The longterm vision and purpose of this fund is to support queer and trans people of color on the frontlines of struggles for freedom + liberation and to build power for and within queer communities. Many queer and trans people of color recognize the legacy of slavery, genocide, and violence that makes HB2 possible. It is with this reflective lens that illuminates our histories and inspires change in our realities, that queer and trans people of color are organizing to reclaim our futures. 

Since our inception, QMF has supported grassroots organizing and community-building efforts across North Carolina. Historically we have primarily conducted rapid response funding, with grants ranging between $500-$750. After conducting a series of listening circles in 2018, QMF’s model has shifted to receiving applications twice a year for requests up to $5,000 for 501c3/fiscally sponsored organizations and for Emergent Organizations.  In addition to financial resources, QMF offers support in strengthening groups/organizations through participation in a cohort that includes technical assistance and network gatherings. This effort will increase support for grassroots community organizing efforts across the state.  

Our goal is to strengthen the power and presence of queer and trans people of color led organizations across NC/the Southeastern US. We prioritize moving grants to LGBTQ, people of color led, rural and youth-led organizations doing work in North Carolina, though we also fund groups in the Southeastern US. QMF wants to support communities that are often barred from receiving financial support for their efforts. Our fund is able to support organizations and groups whether or not they have 501(c)3 status through two unique programs:  

Queer Mobilization Fund– for 501c3 and fiscally sponsored groups/organizations

This fund is open to groups who have 501c3 status or have a fiscal sponsor.  Grants of up to $5,000 may be requested and include an additional $500 wellness stipend to go toward organizational Healing Justice efforts.  

The grant includes access to a Cohort, where they will be able to access technical assistance + capacity building support for your organization. The cohort will also include 2 gatherings [typically in-person, but virtual during Covid-19 restrictions] where grantees can exchange knowledge and skillshare with each other. Participation in the cohort is not required to receive funding but groups who indicate they want to participate in their application will be prioritized. 

Emergent Organizations Program– for all other groups/organizations 

The Emergent Organizations Program supports the development of newly emerging groups and organizations. This program is open to groups who are very new, at the beginning stages of developing their organizational infrastructure and/or do not have (or want to have) a formal non-profit status (ie. 501c3) or a fiscal sponsor.  

This program includes access to a Cohort where your organization will be able to access technical assistance + capacity building support to strengthen your organizational development. The cohort will also include 2 gatherings [typically in-person, but virtual during Covid-19 restrictions] where grantees can exchange knowledge and skillshare with each other. Participation in the Cohort is required to be part of the program. 

The program also includes a stipend of $1,100 for up to 5 members of your organization (paid in two installments) to be used for Healing Justice, Leadership Development, Organizational Development and/or Networking opportunities that further the mission of your organization.

This program has a limited number of spots. 

Areas of work we fund (based on 2018 listening sessions): 

• Organizational development: Support for your organization to do strategic planning, organizational strengthening, development of organizational structures, processes, etc. 

• Leadership development: Support for you or your organization to take advantage of opportunities to strengthen the leadership of LGBTQ people of color. This can be coaching, accessing trainings/conferences, or support for the creation of a leadership development program within your organization.  

• Solidarity convenings/gatherings: Support for efforts that bring together LGBTQ people of color to relationship build, strategize, and extend solidarity efforts across issues, identities, and geographies.   

• Healing Justice: Support for efforts that address trauma and healing with a political, social, economic, and spiritual framework.  

QMF’s Process 

You can submit an application online, by phone, or by video. The application is reviewed by QMF’s community grantmaking panel, consisting of community members, activists/organizers and QMF grantees from across NC.  

• September 21: Application opens 
• October 21: Application closes
• November 20: Grant decisions announced

Our Fall 2020 grant cycle is currently closed. Please check back for updates on our next grant cycle in early 2021. If you have any questions, please email us at qmf@southernvision.org.