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Queer Mobilization Fund’s Application is OPEN!
Application closes April 4th, 2021.
Request for Proposals
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 made HB2 possible. It is with this reflective lens that illuminates our histories and inspires change in our realities, that supporting queer and trans people of color organizing to reclaim our futures is centered in our funding efforts.
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 shifted to receiving applications each spring for requests up to $5,000. In addition to financial resources, QMF offers support in strengthening groups/organizations capacity through participation in a cohort that includes technical assistance and network gatherings, with the goal of increasing 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 and 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 intentionally supports communities that are often barred from receiving financial support for their efforts.
The Queer Mobilization Fund is open to groups who have 501c3 status, a fiscal sponsor, or groups without any legal designation*.
Grants of up to $5,000 may be requested and automatically include an additional $500 wellness stipend to go toward organizational Healing Justice efforts.
The grant includes access to a Cohort, where your group will be able to access technical assistance + capacity building support for your organization. The cohort will also include one annual fall gathering [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.
*please note groups without a fiscal sponsor or 501(c)3 status are responsible for paying taxes on their grant awards.
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 does not fund groups outside of the US southeast, for-profit businesses or projects that are not led by/center/benefit LGBTQ communities. We prioritize funding groups with budgets under $300,000.
QMF’s Process
Applications are reviewed by QMF’s community grantmaking panel, consisting of community members, activists/organizers and QMF grantees from across NC. You can submit an application online, by phone, or by video. Please email us at qmf@southernvision.org for instructions on submitting a video or applying via phone.
March 1: Application opens
April 4: Application closes
May 13: Grant decisions announced
May 14- June 14: Distribution of funds
Do you want assistance in developing your organizations project proposal? We are happy to talk through your idea and give you feedback on your application before you submit. Please email us at qmf@southernvision.org.
If you have any questions, please email us at qmf@southernvision.org.