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Queer Mobilization Fund’s Application IS OPEN!

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 BIPOC-led organizations across the US Southeast [AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV]

The Queer Mobilization Fund is open to groups who have 501c3 status, a fiscal sponsor, or groups without any legal designation. We prioritize moving grants to organizations with budgets under $300,000 that are: LGBTQ, BIPOC-led, grassroots, community-led, new/emergent, and/or rural organizations doing work in the Southeastern US. QMF intentionally supports communities that are often barred from receiving financial support for their efforts. We do not fund: groups outside of the US southeast, for-profit businesses or projects that are not led by LGBTQ+ communities.  

If you have any questions, please email us at qmf@southernvision.org.

We offer two different grant opportunities:

BISCUITS Grant

A capacity building grant of up to $5,000 that is open to organizations with budgets under $300,000. The BISCUITS grant includes technical assistance and access to a cohort of peer organizations with networking + learning opportunities.  Grant recipients are asked to attend two short virtual gatherings to open and close the grant cycle as well as a half day virtual QMF gathering in August.  This grant comes with a $500 organizational wellness stipend and encourages participation in technical assistance. Participation in the cohort and in technical assistance is not required to receive funding but groups who indicate they want to participate in their application will be prioritized. We hear from many grantees that the technical assistance and cohort are the best parts of the grant! This grant is only open to groups who have never received a QMF grant before OR are a previous QMF grantee who has turned in their most recent QMF final report.   

GRAVY Grant

A $10,000 capacity building grant that invites grantees to prioritize and commit to technical assistance and is available only to prior BISCUITS grant recipients with budgets under $450,000.  Grant recipients have access to all resources provided to them in previous grant cycles, as well as a $1000 organizational wellness stipend.  Grant recipients are asked to attend attend two short virtual gatherings to open and close the grant cycle, a half day QMF gathering in August, and the SVA All Member Gathering.  GRAVY grantees are highly encouraged to engage in technical assistance at least once per month for the duration of the grant.  This grant is available only to previous BISCUITS grant recipients who have turned in their most recent final report. There are a limited number of GRAVY grants- any group that applies for and does not receive a GRAVY grant, will automatically be considered for the BISCUITS grant (as long as total budget is under $300k).  

Areas of work we fund (based on community input):

• 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 BIPOC. (i.e. 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 BIPOC 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.  

• Creative Liberation: Support for projects that embody arts based-liberation strategies, create visibility for BIPOC/LGBTQ people through stories, creative expression, and other artistic mediums.  

QMF’s Process 

Applications are reviewed by QMF’s community grantmaking panel, consisting of community members, activists/organizers and QMF grantees from and connected to the US Southeast [AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV]. 

March 1: Application opens  

March 31: Application closes 

May 15: Grant decisions announced 

May 16-31: Distribution of funds 

How to Apply 

You can submit an application online via the clickable buttons under each grant opportunity description, by phone, or by video. In addition, we are happy to offer an Application Representative to anyone who requests this option. An Application Representative is a member of our grantmaking panel and supports groups who want to apply to QMF but may not feel comfortable applying using a written application. An Application Representative may also reach out to your group if the grantmaking panel has questions about your application. Please email us at qmf@southernvision.org for more information on alternate ways to apply to the program including phone conversation, video or other creative ideas via our Application Representative. 

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.