Our Fund Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Our Fund Foundation supports LGBTQ causes and advocacy for vulnerable populations in South Florida.
IP TAKE: According to Our Fund, it has become the third-largest LGBTQ+ community foundation in the U.S. and has numerous funds, programs, and initiatives to support the local LGBTQ population. A signatory of the GUTC Pledge, Our Fund is a prominent and growing philanthropic force on the LGBTQ+ funding scene that prioritizes the needs of local LGBTQ+ seniors. This accessible and transparent grantmaker welcomes contact, so don’t hesitate to call them with questions.
PROFILE: Established in 2010, the Our Fund Foundation (OFF) is a LGBTQ+ community foundation based in Wilton Manors, Florida. It was originally “envisioned as a means of capturing and preserving LGBT financial resources to create a livable community for this and future generations in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties.” A signatory of the GUTC Pledge, OFF works to promote “philanthropy, manages enduring investments and conducts impactful grant-making to improve the lives of LGBTQ people in South Florida.” The foundation invests in local efforts for LGBTQ+ elders, women, transgender individuals, HIV/AIDS, arts and culture for LGBTQ+ expression, and social justice for all LGBTQ+ people.
Grants for LGBTQ
The Our Fund Foundation has a dedicate grant program, focused on LGBTQ causes, that invests in health and wellness, social justice and arts and culture. In addition to its three grant programs, OFF also offers awards through seven fields of interest, which include women, youth, elders, transgender rights and justice, HIV/AIDS, arts and culture, and social justice.
Grants for Health and Community Development
Our Fund’s health and community grantmaking focused addresses the “unique health related risks and disparities LGBTQ+ individuals experience, including physical, emotional, social and behavioral aspects of health as well as the social isolation of LGBTQ+ elders. Included as priorities for Our Fund HIV/AIDS, addiction and mental health, and healthcare access, affordability, and responsiveness.”
These grants may be awarded up to $40,000. Grants in this space are typically due annually in June. This area is a priority giving area as need has only increased year over year.
Grants for Racial Justice, Human Rights and Journalism
OFF’s Social Justice Fund envisions a “world in which all LGBTQ+ people live with dignity, safety, and opportunity. Preference for grants from the Fund is given to the agencies, programs and services that increase LGBTQ+ inclusion and acceptance and expand LGBTQ-affirming protection.”
Social Justice grants may be awarded up to $50,000 and are typically due in December. This area of giving prioritizes Black-led organizations that “promote racial justice and equity, and counteract systemic racism.”
Grants related to social justice and human rights also occur through the foundation’s grants for arts and culture as funded projects relate to narratives from LGBTQ+ voices.
While not a main feature of racial justice or human rights funding, OFF’s Norm Kent LGBTQ Newsmakers Fund supports LGBTQ “journalism, publishing and research.”
Another opportunity related to social justice includes OFF’s Justin Plippen Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is “awarded annually to a Political Science major with a record of community service and political activism. Preference will be given to students exhibiting interest in promoting LGBTQ equality.”
Grants for Arts and Culture
This funder’s LGBTQ Arts & Culture Fund works to “promote South Florida artistic expression that amplifies LGBTQ voices and works in the service of preserving, telling and celebrating LGBTQ stories and to promoting LGBTQ equality and social justice.”
Grants through this Fund are typically due in February and may award up to $20,000.
Important Grant Details:
OFF has two annual grant cycles and a grant review committee that reviews applications before the board of directors approves them. Grants range between about $1,000 and $10,000.
Learn more about this funder’s local giving in the seasonal listings of grantees on the funder’s website.
Grantmaking focuses on Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties in Florida.
Before applying for a grant, first review OFF’s guidelines in each section of giving, which address RFPs, budgets and program specific information that evolves annually. OFF provides special considered to organizations that are LGBTQ-led and “offer proof of proactively addressing gaps in representation” as reflected in its staff, board and participants, as well as those which “leverage partnerships between similar-missioned agencies.”
Note that a “non-LGBTQ-primary organization seeking funding for a LGBTQ-specific program/project should show a track record or history of serving the LGBTQ+ BIPOC community, or have an LGBTQ+ partnering organization that is BIPOC led.”
Grants do not fund:
Requests for costs incurred prior to the date of the grant award
Requests led by government agencies
Requests for capital support, including construction and renovation
Fundraising event sponsorship
Organizations with outstanding grant project reports
Application dates differ by program, so confirm with OFF’s site and staff before applying any remaining details.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. Direct general questions to the staff at info@our-fund.org or 954-565-1090
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
LINKS:
