
Diversity Partnership Grants
Creating Opportunities and Impact
In 1997, the Foundation initiated a grants program specifically for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community. The grants awarded and impact achieved led to the establishment of the Diversity Partnership Fund, a permanent endowment field of interest fund. This endowment was made possible by the generosity of local donors and community leaders committed to creating a lasting impact on the well-being and quality of life for Santa Cruz County’s LGBTQ+ community.
Grant Program Goal
The Diversity Partnership was established to strengthen alliances, promote respect, and enhance services for Santa Cruz County’s LGBTQ+ community. The grant program seeks to sustain, enhance or expand programs and/or projects designed to serve the LGBTQ+ community.
Funding Priorities
Requests for funding should address one of the following priorities:
- Ensure access to welcoming and affirming services and programs that promote LGBTQ+ health and well-being.
- Create safe and welcoming places for the growth and development of LGBTQ+ youth.
- Support and strengthen Latino families to increase acceptance of LGBTQ+ family members.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, a project under the fiscal sponsorship of a nonprofit, or a public agency.
- Benefit residents in Santa Cruz County, the Summit, or the Pájaro Valley.
- Adhere to a Board-approved nondiscrimination policy regarding employment, governance, and service.
- We do not fund partisan political activities.
Examples of Support (not limited to these examples)
Funding is available to support a specific project, sustain general operations, or boost organizational effectiveness.
- Training, planning, assessment, capacity building, or general operations for LGBTQ+ organizations already working towards Diversity Partnership funding priorities.
- Youth-led education on LGBTQ+ and gender issues in K-12 schools for students, teachers, and administrators.
- Activities to ensure access to services for LGBTQ+ seniors.
- Evaluation of the implementation of LGBTQ+ policies in a healthcare setting.
- Programs that use evidence-based models that have proven effective with Latino families.
How to Apply
Information about our next Diversity Partnership grant opportunities will be announced in fall 2020.