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

1. Applicants are welcome to speak with foundation staff about how your proposal addresses the Diversity Partnership grant guidelines. Contact Program Officer Ana Espinoza at 831.662.2073 or email aespinoza@cfscc.org. Any question is work asking!
2. Submit the online application by 5 p.m. on September 13, 2019. If you need access to electronic resources, you are welcome to visit the Community Foundation’s resource library from 8:30 AM to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Applicants will be asked to submit a list of current board members, an annual budget as compared with actual year-to-date income and expenses, and most recent audited financial documents.
3. Invited grant applicants will participate in a proposal learning session with the Diversity Partnership Advisory Committee during the dates of October 16 & 17 at the Foundation. A designated date and time will be provided in advance to each applicant.

Timeline

• July 17 (optional): Attend the Grant Information Session
• July 18: Application opens
• September 13: Applications due online by 5 p.m.
• October 16-17: Advisory Committee holds a learning session with invited applicants - 4 to 6 p.m.
• October 17- 31: Staff and advisory committee review and rate proposals.
• November 1: Notification of grant awards