STATE — Nonprofit organizations that support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people and needs in Maine may be eligible for funding through the Maine Community Foundation’s (MaineCF) Equity Fund.

The fund helps strengthen LGBTQ+ organizations and supports initiatives that work toward inclusive, diverse, prejudice-free communities for the LGBTQ+ population and all people in Maine. In 2021, the fund awarded seven grants totaling $48,940. An additional three grants totaling $21,000 were made from donor-advised funds at MaineCF. The fund’s priorities include supporting organizations or projects that increase access to health care or reduce health disparities; reducing race-based disparities or barriers to opportunities; reducing violence and/or harassment; and promoting respect and understanding. The deadline for grant applications is September 15.

Last year’s grantees included the Church of Safe Injection, to provide resources to LGBTQIA+ community members who lack financial security; Mabel Wadsworth Women’s Health Center, to provide health care, including gender-affirming hormone therapy, for LGBTQ+ people and connect patients to additional services; and Outright Lewiston Auburn, to continue ongoing support of LGBTQ+ youth, families, and schools in western Maine.

View all past grantees at www.mainecf.org/recentgrants. For more information about the grant program and to apply, visit www.mainecf.org. Contact Director of Grantmaking Laura Lee with questions at [email protected] or 207-412-0838.