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Community Debrief:
Our LGBTQ Fund's 2022 Grant Process + Awards
Our LGBTQ Fund Advisory Committee and Grand Rapids Community Foundation staff are grateful to all of the community members who participated at our Community Debrief about Our LGBTQ Fund's recent grant process and awards - thank you! For those who were unable to make it, below you will find a recap, including ways you can remain involved with the fund:
Watch the replay of debrief discussion
Volunteer fund representatives and staff members spoke about the recent grantmaking process and community members spoke about their experiences. It was a pleasure to hear from those who attended and to receive their feedback. Here is a link to the slide deck that was presented.

Click this link to watch the Zoom recording. If you were unable to attend but have feedback, please add responses to this form.
Resources and ways to stay engaged

  • Committee Membership - Our LGBTQ Fund is actively seeking volunteer committee members, in particular those who represent BIPOC LGBTQ+ communities. Are you interested in volunteering? Email Chantal Pasag at CPasag@GRFoundation.org

  • Donate - These grant awards were made possible due to the generous support of donor partners who believe in the power of this community-led fund. Help us expand future grant award rounds by donating at GiveGR.org/LGBTQFund

  • What's a Fiduciary? (and other questions) - Due to the increased desire to award grants to organizations and movements who are not 501c3s, one of the major question themes that came out of the breakout room discussions was about fiduciaries. What they are, how to find one and how does it work? Community Foundation staff have created a FAQ sheet about Fiduciaries and hope to build on that as we continue to get feedback and learn more about what is needed. 
Themes from our breakout rooms
These are the major themes that emerged from community members who shared their perspective during the community debrief sessions. The breakout rooms were purposefully not recorded to create a space where people could provide anonymous feedback:

  • Continue to expand accessibility of grant application and reporting process
  • Provide more information about the grant amounts available to organizations and groups
  • Offer multiple different avenues for application such as video, conversation, written application, while making each experience equitable (e.g. no time limits on video/voice submissions)
  • Explore ways to share learning and elevate the voices of grant partners without exploitation

  • Expand opportunities for direct giving to individuals, businesses, and non 501c3 organizations

  • Appreciation for the updated process
  • The emphasis on intersectionality was important
  • Appreciated the emphasis on equity and justice 
  • Transparency was valued – community, including nonprofits, community members and donor partners want to see continued transparency about how these decisions are made

  • Organizational implications for Grand Rapids Community Foundation
  • Desire to see some of these processes extend to other Community Foundation applications as a whole: video applications, non-extractive reporting requirements, direct giving/fiduciary support
  • Interest in education around endowment, spendable balance, types of funds at the Community Foundation to fully understand the available resources
Thank you!
Thank you for joining us to gather with Our LGBTQ Fund Advisory Committee, the broader community and the Community Foundation to meet and debrief our grant decision making process. We believe in transparency and collaboration in order for our efforts to truly be community-led.

Founded in 2014, Our LGBTQ Fund was created to provide a safe, welcoming and healthy environment for LGBTQ communities in West Michigan by increasing wellness and prosperity levels, visibility, acceptance, support and access to resources. To learn more visit GRFoundation.org/OurLGBTQFund