Grant Management Tips for Queer-Specific and -Adjacent Programs
Dear nonprofits and fundraising professionals,
For many LGBTQIA+ nonprofits, grants are a critical funding source. However, not all grants are created equal, and government funding often comes with restrictions, bureaucratic hurdles, and political risks that can be particularly challenging for Queer-focused organizations. That’s why prioritizing private foundations and philanthropic funders are essential for long-term sustainability.
If your nonprofit is looking to secure funding for Queer-specific or -adjacent programs, it's important to understand what these terms mean:
Queer-Specific Programs: These are programs designed explicitly for LGBTQIA+ individuals, addressing issues such as LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness, mental health services, gender-affirming healthcare, and Queer cultural initiatives.
Queer-Adjacent Programs: These are initiatives that, while not exclusively LGBTQIA+-focused, have a significant impact on Queer communities. Examples include reproductive justice programs, racial equity initiatives, housing justice efforts, and general healthcare services that ensure LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.
Here are some key grant writing tips—along with strategies for identifying, cultivating, and maintaining relationships with funders who truly align with your mission.
1. Prioritize the Right Funders
Not all funding opportunities are worth pursuing. LGBTQIA+ nonprofits should focus on private foundations and philanthropic institutions that have a history of funding Queer causes rather than relying on government grants, which can be unpredictable and restrictive.
Quick Tips:
Research funders using databases like Candid or Foundation Directory Online.
Identify funders that explicitly support LGBTQIA+ initiatives or broader social justice movements.
Look at past grantees to see if organizations similar to yours have received funding.
2. Build Relationships Before Applying
Unlike government grants, private funding is often built on relationships. A cold grant submission with no prior engagement is far less likely to succeed than one where the funder is already familiar with your work. Nonprofit teams get stuck in the schedule of their grants calendar, and forget that there are people on the other side of the line too.
Quick Tips:
Before applying, reach out to program officers via email or LinkedIn to introduce your nonprofit and gauge alignment.
Attend funder-hosted webinars, networking events, and panel discussions to make connections.
If you receive a rejection, don’t see it as the end—ask for feedback and keep the conversation going!!
3. Tell a Powerful Story
Queer-specific and -adjacent programs have unique and compelling stories. Use storytelling to highlight the real-world impact of your work and why your organization is essential in today’s social and political climate.
Quick Tips:
Ground your narrative in both data and human impact—use statistics to show need, but also share personal stories to bring the issue to life.
Align your proposal’s language with the funder’s stated priorities. Read their mission statement and integrate key themes into your application.
Emphasize sustainability—show how your organization will make a lasting impact beyond the grant cycle.
4. Make It Easy to Say Yes
Funders are reviewing dozens, if not hundreds, of grant applications. The easier you make it for them to understand and support your work, the better your chances. All of the quick tips below are easier when you are working ahead of schedule. Do you what you can to work in advance (like hiring a grant writer)!
Quick Tips:
Be clear and concise—avoid jargon and unnecessary complexity.
Follow formatting and word count guidelines exactly.
Include compelling visuals, such as infographics or testimonials, where possible.
5. Show How You’ll Measure Success
Funders want to see a clear return on their investment. Clearly outline how you will track and report the impact of their support.
Quick Tips:
Define key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your program’s goals.
Be specific about how you will collect data (e.g., surveys, case studies, financial reports).
Offer funders the opportunity to visit your programs in action or engage with beneficiaries. Grant funders are donors too.
6. Follow Up and Steward Relationships
Winning a grant isn’t the end of the road—it’s the beginning of a long-term relationship. Stewardship is key to securing renewed funding and potential multi-year grants.
Quick Tips:
Send personalized thank-you notes or video messages to funders.
Keep them updated with impact reports, newsletters, and event invitations.
If possible, invite funders to community events or behind-the-scenes tours to deepen their connection to your work.
For Queer nonprofits, diversifying revenue streams is essential for sustainability (which we’ll dive into in next week’s blog). Prioritizing private funders and philanthropic institutions over government grants ensures greater financial flexibility, reduces dependency on shifting political landscapes, and allows organizations to stay true to their mission without restrictive funding conditions.
By strategically prospecting, building relationships, crafting compelling proposals, and stewarding funders with care, LGBTQIA+ organizations can secure the resources they need to thrive.
Now, it’s time to take action—start researching funders who align with your work, reach out, and make those connections count!
Sincerely,
Queers
Queer For Hire provides fundraising support and LGBTQIA+ diversity training for nonprofits, professionals, and corporations.
Learn about our Fundraising Services <here> – we’ll lead or support your fundraising efforts, whether you need general support or want to focus on raising money from and for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Learn about our Fundraising Trainings <here> – we can coach your board, staff, and fundraising team on how to fundraise and how to engage LGBTQIA+ donors.
Learn about our other services <here> or our resources <here>.
