About the Equity Innovation Lab
The Equity Innovation Lab is a new microgrant program developed to transfer power and resources to community-based projects led by and supporting LGBTQ+ elders nationwide.
It is a one-year program with unrestricted small grants of up to $8,000. Technical assistance and community-building help will be offered to support ongoing projects involving services and programming for marginalized LGBTQ+ older people.
6 grants were awarded in the first year (2023-2024). Learn more about our current slate of grantees!
Community groups, coalitions, or small organizations with annual operating budgets of $100,000 or less are invited to apply. Official 501(c)(3)(4) non-profit status not required but unaffiliated groups will need a fiscal sponsor to be eligible for funding.
Deadline Extended: Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 5 pm PST
Selections announced in early April 2024
Grants disbursed in late April 2024
The first grantee group meeting will be in early May 2024
Application Instructions
Equity Innovation Lab 2024 Application Office Hour 1 – Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 12 to 1 pm EST
Equity Innovation Lab 2024 Application Office Hour 2 – Thursday, February 1, 2024, 6 to 7 pm EST
Eligible Applicants
Community groups, coalitions or small organizations with annual operating budgets of $100,000 or less are invited to apply. Official 501(c)(3)(4) non-profit status not required but unaffiliated groups will need a fiscal sponsor in order to be eligible for funding.
Groups and organizations should work with and serve majority BIPOC, TGNC, and/or rural older people (ages 50 and older). Priority will be given to groups and organizations who have BIPOC, TGNC, and/or rural elder leadership.
Intergenerational groups and projects are welcome to apply.
Selection Criteria
The External Selection Panel will make decisions based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated BIPOC, TGNC, and rural older adult leadership and community
- Project impact
- Community need
- Representation from multiple geographic areas
- Representation from each of the target communities
- Representation from different project areas, such as health, social, educational, and arts programming
Application Timeline
- Deadline Extended: Wednesday, February 21, 5pm PST
- Selections announced early April 2024
- Grants disbursed late April 2024
- First grantee group meeting early May 2024
