LGBTQ+ Fund seeks applications for 2023 grants

AUGUSTA — The Maine Justice Foundation has announced a round of grants from the LGBTQ+ Fund.

The foundation will accept applications for grants from organizations working to advance awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues from through Tuesday, May 23. The grants awarded through the fund will typically range up to $10,000.

The grant guidelines and application form can be found at grantinterface.com/sl/qKcAKt.

The fund supports education and advocacy aimed at achieving access to justice and equity for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+. It will support members of the LGBTQ+ community by forging social, systemic and economic solutions to combat discrimination and bias against LGBTQ+ individuals and groups in Maine, according to a news release from the foundation.

Grants from the fund will be made to qualified organizations for programs to advance LGBTQ+ justice throughout Maine at every level of society, including the legal system, healthcare, education, the workplace, food insecurity, natural resources and housing. Applicants must be Maine-based and demonstrate the involvement and participation of Maine residents who are LGBTQ+ identifying in all aspects of the proposed project.

The fund was formed by seven founding donors in 2016. The first grants were awarded in 2019.

“The foundation is committed to access to justice for all, including those marginalized members of the LGBTQ+ community who face discriminatory treatment in all aspects of society,” said Michelle Draeger, executive director of the foundation. “We hope to fund projects that serve to eliminate unjust bias and discrimination operating against this vulnerable community.”

The fund’s Advisory Committee has formulated specific goals for grant making, issued the current request for proposals and will recommend grants.

For a full description of the LGBTQ+ Fund and the Advisory Committee, visit justicemaine.org.

For more information, contact Draeger at 207-620-1351 or mdraeger@justicemaine.org; or Linsey MacDougall, development and programs manager, at 207-620-1354 or lmacdougall@justicemaine.org.