LGBTQ Donor Engagement Program

Horizons seeks to support LGBTQ donor engagement opportunities of large LGBTQ-primary organizations (annual budget over $1 million) based within the nine counties of the SF Bay Area. With a maximum award of $5,000, the LGBTQ Donor Engagement Program exists to support annual fundraising events (e.g., gala), but if an organization does not have an annual fundraising event, it may be eligible for efforts that engage donors through alternative events (e.g., house parties, annual donor thank-you events, etc.).

Spring LGBTQ Donor Engagement Program applications are open in January for events taking place from February through June.

Fall LGBTQ Donor Engagement Program applications are open in July for events taking place from August through December.

The LGBTQ Donor Engagement Program is open to large LGBTQ-primary organizations (annual budgets over $1 million) based within the nine counties of the SF Bay Area.

Selective Criteria and Review Process

Horions supports events that:

Offer inspiring, engaging programming for and about the LGBTQ community

Incorporate strategies to build new relationships and increase giving, especially from individuals

Have clear goals for what a successful event looks like and a plan for measuring success

Are inclusive of people across the breadth of the LGBTQ community, e.g., geography, gender, race/ethnicity

Are closely aligned to Horizons Foundation’s mission

Staff from Horizons Foundation will review proposals and make final funding decisions. This is a competitive application process.

Eligibility

LGBTQ Donor Engagement Program grantee partners are limited to one approved request per calendar year per organization.

Please note that LGBTQ Donor Engagement award funds may not be used retroactively and the event must take place after the date the award is made.

To be eligible for an LGBTQ Donor Engagement Program award, an organization must:

Be a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, or provide documentation that the organization is fiscally sponsored by an organization that has 501(c)(3) status
Have its home office based in the nine counties of the SF Bay Area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma)
Be hosting an LGBTQ donor engagement event within one or more of nine counties of the SF Bay Area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma)
Be either an LGBTQ-primary organization with an annual budget over $1 million (LGBTQ-primary is defined as an organization whose mission includes the LGBTQ population as the primary focus of the work; whose staff and board predominantly reflect the LGBTQ community; and which primarily serves LGBTQ people) OR an LGBTQ-primary organization with a budget under $1 million that is celebrating a special anniversary year (e.g. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, etc.). Please contact us at grants [at] horizonsfoundation.org before submitting an application for a special anniversary celebration.

Proposal Process

1. Create an account

Create a user and organization account on our grantmaking portal. Questions about using the portal? Please review this handy guide. Still need help? Email us at grants [at] horizonsfoundation.org

2. Complete Proposal

Address all sections of the proposal and submit application online through our grantmaking portal.

3. Review and notification

Proposals are reviewed by staff, and funding decisions will be announced afterward.

Visit Application Portal

For questions about the LGBTQ Donor Engagement Program, or to set up an appointment to talk with a Horizons team member, contact us via email at grants [at] horizonsfoundation.org.