Gay & Lesbian Fund | Committed to Colorado

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General FAQ

What is the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado?

The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado was established in 1996 to reflect the fact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Coloradans are committed to Colorado’s great quality of life and its future. We believe that Colorado is made stronger when it welcomes and includes all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender expression.  We rededicate ourselves to this important work everyday by providing nonprofits, civic organizations, government agencies and businesses with the wide variety of resources they need to be successful and inclusive.

Over the years, the Gay & Lesbian Fund has invested over $27.6 million in hundreds of high-impact nonprofits that better the quality of life for all Coloradans by providing important arts and culture, civic participation, healthy families, and public broadcasting programs. The fund does not provide funding to organizations that exclusively serve the LGBT population.

The Gay & Lesbian Fund is a program of the Gill Foundation.

How does the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado get its money?

As a program of the Gill Foundation, the Gay & Lesbian Fund receives its yearly budget allocation from the foundation. The Gill Foundation has an endowment and does not solicit contributions.

Grants made by the fund must go to nonprofit organizations that have an IRS 501(c)(3) public charity status and adhere to a nondiscrimination policy inclusive of sexual orientation and gender expression. Grants cannot be used for private or political purposes.

Welcome to the website for the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado

We’d like to update you on some important news.

In 2012, we are taking a break from all new grantmaking to undergo a strategic re-evaluation.

During this time, the Gay & Lesbian Fund will not accept any unsolicited 2012 grant applications, but all grantees that were awarded a grant from the Gay & Lesbian Fund during 2011 will receive a grant of the same amount in 2012 with no paperwork required. We will accomplish those renewals by March 1, 2012.

The Gay & Lesbian Fund is a program of the Gill Foundation. The Gill Foundation is as committed to Colorado as ever – giving more than $3.5 million to Colorado nonprofits annually. After this re-evaluation, the Gay & Lesbian Fund, which is only a portion of our Colorado giving, will continue to be a significant part of the foundation’s work in the state. We will announce, and update this site to reflect, the Gay & Lesbian Fund’s revised grantmaking and application guidelines as soon as that information is available.

In the interim, all Colorado programs outside of the Gay & Lesbian Fund, including the funding of our progressive allies, our LGBT and HIV service and advocacy organizations, and our anti-bullying work will continue on their current trajectory and will not be directly affected.

Thank you for your patience in the weeks and months ahead. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@gayandlesbianfund.org.