Gay & Lesbian Fund | Committed to Colorado

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Challenge Component

The majority of Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado grants contain a challenge component. We believe that a matching challenge can help nonprofits diversify their base of funding and introduce the organization to a wider array of donors.

For every dollar an organization raises up to an agreed amount, the Gay & Lesbian Fund matches that dollar. We only match new and increased donations made in response to the challenge component.

If offered a grant with a challenge component, we encourage you to use the various tools found on these pages to make the most of your grant.

What is a Challenge component?

Challenge components are capacity-building options intended to provide a nonprofit organization with a unique tool to leverage new and increased donations from current donors, and from potential new donors.

Goals of the Challenge component

A nonprofit organization’s long-term sustainability is dependent upon the ability to engage and cultivate an active and diverse support base.  We want you to use the challenge component to encourage and energize donors.

The challenge component is a tool to help your organization’s staff and leadership mobilize additional donor resources to help build long-term sustainability.

How does it work?

Potential grantees are required to apply for a grant from the Gay & Lesbian Fund.

Once the grant is formally approved, grantees can begin raising money toward the challenge in accordance with the terms of the 12-month grant contract.

For every dollar an organization raises up to an agreed amount, the Gay & Lesbian Fund matches that dollar. We only match new and increased donations made in response to this matching challenge. We do not match dollars that have already been pledged, nor do we match contributions already received prior to the beginning of the grant term.

If you have questions, please review the resources on this page, including the Challenge Grant Toolkit, or contact us at grantsmanager@gayandlesbianfund.org.

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.