The “Queer to Stay” initiative launched awarding 10 LGBTQ+ small businesses across the country by addressing the financial hardships faced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donor Name: Human Rights Campaign
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 08/31/2024
Size of the Grant: Not Available
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
While the COVID-19 National Emergency has ended, LGBTQ+-serving businesses are still facing financial challenges and are at risk of closures. LGBTQ+ bars, centers and businesses often serve as safe and affirming places for large portion of the community, especially for young queer and trans people and communities of color. Studies have shown that since the 1980s, there has been a decline in LGBTQ+ bars across America because of assimilation, gentrification and the rise of dating apps.
At a time when LGBTQ+ businesses are working hard to stay open, they’re also faced with fighting against a wave of hate like they’ve never seen before. Opponents of progress seek to challenge the very existence of LGBTQ+ people and the spaces that they occupy. That is why LGBTQ+-serving businesses are so important; they provide a space for queer folks to be their authentic selves and live their best lives— and they’re not going anywhere. The Queer to Stay program aims to uplift these small businesses and provide them with the resources they need to continue making an impact in their communities— despite the aims of those who seek to silence them, they’re here to stay.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this donation, your business must meet the following criteria:
- The Queer to Stay initiative is specifically focused on supporting US-based, for-profit businesses. Nonprofit organizations and international businesses are not eligible for funding through the Queer to Stay initiative.
- Your business should primarily serve/cater to the LGBTQ+ community, including LGBTQ+ Communities of Color, the LGBTQ+ Women’s Community, and/or the Transgender and Non-Binary Community.
- Your business must explain how they have been negatively impacted financially due to COVID-19.
- Special consideration will be given to businesses that are owned by members of the communities they are trying to serve through this initiative — queer people of color, queer women and transgender and non-binary individuals. They will also prioritize funding for businesses that did not receive a donation from the Queer to Stay initiative previously.
- This is a one-time taxed donation, and HRC will select successful applicants in its sole discretion. Each recipient will be required to sign an agreement before receiving funds. The agreement will include specific terms and conditions relating to the award. Awardees will also be required to sign a conflict of interest certification and describe how funds were spent. HRC reserves the right to review progress at any time.
For more information, visit HRC.
