Arkansas River Valley LGBTQ+ Fund 2024

The 2024 Arkansas River Valley LGBTQ+ Fund, established by the Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF), offers $10,000 to support two or more projects benefiting the LGBTQ+ community in the Arkansas River Valley. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to foster a sense of belonging and acceptance, as demonstrated by its focus on supportive spaces and inclusive services for the LGBTQ+ community. The fund is open to innovation, encouraging diverse ideas that meet the stated values and goals of the fund while prioritizing projects that directly address supportive spaces and inclusive services. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ within the Arkansas River Valley regional area. The fund aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment by promoting a sense of belonging and acceptance. Impact goals include increasing the inclusivity of existing programs and services, removing barriers for the LGBTQ+ community to access essential services, and fostering a community that embraces all cultures, classes, and abilities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The fund prioritizes projects falling into two key focus areas: Supportive Space and Inclusive Services. Supportive Space initiatives aim to promote a sense of belonging and acceptance through social, recreational, or other services specifically designed to be inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community. Inclusive Services focus on increasing the inclusivity of existing programs through adjustments, new program introductions, or staff training to remove barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals. While these two areas are prioritized, the committee also welcomes innovative "Other" ideas that align with the fund's values and goals. Projects funded by the 2024 Arkansas River Valley LGBTQ+ Fund are expected to run between November 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025. Successful applicants will demonstrate clearly defined activities that address identified community needs and present measurable outcomes, outputs, and impacts. The CCCF emphasizes a strong commitment to the Arkansas River Valley LGBTQ+ Fund's values. Eligible organizations include 501c3, 501c4, and 501c6 entities (or those under fiscal sponsorship), government entities, and grassroots organizations in good standing with the IRS and the State of Colorado. All applicants must be current on previous grant reports and adhere to CCCF’s non-discrimination statement.