Among proposals that are eligible for funding, the State Equality Fund will give priority to the following:
1) State-based or local organizations with ongoing LGBT equality efforts. National organizations and organizations that otherwise receive significant funding from the donors to the State Equality Fund should not apply.
2) States and organizations not currently funded by the State Equality Fund are a higher priority than those that are currently funded. States and organizations that are funded will be required to demonstrate that the organization will have the requisite level of staffing and other resources necessary to complete the proposed scope of work.
3) Proposals that demonstrate meaningful collaboration with relevant organizations, including non-LGBT allies, and all other LGBT advocacy efforts in the state or locale. Joint proposals are welcomed and encouraged. We expect organizations to work with and build progressive coalitions and we encourage joint proposals with progressive organizations. Donors prefer that applicants pursuing a family recognition outcome submit a joint application with an organization(s) working in the field of child welfare. Donors also recommend that applicants pursuing an outcome related to safe schools demonstrate leadership within an established safe schools coalition; joint applications with non-LGBT coalition member(s) are encouraged.
4) State efforts that have the greatest impact on the most number of people, especially those efforts that have regional or national significance or occur in states with few LGBT protections.
5) Efforts and projects that will leave the grantee(s) with greater capacity to achieve further LGBT equality gains in the future.
6) Efforts that show strong community buy-in, financial support, and long-term sustainability.
7) Well-developed plans that are achievable and feasible.
8) Efforts that effectively engage the meaningful participation and leadership of people of color and low-income individuals and communities, working to address racial disparities.
