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.
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 grantees 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 and include people of color and address racial disparities.