What is this?

LGBTQ+ rights are under attack. From rollbacks on DEI policies to bans on gender-affirming care, federal and state governments are stripping away the safety, dignity, and freedom of queer and trans people. These actions go beyond politics. They threaten people’s fundamental rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

As Humanists, we strive towards an equitable distribution of the means of life. We strongly believe in self-determination, human freedom, compassion, and justice, and right now, these values demand that we act. 

The Young Queer Community Organizer Grant is a new initiative we’ve designed to support young Humanists (ages 18-30) who want to make a difference in their communities. We’re offering grants of up to $700 dollars to go towards a service project of your design. This project is to be completed alongside new or pre-existing LGBTQ+ organizations, with extra support for collaborative projects. This is an opportunity to put your humanist values into action in a way that builds connections and strengthens the support systems that we all need more of today.

Who can apply?

We are especially excited to hear from applicants who:

• Are between the ages of 18 and 30

• Are active and passionate members of LGBTQ+ communities

• Identify with our Humanist values of reason, equity, and compassion

What can the grant be used for?

We want to empower young organizers to perform unique projects that they are passionate about. If you have something specific in mind, tell us about it! If you need a little inspiration, we have plenty of materials that could serve as a jumping off point (see our Program Toolkit).

Here are some examples of project ideas:

1. Community Healing Circle: Cultivate a safe space for queer and trans people of all ages to gather and share their experiences (see our Young Humanist Mentorship Program)

2. Queer Humanist Day of Service: Partner with a local LGBTQ+ organization and bring volunteers together for a joint day of community service.

3. Art Projects for Pride: Host an event where people come together to complete a specific arts and crafts project. The project can be anything you or your participants would have fun doing.

4. Your Idea Here!

Note: Funding cannot be used for speaker fees, donations to existing orgs, or anything unrelated to the specific goals outlined in your project plan.

We’re offering this program because we truly believe that people like you have the capacity to inspire and accomplish monumental change. This grant could be a new step in your journey towards building a better world.

Grant Tiers

We are offering grants of up to $1000 for these service projects, and are willing to supply additional funding to service projects completed in collaboration with existing organizations that promote LGBTQ+ rights.

How to Apply

Click here to access the application form.

Application Questions:

1. Describe, in detail, the project you are proposing. How does your project address the needs of your LGBTQ+ community? How does it align with Humanism?

2. Tell us about yourself and your skills. Why are you passionate about this? What experiences, talents, or knowledge do you have that demonstrate that you will be able to make the most of this opportunity?

3. Why is funding important for this project? Specifically, how do you plan to spend the money?

4. How will you determine if your project was successful? What specific goals do you have in mind, and how will you measure if you meet these goals successfully?

5. Demographics questions:

• Tell us a little bit about yourself.

• Please share anything else you want to share about your identity that hasn’t been addressed elsewhere in the application.

6. Submit a 250 word bio for us to publish if you are to be awarded the grant.

7. VIDEO SUBMISSION: Make a 1-2 minute video introducing yourself and explaining your background, as well as your passion and the outcomes you want to achieve.

Timeline

• June 18, 2025 – Application opens!

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

• Within about 2 weeks, you will hear back about the status of your proposal.

• We may ask you to do a short, friendly interview with us if we have any questions about your application.

• If selected, we will collaborate with you on a project timeline.

• We will have periodic check-ins with you and provide ongoing support throughout your project.

After Your Project

After your project is complete, we want to continue helping your community and project grow. We’ll ask that you fill out our Impact Questionnaire to help us recognize your successes and areas for future growth, this questionnaire will help us know the best way to do so.

If you found your project meaningful and feel that you achieved stellar success, our doors are open to collaborate with you on future events and service projects, and may even want to connect with you about leadership opportunities, fellowships, and scholarships with AHA.

You may also have opportunities to…

• Write a short blog post about your project to be published on our social media

• Share photos from your event on our social media platforms

• Attend our virtual Grantee Reception to celebrate your achievements alongside other grantees

Questions?

Reach out to us @grassroots@americanhumanist.org.