Equity Action awards $41,100 in mid-year grants

Recipients of the most recent grants awarded by Equity Action, an initiative of The Rhode Island Foundation, will address such diverse needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) communities of Rhode Island as marriage equality, health, and outreach services. The grants total $41,100.

These awards bring total Equity Action grants to more than $443,000 since the program was established at the Foundation in 2003.

Organizations receiving Equity Action grants and their funded projects are:

East Bay Center for a Violence Recovery Program for LGBTQ individuals
A nationally accredited healthcare organization, East Bay Center has outpatient mental health and substance abuse services, and currently works with those affected by trauma. The organization was awarded a grant of $4,000 for a violence recovery program. The program’s goal is to have a resource that is a safe place for LGBTQ survivors of partner abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and hate crimes. With no such program specifically designed for gay and lesbian individuals and their needs, this would be a first in the state.
Flickers Arts Collaborative for the Providence GLBT Film Festival
In its second decade, Flickers presents and creates film, educational programs and outreach, live performances, and cultural events. It was awarded a grant of $2,000 to help cover operating costs associated with producing the festival. The film festival, held during Flickers’ annual Rhode Island International Film Festival, is New England’s largest independent film festival and only Academy Award qualifying event.
Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) to support a community organizer
MERI was awarded a grant of $15,000 to support a community organizer position to identify and engage marriage equality supporters in the four Rhode Island regions –Newport, East Greenwich/Warwick, Warren/Bristol and Providence that are most important to the strategic objective of enacting same-sex marriage in RI by 2012. MERI’s primary goal is to help change the political climate for marriage equality.
Rhode Island Pride to continue programs and services to the LGBTQ community
Rhode Island Pride was awarded a grant of $3,000 to continue the organization’s programs and services to the LGBTQ community. With its new location, the Pride Center has become a resource for volunteers, organizations and other members of the LGBTQ community. Rhode Island Pride continues to reach out to an increasingly diverse and growing population, and is dedicated to continuing the work of providing safe opportunities and venues for the LGBTQ community to come together.
Youth Pride, Inc. (YPI) to support a Gay Straight Alliance and case management coordinator
YPI, the only statewide organization committed to addressing the needs/concerns of youth and young adults affected by sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, was awarded a grant of $14,600 to support a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) and case management coordinator position.
Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) to “Your Friends and Neighbors”
MERI has been awarded a $2,500 grant to support “Your Friends and Neighbors”, an online project that serves two purposes: the identification of LGBTQ individuals, families, and allies in Rhode Island to better inform legislators about their constituents and allow for direct contact; and streamline communication by instantly connecting viewers with their elected officials. An interactive state map will serve as the online mechanism for this process.

Equity Action has two funding cycles per year for project and capacity-building grants. The next application deadline is October 15 for grants that range from $2,500 to $15,000. In addition, applications are accepted on a rolling basis for a small grants program for projects up to $2,500. Interested organizations can obtain further information by visiting Equity Action at www.equityaction.org.