Microgrants

Microgrants is sponsored by The Uplifting Trans Fund. Distributes microgrants to projects that support and celebrate transgender, non-binary, and intersex people and communities, focusing on advocacy, creativity, joy, and resilience.

Microgrants - Uplifting Trans Fund info@upliftingtransfund. org 1800 JFK Blvd Suite 300 - 94841 Philly, PA 19103 The Uplifting Trans Fund provides microgrants to projects that support and celebrate transgender, non-binary, and intersex people and communities. This can be a brand new project or a project that you have already have in action that needs further support.

We are particularly interested in funding projects that are not eligible for traditional funding streams. You do NOT need to have nonprofit status or work for a nonprofit to apply. Our standard award is $2500.

All grant applications must fall into one or more of the following categories: Each grant cycle will also have one additional priority area as chosen by Board of Directors. Our 2026 Priority Area will be Uplifting Two Spirit People & Communities . Read our FAQs below for more information about eligibility, application and reporting requirements, as well as the answers to other questions we are frequently asked.

*Note about language: We use the shorthand of “trans” as an umbrella term. This includes transgender, non-binary, and intersex people, in addition to all others who identify as something other than cisgender. We encourage applications from BIPOC folks, disabled people, and others who experience multiple marginalizations.

Learn more about Past Grantees Eligibility & Other Frequently Asked Questions Want to know more about our grants? Check our answers to commonly asked questions below. Can I apply for a grant in 2025?

Our application window for 2025 has closed. Please join our mailing list to be notified when we open our 2026 grant cycle. When does the next grant cycle open?

Our 2025 Grant Cycle opened on May 22, 2025 and closed on June 13, 2025. While we hope to be able to award these grants annually, we do not open grant cycles until we have reached out $15,000 threshold. I missed Round 1, can I apply for Round 2?

Unfortunately no. Round 2 applications are only open to those who applied in Round 1 and were randomly selected to apply in Round 2. I applied but never heard back? UTF notified all 2025 applicants about the status of their application in the last week of June.

If you did not receive an email, please check your spam folder or that your organizational settings did not block the email. (Emails are sent through Airtable Automations.) Can I recelve feedback on my application?

While we deeply appreciate that applicants put a great deal of effort into their submissions and guidance for future applications may be helpful, UTF is unable to provide feedback on any applications that we receive. How can I be notified when an application cycle opens? We announce grant cycle openings on our email list.

Scroll to the bottom of this page and look for "Join Our Email List". How does UTF define trans? We use the shorthand of “trans” as an umbrella term.

This includes transgender, non-binary, and intersex people, in addition to all others who identify as something other than cisgender. Do I have to be trans to apply? The Uplifting Trans Fund does not discriminate and invites applications from any individual or group with a mission-aligned proposal.

UTF does not make selection decisions on the basis of any individual's race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, national origin, handicap or disability or another characteristic protected under applicable law. What is the application process? We use a 2-part grant application approach to help create more equity across the process, while limiting the unpaid labor we ask of applicants and volunteer reviewers.

Our first round will help learn more about and determine the eligibility of all proposed projects, and then we will use a random number generator to select eligible projects to move to Round 2 and complete a full application. Do you provide accessibility support for the application process? Yes, please reach out to us.

How are applications evaluated? Applications are reviewed based on five areas: 1) Fit with UTF Mission 2) Benefits to Community 3) Fit with Grant Category 4) Feasibility and 5) Overall Project Goals & Plan What types of projects are not eligible?

While we understand that there is a pressing need, UTF is unable to provide support for projects outside the US, individual or single family needs, and we do not provide funds for individual's medical transition, legal fees, relocation costs, or the like. Due to federal restrictions, we are also not able to fund projects that support political campaigns or lobbying.

Additionally, we do not fund projects retroactively, so projects that will be completed by/before November 2025 are not eligible. What are the reporting requirements? Do I need nonprofit status to apply?

You do NOT need to have nonprofit status, work for a nonprofit, or be an IRS recognized organization to apply. If you are an individual or an LLC, accepting grant funds may have tax implications for you. Are there tax implications?

Please note that acceptance of grant funds may have tax implications for individuals or LLCs who apply outside of an IRS recognized organization (i.e. an S-Corp, C-Corp or non-profit). Plain language: If awarded, these funds may count as personal income, and you may have to report this as personal income and pay taxes on it. Everyone’s situation is different and we cannot advise you about whether or not this will apply to you.

Please check with your tax advisor for more information. Do you fund other LGBTQ projects? While we honor that much of the work overlaps with larger LGBTQ community work, the focus of this grant is specifically to provide resources to transgender, non-binary, and intersex folks.

Do you fund international projects? We recognize that there is a global need for funding to support transgender, non-binary, and intersex people living their lives throughout the world. While we wish we were able to provide funding to all in need, at the present time these grant funds are only available to organizations or individuals based in the United States.

Supporting Projects that Support Trans Communities Stay up-to-date on what the Uplifting Trans Fund is up to! Thank you for subscribing! The Uplifting Trans Fund is a donor funded 501(c3) nonprofit organization that distributes microgrants to projects that support and celebrate transgender, non-binary, and intersex people and communities.

info@upliftingtransfund. org 1800 JFK BLVD SUITE 300 - 94841 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103 info@upliftingtransfund. org