Pride St. Louis is proud to offer quarterly grants of up to $5,000 through our Community Give Back Fund. This program provides financial support to nonprofits, community organizations, and individuals serving the LGBTQIA+ community.

Grants are awarded each quarter to applicants advancing meaningful projects, programs, or events that empower, support, and strengthen the LGBTQIA+ community.

Funding Priorities

  • Successful applications typically support initiatives that:

  • Create, expand, or innovate community-based services, including legal support, healthcare, education, harm reduction, food access, and housing

  • Launch or grow impactful programs and events

  • Advance public policy and advocacy efforts

  • Strengthen social justice initiatives

  • Improve access to local resources, particularly for underserved LGBTQIA+ populations

2026 Priority Focus Areas

In 2026, Pride St. Louis is especially interested in supporting initiatives that serve:

  • Transgender and gender non-binary/non-conforming individuals

  • Marginalized LGBTQIA+ communities, including but not limited to Latino, BIPOC, immigrant, and food- and housing-insecure populations

  • LGBTQIA+ youth

  • LGBTQIA+ elders

Eligibility

Applicants must be located within the St. Louis, MO–IL Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The St. Louis MSA includes the following counties and jurisdictions:

Missouri

  • City of St. Louis

  • St. Louis County

  • St. Charles County

  • Jefferson County

  • Franklin County

  • Lincoln County

  • Warren County

  • Crawford County (City of Sullivan only)

Illinois

  • Bond County

  • Calhoun County

  • Clinton County

  • Jersey County

  • Macoupin County

  • Madison County

  • Monroe County

  • St. Clair County

Nonprofit Organizations

To be eligible, organizations must:

  • Provide proof of 501(c)(3) nonprofit status under the Internal Revenue Code

  • Propose a program or event occurring in 2026

  • Demonstrate that requested funds, up to $5,000, will directly support a community-based program or event

Community Organizations Without 501(c)(3) Status

Organizations without federal nonprofit status must provide:

  • Two years of financial records

  • Proof of fiscal sponsorship

  • Documentation of past programs or initiatives, such as flyers, videos, social media assets, or press coverage

Individual Applicants

Individual applicants must provide:

  • Documentation of previously produced programs, events, or initiatives (e.g., flyers, videos, social media assets, press coverage)

Grant Benefits

Recipients receive:

  • Financial support through a grant award of up to $5,000

  • One complimentary Pride Partnership to help promote the funded program or event

  • Inclusion in Pride St. Louis promotional efforts throughout the year, including social media, email marketing, web content, and earned media

Acceptance of a Community Give Back Fund grant designates Pride St. Louis as a named sponsor of the funded program or event unless otherwise agreed.

Timeline, Review and Approval Process

The Community Give Back Fund operates on a quarterly cycle, with grants of up to $5,000 selected each quarter.

January – March

Application Deadline: March 31

Recipients Selected: April

April – June

Application Deadline: June 30

Recipients Selected: July

July – September

Application Deadline: September 30

Recipients Selected: October

October – December

Application Deadline: December 31

Recipients Selected: January

  • Applications are compiled and submitted to the Pride St. Louis Board of Directors for review immediately following each quarterly deadline.

  • Grants are discussed and voted on by the full Board at the board meeting immediately following the application deadline.

  • Selected applicants will receive payment after formal approval by the Board of Directors.

  • All applicants will be notified of the Board’s decision following the vote.

Applicants are encouraged to plan program timelines accordingly to align with the quarterly review schedule.

Have questions? Email Jordan Braxton at jordan.braxton@pridestl.org.

APPLY BELOW

2026 Awardees

  • Award Amount: $2,500

    Focus Area: LGBTQIA+ Youth, Mental Health, Community Building

    Overview

    Camp Indigo Point is an affirming residential summer camp created specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth. Set in a nature-based environment, the program provides a safe, supportive space where young people can build confidence, form lasting friendships, and experience the joy of simply being themselves.

    How Funding Will Be Used

    Grant funding will support scholarships for campers, helping remove financial barriers for youth who may not otherwise have access to affirming spaces. This ensures that all young people, regardless of income, can participate in a life-changing summer experience.

    Community Impact

    Camp Indigo Point strengthens mental health, belonging, and resilience among LGBTQIA+ youth across the St. Louis area and beyond. By fostering connection and empowerment at a critical stage of development, the program helps build long-term support networks and a stronger, more inclusive future.

    Why It Matters

    Many LGBTQIA+ youth lack access to safe and affirming environments in their daily lives. Camp Indigo Point creates a rare and vital space where they are fully seen, supported, and celebrated.

    Learn More

    Website: https://www.campindigopoint.org

  • Award Amount: $2,500

    Focus Area: LGBTQ+ Adults, Aging, Community Connection

    Overview

    The Wisdom Exchange is a community-centered lunch series designed to bring LGBTQ+ individuals together around the shared experience of aging. Through conversation, education, and connection, the program creates space to plan for the future while strengthening community bonds.

    How Funding Will Be Used

    Grant funding will support program implementation, including guest speaker honoraria, meals to encourage participation, and materials that ensure accessibility and engagement for all attendees.

    Community Impact

    This initiative addresses the unique challenges LGBTQ+ adults face as they age, including social isolation and reliance on chosen family networks. By fostering intergenerational dialogue and providing practical tools, the program builds stronger systems of care and support.

    Why It Matters

    As more LGBTQ+ individuals approach midlife and beyond, creating spaces for planning, connection, and shared knowledge is critical to ensuring dignity, belonging, and long-term well-being.

    Learn More:

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