You might think that simply funding social justice and conservation causes assures progress, but the Arcus Foundation’s grantmaking reveals a more complex reality. They don’t just hand out money; they demand rigorous organizational policies and focus intensely on regions where impact is measurable, like the U.S. South and parts of the Global South.
Their strategic focus on LGBTQ equity and great ape conservation also intersects with the work of community services agencies, many of which develop tools and practical calculators to help marginalized groups understand rights, access services, or navigate resource gaps.
This combination hints at significant but challenging opportunities, how exactly do they prioritize and empower grassroots efforts to guarantee lasting change?
Key Takeaways
- Arcus Foundation grants support organizations advancing LGBTQ equity and protecting Great Apes & Gibbons through social justice and conservation programs aligned with their priorities.
- Eligibility requires registered organizational status and a board-approved Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy including sexual orientation and gender identity protections; applications without this are not considered.
- Grantmaking involves a staged process: Initial Funding Concept submission, invitation to Letter of Inquiry, then full proposal, typically taking 2-6 months for decisions.
- Funding types include General Operating Support, Project Support, Public Policy Initiatives, Research, and Capacity Building, with many grants awarded as multi-year commitments.
- Social Justice grants target LGBTQ safety, inclusion, protections, and strong movements globally, prioritizing regions like the U.S. South and parts of the Global South.
Grantmaking Focus and Eligibility Criteria
Because the Arcus Foundation prioritizes both social justice and conservation, it funds organizations that align specifically with LGBTQ equity and Great Apes & Gibbons protection.
Your group’s grantmaking strategies must center on these issues to qualify. Eligibility requirements include being a registered entity with legal standing and having a board-approved Equal Employment Opportunity policy safeguarding sexual orientation and gender identity.
Without this policy, your application won’t be considered. Focus your efforts on clear, strategic alignment with Arcus’s goals for impactful, detail-oriented proposals that meet their strict eligibility requirements and grantmaking strategies.
Social Justice Program: Goals and Geographic Priorities
While advancing LGBTQ rights globally, the Arcus Foundation’s Social Justice Program targets four strategic goals: Increased Safety, Social Inclusion, Protections, and Strong Movements.
You’ll see these goals drive LGBTQ advocacy strategies and community engagement initiatives, reducing violence, changing laws, and fostering inclusion. Many grassroots groups working within these goals also rely on essential supports like food services and federal-funded grants to stabilize their communities and expand access to basic resources.
The program prioritizes geographic regions where impact is most needed—state and local work in the U.S. South and specific areas of the Global South.
Great Apes & Gibbons Conservation Grantmaking
- Supports innovative conservation approaches engaging local communities
- Advocates against exploitative use in entertainment and research
- Promotes the intrinsic rights and biodiversity of great apes and gibbons
These grants help guarantee species survival through sustainable, community-centered efforts.
Application Process and Funding Types
When you’re ready to engage with the Arcus Foundation’s funding opportunities, you’ll start by submitting an Initial Funding Concept (IFC) through their online system, a streamlined entry point designed to quickly assess whether your organization’s goals align with the foundation’s priorities.
Review takes about 3–4 weeks, setting the application timeline to move forward.
If aligned, you progress through a Letter of Inquiry to a full proposal by invitation. Funding strategies span general operating support to capacity building, with rolling applications encouraged as all funds are fully allocated.
Many applicants also complement their funding strategies by exploring local scholarships and resources tailored to veterans, strengthening organizational capacity and widening community impact beyond Arcus-supported initiatives.
| Funding Types | Description |
|---|---|
| General Operating Support | Core organizational costs |
| Project Support | Specific programs or initiatives |
| Public Policy Initiatives | Advocacy and organizing campaigns |
| Research | Studies and dissemination |
| Capital & Capacity Building | Infrastructure and organizational growth |
A board-approved EEO policy including protections for sexual orientation and gender identity is mandatory to qualify.
Supporting Strong Movements and Collaborative Initiatives
By investing in grassroots organizations and intermediary funds, the Arcus Foundation empowers LGBTQ movements to build collective power and drive lasting change.
You’ll see grassroots empowerment and collaborative advocacy in action through:
- Funding and regranting to frontline groups, expanding resources for movement-building and organizational development.
- Support for networks like Movement Voter Fund, which strengthens capacity for voter engagement and safety training.
- Strategic partnerships with intermediaries that foster cross-movement alliances and regional collaboration.
These efforts guarantee movements are resilient, well-connected, and equipped to advance LGBTQ rights and social justice globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Funds the Arcus Foundation?
You fund the Arcus Foundation, Jon Stryker, through a significant personal endowment—your Arcus funding drives philanthropic partnerships and long-term grants in LGBTQ social justice and great ape conservation, supporting hundreds of global organizations with substantial, strategic investments.
Can a Normal Person Get a Grant?
No, you can’t get a grant as a normal person. For funding eligibility, only registered organizations can submit a grant application. Individuals aren’t eligible for Arcus Foundation support.
Can Foundations Give Grants to Individuals?
Foundations generally don’t grant funds directly to individuals because individual grant eligibility requires legal organizational status and compliance with foundation grant processes. Instead, they fund registered organizations aligned with their mission and criteria.
How Do I Get a Grant From Bill Gates Foundation?
To get a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, first verify your organization meets their funding eligibility, typically being a registered nonprofit aligned with their priorities. Then submit a clear, strategic grant application starting with a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) detailing your project’s alignment and impact.
Conclusion
You can strategically utilize Arcus Foundation grants by aligning your project with their dual focus on LGBTQ equity and great ape conservation, especially in priority regions like the U.S. South and the Global South. Their detailed application process demands an Equal Employment Opportunity policy and supports both operational and capacity-building funding. Think of it as wielding a modern saber to cut through systemic barriers—focus sharply on their goals, prepare comprehensive proposals, and take advantage of this opportunity to build strong, sustainable movements.