Calamus Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This funder supports LGBTQ rights programs both in the U.S. and abroad. On a smaller scale, the foundation also awards grants to groups providing care and support services to people with HIV.
IP TAKE: Calamus is a relatively approachable grantmaker, but is judicious when choosing organizations to support. Since the foundation does not award a large number of LGBT rights grants annually, and the number of those supporting international projects is even fewer, grant seekers should expect a good deal of competition.
Because the foundation doesn’t consider uninvited proposals, it’s important to briefly introduce your organization and its work to the foundation. To secure a grant, proposals should focus on supporting some aspect of the LGBTQ community for consideration, have a clear budget, and anticipate site visits where applicable or interviews. This funder likes to be hands on, which is great for organizations seeking added support or insight.
PROFILE: The Calamus Foundation, based in New York City, was founded in 1994 by Saul Kaplan. When Kaplan passed away in 2004, the foundation "received the bulk of his estate." The organization focuses on making grants that provide "care and support" for individuals with HIV, as well as the "formation, growth, identity, general wellbeing and social and legal rights" of the LGBTQI community.
Grants for LGBTQ
While Calamus Foundation does not facilitate specific programs, its broad approach to LGBTQI grantmaking entertains a variety of projects so long as they align with the foundation's mission. Grants range from $2,500 to more than $400,000. The foundation has also increased its grantmaking to support the transgender community, including a grant to support "educational efforts focused on gender identity and expression issues."
Past grantees include $350,000 to Gay Men’s Health Crisis Inc, $127,500 for Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center, and $125,000 to Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders, Inc.
Grants for Human Rights
The foundation directs a portion of its LGBTQ rights grants to organizations working in the United States, but does not impose geographic restrictions in its grantmaking. It allocates a portion of its grant dollars to international projects. While the foundation does not limit its grants to a particular dollar amount, most human rights grants range from $10,000 to $100,000.
Grants seem to be pretty evenly split between large national and international organizations and grassroots organizations. Past grantees include $100,000 for Transgender legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc., $80,000 to Make the Road New York, $62,500 for American Civil Liberties Union, and $30,000 to the Urban Justice Center.
Grants for Diseases
Calamus also supports organizations that provide care and support services to people with HIV. Past grantees include I-Mak, which fights “to remove barriers to treatment for some of the world’s deadliest diseases, such as hepatitis C and HIV; Treatment Action Campaign, “a leader in prevention activism in Africa”; and Classical Action, a performing arts organization against AIDS.
Important Grant Details:
Grant seekers can learn more about Calamus’ grantmaking on its Mission & Impact page. The Calamus Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. All domestic LGBTQI groups are eligible to receive grants; however, the foundation only considers invited proposals.
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