Conam Pride Fund

At Conam Charitable Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ individuals and communities in Canada and around the world.

The LGBTQ+ Pride Fund by Conam Charitable Foundation

The LGBTQ+ Pride Fund is a unique initiative by Conam Charitable Foundation, bringing together over 60 registered charities dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ people in Canada and globally. Charities are selected through a rigorous process that evaluates their mission, impact, and alignment with our vision of equality and inclusion. This ensures your contributions are directed toward organizations that deliver meaningful and measurable change.

Through our LGBTQ+ Pride Fund, we are taking bold steps to combat discrimination, promote acceptance, and create spaces where everyone can thrive with dignity and pride. LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face immense challenges, including violence, stigma, and systemic barriers. While Canada has made remarkable strides toward equality, the work is far from complete. LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately impacted by mental health challenges, with rates of attempted suicide three times higher than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Transgender individuals, in particular, face alarming levels of discrimination, with 20% of trans people in Ontario having experienced assault. Globally, the situation is even more dire. In many countries, homosexuality remains criminalized, leaving individuals at risk of persecution and state-sanctioned violence. The LGBTQ+ Pride Fund is a call to action. It’s a united effort to ensure LGBTQ+ communities have access to the resources, programs, and safe spaces needed to thrive. This fund supports over 60 registered charities that focus on providing advocacy, mental health support, housing programs, community centers, and more. These organizations are at the forefront of driving systemic change, offering lifelines to those who need it most. Since 2011, Conam has given more than $25 Million in grants to individuals and non profits through our grant programs. 

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM

Our grants support smaller, grassroots, LGBTQ+ led and focused organizations

Every year,Conam gives out grants to various non-profit organisations in Canada, Africa & Asia. Conam’s 2025 Pride Fund Program is focused on financially assisting organizations looking to create programs and events in the 2025 Pride season.  To ensure that charitable organizations receive the maximum benefit from our support, we give cash contributions. Conam generally prefers to give to organizations with an operating budget of under $5 million, but it is not a requirement.

Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces

The charities supported by the LGBTQ+ Pride Fund are working tirelessly to create environments where everyone can feel safe and accepted. These spaces include:

  • Advocacy and Policy Reform: Driving legislative and policy changes that protect and promote the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

  • Mental Health Services: Offering tailored counseling and support to LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth, who face higher rates of mental health challenges.

  • Shelters and Housing Programs: Providing safe havens for LGBTQ+ individuals escaping violence, homelessness, or unsafe environments.

  • Community Programs and Support Groups: Building a sense of belonging and connection through peer-led initiatives and resources.

  • Art, Theatre, and Festivals: Celebrating the diversity of LGBTQ+ communities through creative and cultural platforms that foster visibility and acceptance.

Through these critical programs and initiatives, the LGBTQ+ Pride Fund ensures that queer communities have the tools and support they need to thrive and advance. These efforts not only save lives but also empower individuals to live openly and authentically.

Application Process

An organization that believes they meet our eligibility requirements can submit an online application through this Google Form. Applications must be completed by March 10, 2025 by 11:59PM.

Please note the following information will be required to complete the application:

  • A concise description of the organization, including purpose and objectives
  • A concise description of the event or program the organization is looking to create or host
  • Dollar amount of request
  • Proof of non-profit status under the Internal Revenue Service code
  • List of officers and directors
  • History of organization
  •  Most recent annual report or 990 (must be dated within 1 year from submission)
  • W9 (must be dated within 1 year from submission)

The questions must be completed on the Google Form. All applications are due on March 10, 2025 by 11:59PM. Conam will notify applicants of their status in mid-April, with an announcement to follow.

Eligibility

  1. To be eligible for a Conam Pride Fund in 2025-26, your organization must:

    • Must be a member of Conam Charitable Foundation
    • Create a program or event in 2023, even if the event took place in 2024
    • Benefit the local LGBTQIA+ community
    • Demonstrate sound and responsible financial policies and management
    • Demonstrate the requested funds will support a program or event in the community
    • Or if you are a community organization without a 501c3 we ask that you provide the following:
    • Two (2) years of financial records
    • Documents and/or records of previously produced events, programs or initiatives including, but not limited to flyers, videos, social media assets, press/media coverage.

Benefits

Conam works in a cohort model with the recipients. Through this model, recipients will come together throughout the year for professional learning. The professional learning sessions will be designed based on recipients’ needs. Some areas of consideration could include social media/marketing, strategic planning, community reach, etc. Currently, the plan includes cohort meetings in May, July, October, and December.

Other benefits include:

  • Financial support in the form of a grant ranging from in value up to CAD $80,000;
  • One complimentary Pride Partnership to help raise awareness of recipients’ events; and,
  • Social media sharing of information and the planned event.

Conam selects the recipients & will release the second payment once the recipient submits a midyear report every September.

Conditions for Awarding the Conam Pride Fund

  1. Organizational Alignment with Fund Goals

    • The organization must demonstrate a clear commitment to promoting LGBTQIA+ rights, advancing equality, and combating discrimination.
    • The proposed activities should directly align with the mission and objectives of the Conam Pride Fund.

  2. Registration and Legal Status

    • Applicant organizations must be legally registered as non-profits or community-based organizations (CBOs) in their respective countries. Proof of registration must be provided.
    • Organizations operating in countries where LGBTQIA+ activities are restricted must provide evidence of safe and discreet operations.

  3. Accountability and Transparency

    • The organization must have a clear governance structure and provide details of its leadership team.
    • Applicants must submit a financial management policy or demonstrate the ability to manage funds responsibly.
    • Recipients must provide a detailed financial report and receipts of all expenditures related to the funded project.

  4. Project Proposal Requirements

    • Submit a detailed project proposal that includes:
      • Clear goals and objectives.
      • A timeline for project implementation.
      • A budget breakdown specifying how the funds will be utilized.
      • Measurable outcomes and impact indicators.
    • The project must be time-bound, with specific milestones and deliverables.

  5. Experience and Track Record

    • Organizations must demonstrate a history of successful LGBTQIA+ advocacy or community support initiatives.
    • First-time applicants may be considered if they can provide compelling evidence of their potential impact and partnerships with established organizations.

  6. Geographic Focus and Inclusivity

    • Priority will be given to organizations working in regions or communities where LGBTQIA+ individuals face severe discrimination or violence.
    • Projects should aim to benefit marginalized and underserved LGBTQIA+ groups, including transgender individuals, persons with disabilities, and rural populations.

  7. Collaboration and Partnerships

    • Organizations are encouraged to collaborate with other local or international entities to maximize impact.
    • Evidence of existing partnerships or letters of support from stakeholders will strengthen the application.

  8. Monitoring and Reporting

    • Recipients must agree to regular monitoring and evaluation of the funded project.
    • Submit progress reports at agreed intervals, detailing activities completed, challenges encountered, and impact achieved.
    • A final report, including financial statements, must be submitted within 30 days of project completion.

  9. Non-Discrimination Clause

    • Organizations must adhere to principles of non-discrimination and inclusivity in their programs and operations.

  10. Use of Funds

    • Funds must be used exclusively for the approved project. Misuse of funds or failure to adhere to agreed terms may result in disqualification from future funding and possible legal action.

  11. Public Acknowledgment

    • Recipients are encouraged to acknowledge the support of the Conam Pride Fund in their communications and materials, where safe and appropriate.

  12. Eligibility Exclusions

    • The fund will not support:
      • Political campaigns or lobbying activities.
      • For-profit entities.
      • Projects that promote hate, discrimination, or exclusion of any kind.

These conditions aim to ensure the Conam Pride Fund supports impactful, responsible, and sustainable projects that advance LGBTQIA+ rights and well-being.