Yesterday, we opened up a new COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant Round to support LGBTQ Southerners through the COVID-19 pandemic, with $25,000 to distribute in the first phase through emergency assistance grants, community response grants, and frontline grants.

We know the need for support is there because we are seeing it firsthand and hearing from folks in need every day. But we did not anticipate that we would receive 103 applications from across 10 Southern states for emergency assistance grants within the first 14 hours. We are already processing the first 100 grants, which will move a total of $10,000 in emergency assistance to individuals and families, and we’ve created a waiting list.

Now, our goal is to raise additional funds to support the next round of our COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants. 

So many people are stepping up to help right now. A generous donor to the Campaign for Southern Equality has pledged to double every dollar we raise for the next round of grants. Your $5 gift will automatically become a $10 gift thanks to the match pledge. Click here to join us in supporting LGBTQ Southerners by making a donation. 

The number of applications we have received and the broad diversity of people applying gives us a first glimpse of the level of need across the LGBTQ South right now as people experience both the health and financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We know that generally, LGBTQ people in the South are at higher risk for health disparities, to be living with lower incomes, and to face challenges accessing medical care and other direct services. All that can be compounded in a time like this. Additionally we are seeing that the Governors of some Southern states – such as Mississippi – have been dangerously slow to act in responding to the pandemic, an issue whose implications we will be tracking closely as it develops in the weeks to come. 

If you’re in a position to make a donation today, know that every dollar you give will be doubled and will go to a LGBTQ Southerner to help them navigate these turbulent waters. Click here to give.

Thank you for your support,
Jasmine Beach-Ferrara
Campaign for Southern Equality