VERMONT — Grants of up to $3,500 are now available through the Samara Fund, a community-directed fund that helps to ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual,transgender,andqueer (LGBTQ+) Vermonters are connected, healthy, appreciated, safe, and empowered.

The Samara Fund will accept applications for projects or organizations that serve Vermont’s LGBTQ+ communities or support HIV/ AIDS services or prevention for LGBTQ+ Vermonters. Organizations that are not LGBTQ+ or HIV/AIDS focused may apply for support for projects that directly serve Vermont’s LGBTQ+ communities. Priority is given to projects that collaborate with and center LGBTQ+ voices and communities.

The Samara Fund’s priorities for the 2021 grantmaking cycle are projects and services focusing on and led by:
• LGBTQ+ youth
• LGBTQ+ elders
• LGBTQ+ BIPOC
• LGBTQ+ populations in rural areas
• TransVermonters
• LGBTQ+ competent health care, mental health, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS services
Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, May 28, 2021. Visit vermontcf.org/samara to learn more and apply.