Contigo Fund’s 2025-2026 All Black Lives (ABL) Grant Cycle supports grassroots organizations and initiatives that focus on advancing racial, economic, and gender justice for Black LGBTQ+ communities in Central Florida. Established in response to the 2016 Pulse nightclub tragedy, Contigo Fund is a community-driven grantmaker that prioritizes intersectionality and self-determination. This grant cycle aims to fund programs and organizations that empower historically marginalized communities, particularly Black and Latinx individuals, immigrants, and people of color, through financial resources, leadership development, and organizational capacity building.

The grant provides funding for programs that fall under key thematic areas, including healing and empowerment, racial equity and justice, leadership development, and safety and security. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or groups fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3). Funded activities may include grassroots organizing, advocacy training, community-building initiatives, policy change efforts, and intersectional work to address homophobia, transphobia, and systemic racism. Priority is given to Black LGBTQ+ leadership and groups that have been historically excluded from traditional funding sources.

Applicants can apply for grants of up to $20,000 for a 12-month period. The application portal opens on January 22, 2025, and closes on February 19, 2025. Organizations must submit a comprehensive grant proposal detailing their mission, target communities, program activities, expected outcomes, and impact measurement strategies. Required supporting documents include financial statements, board and staff demographics, non-discrimination policies, and fiscal sponsorship agreements (if applicable). Contigo Fund also offers discretionary funding for frontline organizers’ well-being and revenue generation for grassroots groups.

Proposals are evaluated by the Community Steering Committee, a participatory grantmaking body composed of Black and queer community leaders. Selection criteria include community leadership and accountability, demonstrated need, collaboration, organizational commitment to equity, clear program goals, and track record of success. Mid-term and final reports are required from grantees, detailing program impact, financial expenditures, and community feedback.

The Contigo Fund’s approach emphasizes systemic change, focusing on leadership development and policy advocacy to create long-term transformation. The fund does not support direct cash assistance, scholarships, re-granting efforts, or organizations generating revenue from the 340B drug program unless reinvested into community-led programs. Organizations with annual budgets exceeding $1 million receive lower priority.

Successful applicants will also participate in capacity-building and learning cohorts, engaging with peer organizations and receiving strategic training opportunities. This collaborative and participatory approach ensures that funded initiatives align with Contigo’s mission to build an inclusive and just social justice ecosystem in Central Florida.