Queer Forced Displacement Initiative | Crisis Response Fund Applications

The Crisis Response Fund, part of the Queer Forced Displacement Initiative, is dedicated to addressing the urgent funding gaps faced by grassroots organizations in their efforts to support LGBTQ+ individuals and communities facing displacement. This fund provides accessible, flexible micro-funding to enable local organizations to respond effectively to crisis emergencies, ensuring LGBTQ+ people facing displacement have access to lifesaving protection and services. 

The Fund invites applications for projects that address displacement-producing crises by mitigating some of the drivers of displacement and by strengthening existing support structures for LGBTQI+ people in crisis. 

The Fund will support initiatives aimed at supporting people at high risk of displacement, and/or supporting those who are already displaced, through three core granting streams: 

  • Funding Stream A: Crisis & Emergency Response Services Grant 
  • Funding Stream B: Crisis Capacity Building Grant 
  • Funding Stream C: Crisis Advocacy Grant

Small, medium-sized grassroots organizations (registered or unregistered) and individuals are encouraged to apply for one-time micro funding up to CAD $15,000. 

Long term or continued funding for projects is not available.

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the application criteria for submitting a valid application. 

Applicants may also use the application eligibility checklist to self-assess eligibility to apply before submitting applications.

Please refer to the FAQs for more information. 

For queries or application assistance, please contact crisisfund@rainbowrailroad.org

Things to Consider 

  • Currency Requirement: The proposed budget must be submitted in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Budgets submitted in USD will not be assessed.
  • Funding Focus: Preference will be given to projects focused on funding of core programs relating to LGBTQIA refugees, displaced people or those facing displacement. Operational costs should not exceed 20%, and projects with lower operational costs will be prioritized.
  • Budget Alignment: The project proposal and expected outcomes must be clearly linked to the budget, with detailed explanations provided in the budget for each proposed activity/item.

Funding Applications & Regions

Round 1 – 2024/25 [CLOSED]

  • Middle East, North Africa (MENA), Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region only
  • Applications CLOSED – February 15, 2025 at 11:55 pm EST

Round 2 – 2025 [CLOSED]

Applications CLOSED on April 30th, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST for the following countries:

  • The Americas (excluding Canada and US)
  • West, South and Central Africa region only 

Round 3 – 2025 for Eastern Europe and Central Asia only [CLOSED]

  • Applications CLOSED on July 31, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST

Round 4 – 2025 for the Asia-Pacific Region [CLOSED]

  • Applications CLOSED on October 31, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST

Round 5 – 2026 for Latin America and Eastern Europe [CLOSED]

  • Applications CLOSED on January 31, 2026 at 5:00 pm EST