EMPOWERMENT
MICROGRANT PROGRAM
PROVIDING A PATHWAY TO FINANCIAL LIBERATION
QLN’s Empowerment Microgrant Program offers direct, no-strings-attached financial support to queer and trans individuals facing hardship. Through our General Assistance Fund, individuals can receive up to $500 annually to help cover urgent expenses such as utility bills, healthcare costs, and everyday essentials.
By easing financial burdens, we help LGBTQIA2+ folx move toward greater security, independence, and empowerment. Our work changes lives. When queer and trans people achieve financial liberation—whether that's affording rent, getting out of debt, or escaping abusive relationships—our community can thrive.
Trans Lifeline Hotline at (877) 565-8860
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The Trevor Project (ages 13-24): Text START to 678678 or dial 1-866-488-7386
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LGBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
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Trans Lifeline Hotline at (877) 565-8860 | The Trevor Project (ages 13-24): Text START to 678678 or dial 1-866-488-7386 | LGBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564 |
Please note: We are currently able to offer Empowerment Microgrants only to people living in Texas.
This helps ensure we can support folx in our immediate community with the resources we have right now. We expect to grow our capacity and reach more regions soon — thank you for understanding.
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General Assistance Fund
Our General Assistance Fund offers financial relief for a range of everyday and urgent needs—covering essentials like utility bills and healthcare-related costs, as well as everyday, quality of life costs like groceries, gas, and meals. QLN isn’t here to judge or dictate your financial decisions. Whether you need help with medical debt, affording dinner, or support for unexpected expenses, we’re here to have the backs of queer and trans individuals in need a financial lifeline.
Monthly Application Window:
Weeks 1-2: Fund is live for applications
Week 3: Application processing & aid distribution
Week 4: Fund administration & internal preparation
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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General Eligibility
Must identify as LGBTQIA2+
Must live in Texas (we’ll expand this resource soon!)
Must demonstrate financial need
Must disclose any previous aid received from QLN
Restrictions
The General Assistance Fund provides direct support to individuals.
For financial support toward bills or healthcare costs: $100 per request.
For everyday essentials: $50 per request.
No individual may receive more than $500 in aid from QLN in a single calendar year.
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Monthly Application Window:
• Weeks 1-2: Fund is live for applications
• Week 3: Application processing & aid distribution
• Week 4: Fund administration & internal preparation
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Please be patient with us as we process direct aid applications. We are an incredibly small team and are doing our best to process requests in a timely manner.
An application does not guarantee approval or availability of funds.
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The Empowerment Microgrant Program is fueled by grassroots donors, generous major gifts, foundation support, and community-driven fundraising.
We’re always seeking new partners to help us grow this work and expand our impact. If you’re a business or organization and want to help, please join the QLN Partner Program.
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Yes. The General Assistance Fund offers up to $100 per person per request for bills and healthcare costs, and $50 per person per request for everyday, undefined costs (up to $500 per person per calendar year).
Support depends on availability, and while we can’t guarantee aid for every request, we’re committed to helping as many community members as possible with the resources we have.
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Donate by clicking the button at the top of the screen! Talk about QLN with your friends and spread the word about this resource.
