Arcus Foundation

Internationally, Arcus grantees are working to advance human rights on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Specific policy change goals include decriminalization, death penalty repeal, and full constitutional protection.

Nationally, Arcus grantees have led the way to significant policy changes and initiatives to protect and enhance equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the US.

"The Arcus Social Justice Program is currently not accepting new grant applications while it refines its strategy for pursuing its longstanding mission. The Foundation will provide further guidance by the fall of 2012 and looks forward to engaging with potential new partners and grantees at that time. Most recently, the foundation has supported grantees through the following programs."

International Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Rights Program

This program’s goal has been to support a vibrant, networked, representative and sustained global movement, based on strong national and regional movements, to advance sexual orientation and gender identity equality in the Global South and East.

National LGBT RIghts Program

This program has worked nationally in the United States to achieve LGBT equality through increased state-level and federal legal rights and regulatory protections. Strategies toward reaching this goal include supporting a stronger, more coordinated LGBT movement and building alliances nationally and regionally to tackle key policy issues.

Michigan LGBT Rights Program

Working in the Arcus Foundation's home state of Michigan, this program's goal has been to ensure that LGBT people in diverse communities across the state enjoy greater equality, and that a robust, inclusive and self-sustaining movement is positioned to defend and continue advancing LGBT equality throughout Michigan.

Religion & Values Program

This program’s goal has been to achieve the recognition and affirmation of the moral equality of LGBT people. To accomplish this goal, the program supports the efforts of religious leaders to create faith communities in which LGBT people are welcomed as equal members; it also supports civic leadership to promote the moral and civil equality of LGBT people at state, national, and international levels.

Racial Justice, Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Program

This program has worked to increase respect and equality for LGBT people of color by strengthening the power and influence of LGBT people of color organizations and leaders, ensuring that their interests are advanced by the LGBT and racial justice movements, and supporting core institutions in communities of color to fully include their LGBT constituents.

Special Opportunities

From time to time, the Arcus Foundation may support organizations and projects that do not fall within the guidelines of the Arcus LGBT Program. Such opportunities are limited and occur only at the initiation of the Foundation. The Foundation will not accept unsolicited requests for funds in this area.