2SLGBTQIA+ Crime Victims Fund

Award Type and Amount:

We wish we could do more! Awards will be given out in the form of a Visa gift card.  It is a one-time award and will be given to individuals based on a needs-based, incremental scale. Amounts awarded will be between $250 and $2,500.

*2SLGBTQIA+: is an acronym for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and the plus is used to signify the ever-growing list of the gender identities and sexual orientations that are not specifically covered by the acronym

Application Due Date

Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. CST on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Applications submitted after April 30, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CST will not be considered.

Financial Relief Disbursement Date

Award recipients will be selected and notified by June 15, 2024 and will receive their visa gift card no later than June 30, 2024.  We appreciate your patience during the selection and disbursement process.

Eligibility Criteria

• 18 years of age, or older
• Identify as 2SLGBTQIA+
• Currently reside in Minnesota
• Experiencing hardship due to past or present experiences of violence*
• Financial hardship as it relates to the continuing impacts of COVID-19

*Priority will be given to victims/survivors of intimate partner and/or sexual violence

An Important Note to Applicants

Often, emergency financial assistance opportunities require specific criteria, documentation, and status that disqualify individuals in need.  At OutFront Minnesota, we seek to break down those barriers.  We believe it is neither helpful, nor empathetic to put up roadblocks around financial assistance.  Therefore, we want all applicants to know, that your ability to apply for and receive funds are NOT dependent on ANY of the following indicators:

• Citizenship status
• Criminal background
• Current or Former Incarceration
• Education level
• Spoken Language
• Utilization of funds

AND applications will be reviewed on an objective basis and will not discriminate against any applicant for their:

• Race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, ability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, AIDs/HIV status, medical conditions, public assistance status, political affiliations, military or veteran status, status as a victim/survivor of violence

What You Will Need to Apply

1. One form of ID (i.e. utility bill, driver’s license/ID, passport, student visa, student ID, permanent resident card, birth certificate, REAL ID, social security card, voter registration card, legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.), tribal ID card or INAC card, medical record, health insurance card, W-2, other tax document)
2. Current residence (if you are currently without housing, please provide us with your most recent address)
3. Current mailing address (a P.O. box can be used)
4. Optional - If comfortable/able you are welcome to submit other documentation supporting any claims of financial hardships (current income, county benefits, loss of wages, loss of job, bank statements, medical conditions, bills, debt collection letters, letters from a landlord or bank etc.)
   Submitting additional documents is not required for eligibility.

Crime Victims Fund Award FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

How do I apply?

Here is the link to apply: 
https://fs27.formsite.com/CgEg2w/clns6jrglp/index

What if I do not fill out the entire application?

Incomplete or inaccurate applications will be declined.  If you have technical errors with your application submission, you can either attempt to submit again or, contact the Anti-Violence Program at avp@outfront.org.
*Please allow up to 3 business days for a response.

What if I do not have access to a computer?

There are two options available to individuals without access to a computer (or without an email address).

1. We have applicant assistants available who can speak with you over the phone and fill it out on your behalf.
2. We can mail a paper copy to you, with a return address and a stamp for an easy send back.

If you would like assistance filling it out over the phone, or need a paper copy mailed to you please contact the Anti-Violence Program at avp@outfront.org to arrange.
*Please allow up to 3 business days for a response.

I am undocumented, can I apply?

Yes!  If for some reason you are unable to provide an ID as requested, please let us know in the application.  We will work with you and do not want an ID to be a barrier for individuals to obtain this funding.

What will I need to provide?

Please see the “What Will I Need to Apply” section listed in the description tab.

Is there a deadline?

Yes. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST on April 30, 2024.

What can I expect after submitting an application?

If you emailed or left a voicemail when completing your application, you can expect to hear from someone within 3 business days. Once you successfully submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. Otherwise, we will reach out if we have any further questions.

Can I apply on behalf of someone else?

Applications can be difficult to navigate.  If you have a friend or family member that needs help to apply, you are more than welcome to assist them.  However, it is that person for whom you applied, should they be awarded, that will receive funds.  If you are also in need, you must fill out an application for yourself separately.

Can I apply more than once?

No. Awards will only be given out one time.  However, if future funding allows another round of open applications and you did not receive an award during this application period, we will look at your original application for consideration at that time.

When will I find out whether or not I received the funding?

You will be notified that you have been awarded funding by June 15, 2024. If you do not receive a notification by June 15, 2024, that means you have not been awarded funding at this time.  There will be an option within your application to choose to automatically be considered for future rounds, should future funds become available.

What type of assistance does the fund provide?

This fund will award recipients an amount between $250.00 to $2,500.00 in the form of a Visa gift card.

How will OutFront Minnesota make award recipient decisions?

Priority will be given to victims/survivors of intimate partner violence and/or sexual violence.  Additionally, there are certain factors that will be strongly taken into consideration while selecting award recipients.  Those factors include, but are not limited to:

• Job loss/loss of income as a result of violence
• Housing insecurity - eviction (or threats of eviction)
• Needing to move from your current residence, due to an unsafe living situation
• Medical expenses, utilities, and/or other unpaid bills due to violence

What if I am not 2SLGBTQIA+?

We care deeply about our allies and understand that you, too, can be impacted by violence.  If you do not identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, but are in need of emergency financial assistance, you can find additional mutual aid funds at: https://www.mutualaidhub.org/. 

What if I don’t live in Minnesota?

This funding is specific to Minnesota residents.  If you live in another state, you can visit: https://www.mutualaidhub.org/ to find mutual aid funds and resources available in your area. 

What if I am under the age of 18?

This fund is for individuals 18 years of age or older.  That said, we recognize that violence also has a significant impact on youth.  Here are some resources available to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in Minnesota:

1. Reclaim 
   RECLAIM increases access to mental health support so that queer and trans youth ages 12-26 may reclaim their lives from oppression in all its forms
   https://www.reclaim.care/
2. The Trevor Project 
   The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25
   https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
3. Youth Services Network
   Helping youth in Minnesota find shelter and services
   https://ysnmn.org/

Can I call to check on the status of my individual application?

No. Due to capacity and a high number of submissions, we are unable to provide feedback on individual applications.  If you submit an application and are chosen to receive an award, that will be communicated to you no later than June 15, 2024.  If you have not been contacted by that date, that means you were not selected as an award recipient.

What if I do not get an award?

Your hardships are valid, financial strain is overwhelming, and we believe you are in need!  Our decisions are based on funding availability and not the validity of your story.  We are hopeful to receive more funding so that individuals who do not receive awards this round will be eligible again.  If you were not awarded funds but selected to be automatically considered for potential future funding, we will contact you.

If I have additional questions, who can I contact?

Questions about the 2SLGBTQIA+ Crime Victims Fund can be directed to the Anti-Violence Program at avp@outfront.org.
*Please allow up to 3 business days for a response.

Donations: 

If you would like to donate to 2SLGBTQIA+ victims/survivors of violence in Minnesota, you can use the following link:

https://www.outfront.org/donate-community-services