Grants

More info about our grants selection process:

Every year, the Portland Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence provide grants to charitable organizations in Oregon and Southwest Washington. These grants are made possible through the collective effort of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and their allies. The money raised throughout the year is reinvested to fund organizations and programs that strive to rise and respond to the needs of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and those who are othered by dominant culture. In this article, we will explore the eligibility requirements and funding priorities of the grant program established by the Portland Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

The 2025 Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Order of Benevolent Bliss Grants Fund applications are open. 

SPI OBB Grants Fund Timeline 

May 13th to June 20th 5:00 pm

June 22nd Sisters Conclave to discuss grants.  

June 23rd Sisters announce awards and invite recipients to 2025 Pride on the Waterfront to receive their checks.  

July 20th Celebrate on the NW Pride Mainstage!

Eligibility Requirements for Funding

To be considered for funding, in most cases an organization must possess a 501(c)3 non-profit tax status. The grants are specifically designated for organizations rather than individuals. Therefore, applications from individuals will not be considered.

Projects that align with the mission statement of the Portland Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will be given priority. The Sisters are a progressive order of Twenty-first Century nuns dedicated to promoting omniversal joy and expiating stigmatic guilt. Their core activities include raising funds for HIV/AIDS charities, advocating for queer rights and visibility, engaging in safer sex outreach, responding to the needs of marginalized communities while promulgating joy in a community we love. The Sisters are an equitable and inclusive organization. 

Geographical Focus

The grant program primarily serves organizations operating within the regions of Oregon or Southwest Washington. Projects based in these areas will be given preference during the selection process.

Funding Priorities

The Portland Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have historically directed their funds towards smaller grassroots organizations that actively work to improve and strengthen the LGBTQ+ communities. All applications will be evaluated, provided that no more than 10% of the funding requested is allocated to administration costs. The proposed programs should fall under one or more of the following categories: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, HIV/AIDS, Sexual Health, Community Needs, Arts Programs, Sustainability, or Queer Empowerment.

Grant Amount

We are blessed by the community to be awarding $20,000 this year. Which is a record for The Order of Benevolent Bliss. Traditionally the maximum grant amount per application is set at $1,000.00. This limit ensures a fair distribution of funds across multiple deserving organizations and projects. This year we are asking for more information and are increasing the maximum grant amount per application set to $5000 for this year. However we can not ensure that any organizations will receive the requested amount in their application.There are new questions on the form this year asking about what your maximum need is as an organization. Please tell us the extent of your need as an organization. This is a way we can refocus our fundraising efforts moving forward and reach our goal of funding as many organizations as possible. 

Commitment to Diversity

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, also known as the Order of Benevolent Bliss, are deeply committed to supporting the entire LGBTQ+ community. It is important to note that receiving funding in one grant cycle does not guarantee continued funding in subsequent years. To be considered for future grants, organizations must submit new applications for each grant cycle.

Conclusion

The Portland Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s grant program is a testament to their dedication to promoting joy, expiating guilt, and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. By funding grassroots organizations and programs, they contribute to the improvement and empowerment of diverse communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The annual grants, made possible by the contributions of supporters like yourself, help create positive change and advance the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. If you are involved with an eligible organization, consider applying for this opportunity to receive financial support for your vital work. Together, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Please provide a short description of the specific need for this grant, i.e.: startup costs, equipment not covered by normal operating budget, program incentives, direct service costs, and scholarships. Ineligible requests include: Capital Campaign, funding for salaries, general operating expenses, individual's projects or travel expenses. Please note, no more than 10% is to be used on administrative needs.
Please attach a copy of your Internal Revenue Service letter of determination of 501(c)3 status or arrangements with a fiscal agent and their 501(c)3 status. We will not release funds until we have proof of the 501(c)3 status.

PROJECT DETAILS REPORT

Please attach a project budget and narrative, highlighting specific items this request will fund. We'd like it in your words how this money can be best utilized to serve the needs of our communities. Show us what you can do!

1. What will the funds be used for?

2. Who is being helped?

3. Why is it important?

4. Why is your organization qualified to conduct this program?

5. If your group has a budget over $100,000 and/or paid staff, please explain why this funding is being requested.

6. How could the Sisters support your organization outside of finances?

7. What should the Sisters know about your organization? 

Clear Signature
To the best of my knowledge, all information in this application and attached pages is true and correct.

For our 19th Grant Cycle we gave away $10,500 at Pride Amplified’s inaugural year! 

RADICAL ABUNDANCE https://www.radicalabundancepdx.org/ @radicalthriftshop  

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon https://emoregon.org/ @ecumenicaloregon

Canby Pride https://www.canbypride.org/home @canbypride

Hand Up Project https://www.handupproject.org/ @handupproject

Friendly House – Elder Pride Services https://fhpdx.org/ @friendlyhousepdx

NAMI Clackamas http://namicc.org @namiclackamas

Bridging Voices https://bridgingvoices.org/ @bridgingvoicespdx

Trans Wardrobe Project https://www.transwardrobeproject.org/  @transwardrobeproject

Cascade AIDS Project https://www.capnw.org/ @cascadeaidsproject

PDX Gaymers https://pdxgaymers.org/ @pdxgaymers

NORTH COAST PRIDE dba ASTORIA PRIDE https://astoriaoregonpride.org/ @astoriaoregonpride

At our 18th Anniversary Party held on September 16th 2023 at Pioneer Courthouse Square, we awarded grants to the following organizations:

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon

Hand Up Project

Charles Surendorf II Art Foundation

Westside Queer Resource Center

Bridging Voices

Cascade AIDS Project / Esther’s Pantry

The OUTwright Theatre Gestival / Fuse Theatre Ensemble

Brandly Angle

Friendly House

Hollywood Senior Center dba Community for Positive Aging

Portland Lesbian Choir