Mini-Grants Program:
Resourcing Local Power, One Grant at a Time
At NQAPIA, we know that the most transformative work often starts at the grassroots level — in living rooms, cultural centers, mutual aid collectives, and neighborhood meetings. That’s why our Mini-Grant Programs are designed to directly support Queer and Trans AANHPI-led initiatives across the country.
These mini-grants are more than just funding — they are investments in your vision, your leadership, and your community.
What We Fund
Each mini-grant supports projects, campaigns, and programs that uplift, protect, and mobilize LGBTQ+ AANHPI communities. Whether it’s a self defense class for LGBTQ+ community members in Texas, a voter registration drive with in-language materials for Samoan community in Utah, or a book swamp and mutual fair in Georgia, we’re here to support bringing new ideas to life and sustaining existing activities.
We prioritize projects that:
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Are led by and for LGBTQ+ AANHPI individuals
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Build community power and leadership
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Address urgent local needs or long-term structural change
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Demonstrate cultural relevance and relationship development
What We're Funding
In 2025, our mini-grants are aligned with NQAPIA’s regional strategy to build sustainable power across two key regions:
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The South (Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.)
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The Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.)
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Application opens September 29th, 2025.
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This focus ensures that funding reaches communities often overlooked and under-resourced — and where it can spark the greatest impact.
In 2026, our mini grants are aligned with NQAPIA’s regional strategy to build sustainable power across two key regions:
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The West Coast (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Washington.)
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Application opens April 27th, 2026.
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The Northeast (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.)
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Application opens September 28th, 2026.
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This focus ensures that funding reaches higher populated regions where resources are drying up — and where it can sustain local efforts.
Don’t miss the next opportunity — sign up for updates and be the first to know when the next round opens.
What Do Grantees Receive?
Each cycle includes:
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A short application process that takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
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A 30-minute check in with an NQAPIA staff member.
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A report form that takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
NQAPIA offers:
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Grants ranging from $300 - $1,000.
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An individualized check-in with NQAPIA to soundboard ideas.
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Access to a cohort of other recipients to strategize with one another.
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Access to NQAPIA’s national network of organizers, resources, and visibility.
Past Grantees
Since launching the Mini-Grant Program, we’ve funded 18 grassroots projects that reflect the brilliance, resilience, and diversity of our communities. Below are our grantees:
2024:
TRANSform the Vote Mini-Grant Program
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Blasian March
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Desi Rainbow
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International Children Assistance Network (ICAN)
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Nuanua Collective
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NYC People of Color Healing Circle
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Pan Asian Queers in Atlanta (PAQuA)
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Sacramento Filipinx LGBTQIA+ (SacFil)
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Satrang
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Sexual Liberation Collective
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TranscendAsian Pride NYC Collective
2025:
The Good Trouble Southern Mini Grant
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Austin Dyke March
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Austin Pinay Movement Collective
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Cut Sleeve Collective
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KQT DC
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Pan-Asian Queers of Atlanta (PaQuA)
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Queer Muslim Peaches
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Sistersong
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Told & Retold Team of North Carolina
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VAYLA New Orleans
2025:
Mini-Grant TBD
More information TBD at the Midwest Regional Convening
