The Equity Innovation Lab Program is a year-long national microgrant program that will offer 1) unrestricted funds of up to $8,000, 2) training and resources, and 3) networking opportunities to eight local community groups or small organizations led by and working to support BIPOC, TGNBNC, and/or rural elders and multigenerational groups.

The grant will fund a specific project or program working to offer support, resources, and/or connection to BIPOC, TGNCNB, and/or rural elders and multigenerational groups. This project can be a planning or needs assessment project for a new program or service but the process must actively engage community members through ongoing activities. 

SAGE will disburse $8,000 to grantees to cover indirect or direct costs of a proposed project or program.

Grantees commit to attending required: grantee kick-off meeting, and at least 4 more grantee gatherings, most of which will be held virtually.

Grantees commit to sharing their ongoing and emerging needs throughout the year via required monthly check-in calls.

SAGE commits to providing training, resources, and support to grantees as needed.

SAGE commits to helping grantees network with each other and with other organizations, funders, and partners.

SAGE commits to collaborating with grantees to co-present and co-publish learnings.

Eligible entities include:

-Groups and small organizations with annual operating budgets $100,000 or less. Exceptions may be made for departments or divisions launching new initiatives within large organization structures (for example, Area Agencies on Aging, Tribal Councils, etc.)

-Must be based in the U.S. and U.S. territories (such as Puerto Rico)

-501(c)(3)(4) status is NOT a requirement BUT you will need to find your own fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3)(4) status if you are not a registered entity

-Newly formed groups/organizations are welcome to apply

-Groups/organizations working with majority BIPOC, TGNBNC, and/or rural LGBTQIA+ elder communities. Multigenerational communities are okay but MUST involve elders*

-Groups/organizations with BIPOC, TGNBNC, and/or rural LGBTQIA+ elders in leadership roles*

-Groups/organizations with ongoing activities supporting and involving community for at least a year

-Groups/organizations who can commit to a year of participation in grantee gatherings, monthly check-ins, and technical assistance trainings

-Groups/organizations with a specific and detailed project

*Groups/organizations who have not worked with elders in the past but intend to ARE eligible but should demonstrate how they will meaningfully and authentically engage elders



Ineligible entities include:

-Groups or organizations with annual operating budgets greater than $100,000. Exceptions may be made for departments or divisions launching new initiatives within large organization structures (for example, Area Agencies on Aging, Tribal Councils, etc.)

-Groups or organizations based outside of the U.S. and U.S. territories

-Individuals/groups aiming to support an individual community member's need

-Individuals seeking financial support for personal needs

-For-profit organizations or projects

-One-time activities or projects

-Groups/organizations seeking support exclusively for capacity building (for example, seeking funds towards general overhead costs for established programs and services)

-Groups/organizations serving a community whose majority is not LGBTQIA+: BIPOC, TGNBNC, and/or rural individuals

-Groups/organizations without representation from LGBTQIA+ BIPOC, TGNBNC, and/or rural individuals in leadership roles

• Any materials you already have stating your mission, your vision, your staff members, your goals, and the community you work with and serve. This might come from many difference sources such as:

        -An organizational charter document
        -A strategic plan
        -An annual report
        -Meeting notes
        -Previous grant proposals
        -A website
        -Results from a community focus group, survey, etc
        -Anything else you use to share who you are and what you do with the world

• A detailed description of the specific project you are proposing for this grant

• A detailed action plan and timeline with specific activities, staff, and expected: activities (steps), persons responsible, challenges, threats, and communication plan

• A list of anticipated pain points and technical assistance needs

• Two (2) budgets:

        -One for your group/organization as a whole (for total operating expenses only)
        -One for the specific project proposed under this grant (to be submitted with detailed line-items)

*IMPORTANT*

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1. SAGE Staff screens applications for basic eligibility (February 12-15, 2024)
2. SAGE Staff sends applications to Selection Panel members. Your application will receive two written reviews from two different Selection Panel members (February 16-23, 2024)
3. Selection Panel members meet to select finalists (Week of February 29, 2024)
4. [If necessary] Selection Panel members interview 10 finalists (March 6-13, 2024)
5. [If necessary] Selection Panel members meet to select awardees (Week of March 25, 2024)
6. All applicants notified of award status (Week of April 8 , 2024)

Action Plan Template (You must complete this template in order for your application to be considered complete)