Microgrants
Microgrants provide trans and nonbinary people with low-barrier funds and support to correct names and/or gender markers on identifying legal documents and supply necessities for our trans siblings behind bars.
Putting money directly into trans people’s hands is central to economic and racial justice and our overall well-being. Redistributing funds draws inspiration from the principles of mutual aid: our support of each other is a political act.
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- 75% of Name Change Microgrants go to trans BIPOC to dismantle barriers caused by white supremacy. See our Equity Policy for more information.
- The Name Change Microgrant application is now open as of January 1st, 2023. It will remain open from the 1st-14th of every month.
Name Change Microgrants
Open from the 1st-14th of every month
1-4 Weeks
Approximate Name Change Microgrant processing time (upon selection)
Types of Microgrants
Name Change Microgrants
Name Change Microgrants cover all the required fees pertaining to court-ordered name changes. They cover corrections and updates on passports, driver’s licenses, state IDs, birth certificates, and Tribal IDs.
Name Change Microgrants details, how to apply, and frequently asked questions.
Inside Advocacy: Commissary and Post-Release Microgrants
Inside Advocacy (IA) provides mutual aid to trans folks who are incarcerated or have been recently released. Trans folks impacted by the carceral state are the most vulnerable and cut off from resources. So far, IA has served nearly 400 people. We continue to use our unique place in the TLGBQ+ and suicide prevention movements to partner with other organizations, fight injustice, and advocate for our community.
Inside Advocacy Microgrants details, how to apply, and frequently asked questions.
Trans Migrant Partnership Program
Our Trans Migrant Partnership Program partners with organizations that provide direct services to trans migrants. In 2021, we distributed $41,000 to the following organizations to disburse $1,000 microgrants directly to trans migrants to support immigration costs, including updating names and/or gender markers on identifying immigration documents, and legal fees during immigration and asylum processes:
In 2022, we will continue building partnerships with organizations offering direct services to disburse $75,000 ($1,000 grants to 75 people) directly to trans migrants. This opportunity is not open to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Trans Lifeline determine identities?
We trust our community’s ability to self-identify when it comes to gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, and ability.
If my application is selected, how long will it take to hear from someone?
Within 6 weeks.
Why wasn’t my application selected?
We receive considerably more application submissions than we are able to accept. The need is huge and we do not come close to meeting it. The lottery process (rather than first-come-first-serve) makes the process more equitable overall for folks who have inconsistent access to a computer, for example, and accessibility is a priority for us. However, it does mean that folks might apply several times in a row and still not be selected.
What if I’m under 18?
We offer microgrants to trans minors as well as trans adults.
What if I’m not in the U.S.?
Our microgrants are available to anyone regardless of citizenship status or geographic location, but at this time we are only able to fund U.S. residents.
How can I apply for an HRT Microgrant?
In 2021, Trans Lifeline partnered with FOLX Health to distribute 100 microgrants to cover one free year of HRT. These microgrants are no longer available. Learn more about FOLX Health here.
What about confidentiality and discrimination?
Microgrant applications and information are kept confidential. Staff and volunteers will not share their personal contact information with microgrant recipients.
Trans Lifeline is committed to combating racism, white supremacy, anti-Blackness, anti-Indigeneity, xenophobia, ableism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, classism, and other oppressive structures.
Trans Lifeline does not tolerate harassment, bigoted commentary, verbal abuse, or debates on issues affecting our communities. Any applicant abusing staff, volunteers, or the program will not receive a microgrant and will be blocked from applying for funds.
Can I read about your equity policy?
Yes! You can find our equity policy here.
Have a question we didn’t answer? Contact us.