LGBTQ-RAN Exhibit Grant

The LGBTQ Religious Archives Network (LGBTQ-RAN) supports the identification, collection and preservation of personal papers and organizational records from lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender religious movements. To encourage scholarly research and historical study of these important movements, LGBTQ-RAN is offering a $1500 Exhibit Grant to support the presentation of a high-quality virtual exhibit to be posted on the LGBTQ-RAN website.

We are particularly interested in exhibitions that document LGBTQ+ histories through material artifacts including, but not limited to, textual records (letters, manuscripts, diaries, personal papers, organizational records et cetera), visual and graphic materials (photographs, maps, sketches, video footage, artwork, slide, et cetera), objects (clothing, memorabilia, trophies, et cetera), and audio (sound recordings, oral history interviews, et cetera). The final project is expected to include a set of 50 or more objects, materials, artifacts, and/or images and 2,000-4,000 words of text. LGBTQ-RAN especially encourages submissions that highlight the histories of groups that are underrepresented in our current exhibits, including: spiritual traditions other than Protestantism; communities of color; communities outside of the U.S.; and trans, nonbinary, bisexual, and/or lesbian communities.

Eligibility: LGBTQ-RAN welcomes exhibition proposals from individuals or groups within any sphere, including, but not limited to, independent scholars, academics, undergraduate and graduate students, community archivists, librarians, community workers, organization leaders, artists, religious leaders, personal collectors, photographers, journalists, and others.

To apply: Please submit a brief cover letter describing who you are and your interest in the grant, a 500-word project proposal, and a vita/resume to exhibitgrant@lgbtqreligiousarchives.org. The proposal should describe the intended project, its significance, identify any underrepresented topic(s) included in the project, provide a project workplan and timeline, and identify the types and/or an inventory of objects, materials, artifacts, and/or images that will be included. Proposals are due by March 31, 2026. The selected proposal will be announced by May 1, 2026.

LGBTQ-RAN Exhibit Grantees will be expected to work with LGBTQ-RAN’s Archivist, Web Developer, and Advisory Team to develop their exhibit. The first draft of the exhibit is due by July 1, 2026, and the final version by September 15, 2026. Publication of the exhibition to the LGBTG-RAN website is expected by December 1, 2026. The $1500 grant stipend will be disbursed in two installments, the first will be sent out on May 15th and the second on September 30 after the final version is submitted.