TEP Microgrant
DIRECT SUPPORT
FOR 2TIGE PEOPLE.
Small grants. Real impact. Our Microgrants program provides direct financial support to 2TIGE (Two Spirit, Trans, Intersex, and Gender Expansive) individuals across the U.S. because everyone deserves access to the resources they need to thrive.
How It
Works.
A simple, transparent process designed to get support into the hands of 2TIGE people as quickly and respectfully as possible.
1. Apply
Tell us a little about your needs.
2. Review
Our team reviews applications with care and equity.
3. Get Notified
We'll let you know if you're selected during the cycle.
4. Receive Support
Selected recipients receive their Microgrant.
5. Share Your Joy
Respond to our joy-centered storytelling prompts.
MORE THAN SURVIVAL
We're Not Here to Exploit Anyone's Trauma.
Your story is bigger than the challenges you've faced. And we want to celebrate that.
At Trans Empowerment Project, we believe community care should celebrate who people are, not just the hardships they've experienced. That's why storytelling is part of our Microgrants program, but reliving painful experiences isn't.
As part of receiving a Microgrant, recipients are only required to respond to one of a few simple storytelling prompts.
These aren't questions about trauma, financial hardship, or why you needed support. They're opportunities to share a little about how the Microgrant may have supported you that week, how you felt when you found out you were selected, and what you would want donors to understand about why this support matters.
We want to celebrate your humanity, honor your boundaries, and remind the world that our communities are so much more than the challenges we face.
You deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Who Can Apply?
The TEP Microgrants program supports Two Spirit, Trans, Intersex, and Gender Expansive (2TIGE) individuals who are at least 18 years old and reside in the United States.
What Can the Funds Be Used For?
- Housing and utilities
- Food and essential supplies
- Transportation
- Gender-affirming needs
- Technology and connectivity
- Work or school expenses
- Healthcare-related expenses
- Other everyday necessities
Our Impact
So Far.
SMALL GRANTS. REAL IMPACT.
Two Ways to Make a Difference.
Need Support?
Our Microgrants provide direct financial support to 2TIGE people. Learn about eligibility, how the program works, and when applications are available.
Check Application StatusWant to Help?
Your generosity helps us put direct financial support into the hands of more 2TIGE people. Every contribution helps build the capacity for future funding cycles.
Fund Future MicrograntsGOOD QUESTIONS DESERVE CLEAR ANSWERS.
Frequently Asked Questions.
How much are Microgrants?
Our current Microgrants provide $200 in direct financial support to each selected recipient. Grant amounts may change in future funding cycles.
Who is eligible to apply?
Our Microgrants program supports Two Spirit, Trans, Intersex, and Gender Expansive (2TIGE) individuals who are at least 18 years old and reside in the United States.
Additional eligibility criteria, if any, will be listed in the application for each funding cycle.
When can I apply?
Applications are accepted during announced funding cycles. We share application opportunities and deadlines through TEP's official communications.
Funding is limited, so applications are not necessarily open year-round.
What can I use the funds for?
Microgrants are intended to help recipients meet everyday needs, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare-related expenses, gender-affirming needs, and other essential costs.
Check the current funding cycle's application for any restrictions.
Do I have to share my trauma?
Absolutely not. We do not require recipients to recount traumatic experiences, describe financial hardship, or explain why they deserve help.
As part of receiving a Microgrant, recipients respond to just one of several simple storytelling prompts. These focus on their experience receiving support and why community care matters.
Do I have to make a video or use my real name?
No. You can respond through writing, audio, photographs, video, or a combination of formats.
You are not required to record a video, show your face, or use your legal name in your story.
Will TEP publish my story?
Your story may be shared publicly. Sharing stories helps us demonstrate to donors and supporters that Microgrant funding is reaching real people and making a difference.
Storytelling is part of receiving a Microgrant. During our story collection process through MemoryFox, you'll review and sign a consent form explaining how your story may be shared.
You have choices about how you're represented. You can decide which personal details accompany your story, including whether we share your name, face, or other identifying information.
You can also withdraw your consent in the future if you no longer want TEP to continue sharing your story. We'll stop using it in future communications and remove it from materials under our control where reasonably possible. Previously distributed materials or content shared by others may not be fully retrievable.
Can I apply more than once?
Reapplication eligibility may depend on the rules of the individual funding cycle.
Please review the current application guidelines before submitting another request.