Grants, loans & resources for LGBTQ+ families who need to relocate or travel ASAP
+ how to support & donate to these efforts
Hello to the 4,818 hotties who subscribe to this newsletter! Thank you for being here.
After publishing our last Pay It Forward Report, so many of you reached out to share resources for queer & trans people who need to relocate or travel urgently to access gender-affirming healthcare. These connections and resources are so important — thank you all so much for sending them!
Before I list these resources, I want to give a few disclaimers:
I haven’t walked anyone through the application process for any of these interest-free loans, grants, or resources personally, so I can’t tell you what it’s like to engage with these organizations firsthand.
I compiled as much information as I could find from each resource’s website. Processes and eligibility requirements can change over time, and I’ll do my best to update this post with as much up-to-date information as possible. I can’t promise that we’ll be able to keep up with it to the minute, though!
I’m sure there are more resources out there, but I wanted this list to focus on cash grants or loans and travel services that can help people out as soon as possible.
💌 Coming soon: I’ll write about the difference between scarcity mindset and actual scarcity. I’ll also publish guides that tell you how to become a war tax resister and how to make a payment plan with the IRS. Make sure you’re subscribed and click the links to read last year’s guides.
❤️🔥 We’re still accepting new group coaching clients! Here are more details about our six-month group, Budgeting for a World on Fire. Registration starts at $750, with payment plans available. If you're interested, reach out to Andrea at hello@queerandtranswealth.org.
Here’s a non-comprehensive list of resources for LGBTQ+ people who need to travel or relocate ASAP due to anti-trans or anti-LGBTQ+ legislation:
1. Keshet Foundation Move to Thrive Interest-Free Loans
The Keshet Foundation and the Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS) are giving interest-free loans of up to $10,000 to help LGBTQ+ individuals and families relocate to a new city. The Keshet Foundation is a Jewish organization, but applicants who are not Jewish can apply.
Eligibility requirements:
Must have plans to move to a different state within three months of receiving the loan
Must be able to submit documentation of their move OR plan to move no later than six months from the time they receive the loan
Have an annual household income sufficient to support loan repayment, and no higher than the HLFS income limits. According to the HFLS website, the income limit for a single individual in New York City is $125,005. This means you can’t apply for this loan if you’re a single individual who makes more than $125,005.
Have an active checking account
Provide one guarantor (aka, a cosigner) who meets the following requirements:
US citizen or permanent resident of the US
Has a checking account, good credit, and annual, pre-tax household income of at least $50,000.
Currently employed (HFLS prefers guarantors who have worked at least one year in their present position)
Or, if retired, guarantors need to demonstrate their ability to repay the loan through pension/retirement income or assets.
The process:
First, you fill out this screening form on the Keshet website.
Keshet will respond to your request and refer you to HFLS.
Then, you and your guarantor will fill out an application form on the HFLS website.
HFLS will then approve or deny the loan. If the loan is denied, you’ll receive an email from HFLS with the reason.
If the loan is approved, you and your guarantor will sign a promissory note.
You’ll have to fill out an ACH Form, which enables HFLS to withdraw loan repayments automatically from your checking account. Repayment terms are $400 per month over 25 months.
Note: I know that Queer & Trans Wealth readers make financial decisions aligned with their values. If you’re interested in their stance on Palestine, please read this document.
I don’t judge anyone for applying for this loan even if it doesn’t align with their values. We’re in desperate times. I still think it’s important to stay informed.
2. North Texas TRANSportation Network
The North Texas TRANSportation Network (NTTN) provides grants of up to $1,000 to trans adults and parents of trans minors who live in North Texas. The grant covers travel expenses like gas, airfare, and hotel accommodations. There is no income requirement for eligibility.
To start the application process, call 682-234-1968 and leave a message. Because NTTN is run by volunteers, it may take up to two weeks for the organization to respond to your voicemail. Funds are distributed as NTTN has money available.
For those who want to donate:
Use this link to make a one-time or monthly donation.
Donations are tax-exempt because NTTN is an integrated auxiliary ministry of a nonprofit church
For gifts larger than $1,000, please contact a donation specialist at director@nttn.gives
3. Elevated Access
Elevated Access connects volunteer pilots with people seeking abortion services or gender-affirming care outside of their home state — especially if the state they live in has limited access to abortions or gender-affirming care.
To access their services, you must be recommended by a case worker or healthcare provider. If your healthcare provider or local nonprofit organization is not familiar with Elevated Access, ask them to reach out to advocate for your needs.
Contact Elevated Access using this form.
If you want to support their efforts, make a one-time or monthly donation using this page.
Elevated Access is also looking for more volunteer pilots. If you or anyone you know would be interested in volunteering, please use this form to get in touch with them.
4. Campaign for Southern Equality: Trans Youth Emergency Project
The Trans Youth Emergency Project offers logistical and financial support to families who are navigating healthcare bans for trans youth. They provide $500 emergency grants to cover immediate needs like travel expenses, medication costs, and mental health or wellness needs.
To request support, fill out this form.
If you want to make a one-time or recurring donation, click here.
If you know about other resources for queer & trans people who need to relocate or travel, please email them to me! I’m always looking for more resources to send clients.
Queer Trans Project based in Central FL does this too! You don’t have to pay it back