Lighthouse Foundation Invites Nonprofits Across America to Join the National Black Queer Equity Index 2025 Cohort
Lighthouse Foundation is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 Black Queer Equity Index (BQEI) cohort, inviting nonprofits across the United States to participate in this groundbreaking initiative. Building on the success of their initial cohort, they are expanding the BQEI to create a national movement dedicated to fostering racial and LGBTQ+ equity within nonprofit organizations.
The BQEI is a first-of-its-kind organizational assessment tool developed through a multi-year, community-led participatory-action research project. It provides nonprofits with a comprehensive evaluation of their policies and procedures across critical domains, including Resource Allocation, Giving Voice to Power, Professional Development, Systemic Action, and Data Collection. Participating organizations will receive customized guidance and an annual report card detailing their strengths and areas for growth, empowering them to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.
“We know from the intellectual labor of Black women like bell hooks and Kimberly Crenshaw, that when solutions are created by communities that experience compounded marginality, those solutions work for everyone in your organization,” Lighthouse Foundation Executive Director, Jamie Frazier shared. “And they help position your organization to serve the entire community.”
The initial cohort, which included prominent Chicago organizations – AIDS Foundation Chicago, Center on Halsted, Chicago House, and Howard Brown Health – demonstrated the profound impact of the BQEI. These organizations have made significant strides in centering Black LGBTQ+ employees and board members, ultimately enhancing their ability to serve marginalized communities. Their success underscores the importance of this work and the need for a national expansion.
“[The BQEI has been] an opportunity for collaboration,” Michael Herman, CEO of Chicago House shared. “For us, it’s been an outstanding experience, one that’s filled with learning, collaboration, and [the] ability to take the next steps. Lighthouse Foundation has been a pivotal partner to us and the other cohort organizations over the past year. We look forward to the advances we’ll make as an organization due to our participation.”
By joining the BQEI, nonprofits will not only develop, recruit, and retain a diverse workforce invested in their mission but also receive ongoing measurement of their progress. The BQEI offers a unique opportunity to build relationships with other nonprofit leaders, share lessons learned, and implement supportive, actionable practices that drive real change.
The next BQEI assessment cycle begins in late fall and is supported entirely by philanthropic funding, making it available at no cost to participating organizations. The application process is straightforward: just visit the BQEI webpage. Your responses will be sent to Dr. Allen Thomas, Senior Consultant of Research and Evaluation, who will follow up with you. Interested nonprofits are also encouraged to contact bqei@lightfoundchi.org for a consultation to discuss their potential participation.
Applications are now open, with a deadline of November 1, 2024. We look forward to welcoming a diverse range of nonprofits into the 2025 BQEI cohort, including 5 organizations for an Illinois cohort and 5 organizations for a national cohort. There are a limited number of spots, so get involved now!
This is a unique opportunity for organizations to take a significant step forward in their equity journey and ensure that the voices and experiences of Black LGBTQ+ individuals are centered and empowered – for the benefit of all marginalized employees and board members.
About Lighthouse Foundation
Lighthouse Foundation is committed to advancing equity and inclusion for Black LGBTQ+ individuals within nonprofit organizations. Through initiatives like the Black Queer Equity Index, we strive to create environments where all people feel included, supported, and empowered to thrive.
For more information or to apply to join the BQEI, please visit www.lightfoundchi.org/bqei or contact Dr. Allen Thomas directly at bqei@lightfoundchi.org.
Media Contact:
Hannah Pewee
Manager of Communications
communications@lightfoundchi.org
