Pony Barnes Foundation will fund proposals that fall within one of the grant program areas: The Dr. Barnes Learning & Leadership Fund, The Brave Space Fund, and The Rainbow Family Camp Fund. Each funding opportunity possesses its own eligibility & requirements. See below for details.
Awards in each area are based on funding needs, but cannot exceed 20k. In order to receive a grant, grantees agree to provide quarterly written reports to PBF and to allow PBF to use your organization's name, pictures, and information for promotional purposes. For example on our website, in communications, and social media.
The Dr. Barnes Learning & Leadership Fund
Overview
Pony Barnes Foundation carries on the legacy of Dr. Virginia Barnes whose life’s work inspired youth and their families to reach new levels of personal potential and kindle their desire to engage in lifelong learning.
Dr. Barnes was a visionary and committed educator who guided youth in understanding their own personal potential, discovering and harnessing individual strengths, and having fun along the journey.
The Dr. Barnes Learning & Leadership Fund carries on her important work and is awarded to camps who currently aim to improve or create a new leadership program for LGBTQ+ campers and/or staff.
Additional Eligibility Required For Applicants
- Camps Must:
- Demonstrate a specific focus on serving the LGBTQ+ community, particularly young LGBTQ+ leaders
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership programs that embody experiential learning principles
- Demonstrate a plan to focus grant funds on leadership development that improves the camp experience for LGBTQ+ campers and staff
The Brave Space Fund
Overview
Camp has a special way of bringing magic into the lives of those who attend – either by enabling campers to build new and enriching relationships with others, learn new things together, challenge oneself to reach new heights, and commune with the natural environment. There is no denying that it serves as a cherished and sacred space that those who attend yearn for in the months before and after it takes place.
Perhaps most importantly is the way in which camp allows individuals to express parts of themselves they may not express in the “real world.” Authenticity is a major part of the magic of camp and it’s important that camps can ensure that magic is felt by everyone.
As campers have found and embraced new levels of authenticity in their own identities as LGBTQ+ people, there are important ways camp directors and staff can ensure these campers also feel a sense of belonging when they show up each summer.
This fund is dedicated to supporting camps in building more inclusive environments for their LGBTQ+ campers. Examples could include, but are not limited to: converting signage, facilities, uniforms, and more to be LGBTQ+ inclusive.
Additional Eligibility Required For Applicants
- Camps Must:
- Demonstrate need for funding to create more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ campers
The Rainbow Family Camp Fund
Overview
After running a successful girls’ camp at Montecito Sequoia for 25 years, Dr. Barnes saw the need to transition to family camp programs, providing a nurturing space for families and people of all genders to connect, have fun, and create lifetime memories.
Family camp provides a key opportunity for youth and their families to connect in the outdoors, have meaningful experiences together, and meet others to build community. This is particularly important for LGBTQ+ youth and their families who gain additional value from spaces of belonging to connect with peers, engage in supportive conversations around shared identities and family dynamics, and more.
This fund is dedicated to providing more camp opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth and families to experience the magic of family camp.
Additional Eligibility Required For Applicants
- Camp must:
- Offer or plan to use funding to offer a family camp program serving LGBTQ+ families