Recognizing that much of this important human rights struggle is unfolding state-by-state, the CMC was created to support strategic efforts in selected states with plans to win marriage equality in the context of the national marriage equality agenda. (Thus the CMC does not fund national groups to do generalized marriage equality work.) Proposals for CMC funding are accepted on an invitation-only basis.

 

Based on its current strategy, the CMC has a particular interest in funding programs that (1) are based on concrete and comprehensive plans including measurable goals and timelines; (2) realistically can achieve marriage equality in one to six years; (3) have the ability to significantly advance public debate on marriage equality, including strategies to educate and engage new constituents, community leaders and opinion-shapers; and (4) provide for significant partnerships among a diverse set of LGBT organizations and between LGBT and allied groups, with special emphasis on faith-based and people-of-color allied organizations.

 

The CMC is a funding collaborative initiated in 2004 by Columbia Foundation, David Bohnett Foundation, Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, Gill Foundation, Open Society Institute, Overbrook Foundation, and an anonymous donor. Since then, several other funders have joined the CMC including: Atlantic Philanthropies, Calamus Foundation, Horizons Foundation and Kevin J. Mossier Foundation. The CMC is advised by non-funder experts who bring insight and knowledge of LGBT issues and organizations, progressive state-based education and organizing generally, and the national movement to establish marriage equality.

 

Along with its grantmaking function, the CMC serves the additional important role of helping to educate the broader philanthropic community in the United States on marriage equality and the vital role philanthropy can and should play to achieve this critical right.