Frequently Asked Questions
Our Organization
What is your mission?
Point of Pride provides financial aid and direct support to trans people in need of health and wellness care.
What do you do?
We provide financial aid towards gender-affirming surgery, hormone replacement therapy/telehealth access, permanent hair removal services, and other types of care. We also provide free chest binders and femme shapewear garments to trans people who cannot afford them.
Where are you based?
We are incorporated in Eugene, Oregon. Our team members live all over the United States, and we serve gender-diverse people in all 50 states and around the world.
When were you founded?
Point of Pride was founded in 2016, but gets its beginnings as early as 2011. Learn more about us
Who decides which recipients receive funding or support?
Our garment programs operate on a first-come, first-served model. We accept all requests and add them to a waiting list. For our financial aid programs, the process is more competitive. We have limited resources and receive many applications each cycle. To help with this, our Community Grantmaking Fellows (CGFs)—specially trained volunteers who all identify as trans—work alongside staff and board members to review applications. To reduce unconscious bias, reviewers use a scoring rubric, take part in continuing education, and every application is reviewed by at least two different people. This guide, “I’ve Just Applied. Now What?”, offers even more context about our grantmaking process.
Does Point of Pride have an independent charity rating?
Yes! We proudly maintain the highest ratings by Charity Navigator and GuideStar year after year.
How do you protect privacy and security?
Point of Pride is deeply committed to protecting the safety, confidentiality, and privacy of every person we serve. The information we collect is never passed on to any other party for any reason, and we have implemented industry best-practices to keep data secure. Read our full privacy policy and safety statement
How do you prioritize transparency?
We commit to remaining transparent and accountable, not just in sharing financial data, but also in how we make decisions to ensure we are best serving the most vulnerable members of our trans community. Point of Pride continues to maintain the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency and Charity Navigator's 4-star rating—the highest levels of recognition offered—showcasing the progress and results we’re making toward our mission. Read our transparency statement
Do you offer emergency funding or asylum support?
No. Point of Pride cannot help people get asylum. We do not offer emergency funding, crisis support, or asylum support. For information about leaving your country and coming to the US, we recommend you visit Immigration Equality's website.
Do you offer crisis support?
No. Point of Pride is a small, primarily volunteer-operated team. As much as we want to directly help you, our team simply doesn't have the expertise to do so. You deserve the best resources available, which is why we strongly recommend you contact one or more of the organizations on our Resource Library that are much better-suited for your needs. They've helped so many of us through challenging times and we are hopeful they will help you, too.
Do you provide funding to non-profits, community organizations, or GSAs?
No. At this time, Point of Pride only awards financial assistance to individuals.
Can my employer match my donation?
Yes! You can double your impact and support even more people through employer matching. You may need to check with your company or HR department to initiate the match process. Learn more about corporate donation matching
Can I donate stock to Point of Pride?
Yes! Please contact us so we can assist and send along account information.
Can I give by Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) to Point of Pride?
Yes, this is an impactful way to support our mission! You can even set up a recurring DAF contribution. Please contact us so we can assist and send along account information.
How can my company/organization support this work?
You can support Point of Pride in several ways! Many teams amplify their employee's donations and volunteerism through corporate matching programs and Dollars for Doers programs. You can also invite Point of Pride to deliver a presentation, sit on a panel, or host a training for your team. In addition, hundreds of ERGs, corporate teams, and community groups come together each year to write letters of support for trans community members. Have an idea not listed here? Contact us so we can explore what partnership might look like together.
How do I edit or cancel a monthly gift?
If you’d like to cancel a recurring donation, you can do so by logging into your GiveLively account (if you created one when you made your gift) and managing or canceling your donation there. If you gave through PayPal, you can also log in to your PayPal account and manage your subscription under “Payments.” Or, you can always contact us and we’ll be happy to assist!
Annual Trans Surgery Fund
General Eligibility
Is there an age requirement?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by your surgery date. There is no upper limit for age.
Is ____ an eligible procedure?
Can I apply if I have health insurance?
Can I apply if I live outside the United States?
Traveling for medical care can be complex, especially for trans individuals and non-U.S. citizens, as immigration laws and travel policies can change quickly and unexpectedly.
If you are selected as a recipient of the program and awarded a grant, Point of Pride will do our best to support you in navigating these challenges. Unfortunately, we cannot provide financial or legal assistance for immigration-related matters, including deportation or detention. If you accept your grant, we will strongly encourage you to consult immigration professionals and plan ahead for potential disruptions.
Can I apply for assistance if I live in a state with restrictions on gender-affirming care?
Can I apply if I have already scheduled my surgery?
Yes; if you have a surgery date scheduled, there is an option to include that in your application. Because of the time it takes our volunteers to review the high number of applications we receive each year, however, we can not fund applicants who are having surgery in the months of November–February of the current cycle. So, when you submit an application in November, your surgery would need to be scheduled on or after March 1 of the following year in order to receive funding.
Can I apply for myself if I’m also a support person for someone else?
Can I apply to pay back medical loans/expenses for a surgery I’ve already had?
Application Process
How can I submit a high-quality application?
We strongly encourage you to review our Instruction Packet, which walks you through each question of the application with tips. Ultimately, our reviewers are looking for thorough responses that answer each question with specific examples and detailed explanations.
Can I snail-mail you my application?
Can I send you a letter of recommendation?
Can I submit an application on behalf of someone else?
We recognize there may be barriers that prevent someone from submitting an application on their own without help. You may submit an application on behalf of someone else only if you are working directly with the applicant and clearly reference their involvement in completing the application. (For example, if you are providing technological support, language translation, or other assistance on behalf of the applicant, please note your role and that the applicant is still the primary author of their responses.) However, you may not submit an application without the applicant's involvement. (For example, applying for a loved one without their knowledge.) While we understand the desire to surprise someone with a grant, our process builds on the fundamental idea that trans people are our own best advocates: we want to ensure that this belief is reflected throughout the application process.
Can I edit my application after I submit it?
Unfortunately, no. All submitted applications are final, and you cannot edit your responses.
When will I receive a response about my application?
You will receive an email from an "@pointofpride.org" account in 8-12 weeks following the end of the application period. (Please check your spam folder and the quota limit on your inbox to make sure it hasn’t been filtered or bounced back. You may need to search for email accounts that end in “@pointofpride.org” or update your settings to allow emails from “@pointofpride.org” accounts.)
When are recipients selected?
Other Questions
Can the grant be applied towards travel, lodging, or other expenses before, during, or after surgery?
We understand the challenges of debt and medical loans that so many of us deal with in order to afford care. Unfortunately, no; at this time, our grants are paid directly to health care providers specifically for the procedure itself, before it takes place. We cannot apply grant awards toward transportation, lodging, general expenses or (for international applicants) getting a visa and other logistical expenses.
How much money do grant recipients receive?
Grant awards vary widely. The fund covers a high percentage (70-97%) of your total surgical, anesthesia, and facility fees. You will be responsible for a smaller percentage of your care, with a maximum out-of-pocket expense specified in your recipient agreement. You should expect to cover travel fees, lodging, food expenses, time away from work, postoperative nursing care (when required), and certain postoperative medications.
Will you help me find a surgeon?
Unfortunately, no. Point of Pride does not provide medical advice, referrals, or endorsements of any provider. Importantly, every person's surgery goals and priorities are unique. So many factors – a given surgeon's specialty or expertise, the procedure type that's right for you, whether or not you're willing/able to travel for surgery – means that finding a surgeon is a highly individualized decision. Therefore, you will ultimately be the best judge of who your provider should be. We recommend that you reach out to local LGBTQ+ centers and trans support groups, as well as your current healthcare providers and/or insurance company (if applicable), for recommendations to help you as you research.
If Point of Pride needs to pay me directly (as opposed to a retailer or provider), what tax or income implications does this mean for me?
In extremely rare cases, we may need to send funds directly to you instead of paying a provider or retailer on your behalf. If you receive $600 or more from us in a calendar year, we are legally required to report it to the IRS and issue you a 1099 form. This may be considered taxable income, depending on your personal situation and local laws. We always recommend speaking with a tax advisor or accountant to understand how this might affect you.
Your safety and trust are extremely important to us. Please know that we will never ask you to send us money. To protect yourself and avoid a scam, we invite you to please read our safety statement.
HRT Access Fund
General Eligibility
Is there an age requirement?
Can I apply if I have health insurance?
Can I apply if I live outside the United States?
Can I apply for assistance if I live in a state with restrictions on gender-affirming care?
Can I apply if I'm currently enrolled with my chosen provider, or if I've used them or another provider in the past?
- For current customers: if awarded funding, your 12-month grant period will go into effect immediately. Billing will pause for the duration of the grant period, and will resume again when the grant period ends.
- For past customers: if awarded funding, your account will be reactivated, and your 12-month grant period will go into effect for your next billing cycle and continue for 12 months. When the grant period ends, billing will resume. (You may have to re-authorize your payment details on file in order to continue your subscription.)
Can I apply for myself if I’m also a support person for someone else?
Can I apply to pay back expenses for HRT/medical services I’ve already had?
Application Process
Can I snail-mail you my application?
Can I send you a letter of recommendation?
Can I submit an application on behalf of someone else?
We recognize there may be barriers that prevent someone from submitting an application on their own without help. You may submit an application on behalf of someone else only if you are working directly with the applicant and clearly reference their involvement in completing the application. (For example, if you are providing technological support, language translation, or other assistance on behalf of the applicant, please note your role and that the applicant is still the primary author of their responses.) However, you may not submit an application without the applicant's involvement. (For example, applying for a loved one without their knowledge.) While we understand the desire to surprise someone with a grant, our process builds on the fundamental idea that trans people are our own best advocates: we want to ensure that this belief is reflected throughout the application process.
Can I edit my application after I submit it?
When will I receive a response about my application?
You will receive an email from an "@pointofpride.org" account in 8-12 weeks following the end of the application period. (Please check your spam folder and the quota limit on your inbox to make sure it hasn’t been filtered or bounced back. You may need to search for email accounts that end in “@pointofpride.org” or update your settings to allow emails from “@pointofpride.org” accounts.)
When are recipients selected?
Other Questions
What will happen if I'm awarded and my state bans HRT or other gender-affirming care?
We understand that laws around gender-affirming care in the U.S. are changing rapidly—and it can feel overwhelming. Our team wants to do our best to help support you every step of the way. Point of Pride works very closely with our partner providers and keeps a close eye on legislation at both the state and national levels.
Our team will make every effort to be proactive and communicative if any changes in policy could impact your grant or your chosen provider. If you’re selected as a recipient, we’ll stay in touch with you to help navigate any potential disruptions and ensure you’re supported.
I need puberty blockers. Does this program cover them?
Will you help me pick which provider is right for me?
If awarded a grant, can I switch providers?
If Point of Pride needs to pay me directly (as opposed to a retailer or provider), what tax or income implications does this mean for me?
In extremely rare cases, we may need to send funds directly to you instead of paying a provider or retailer on your behalf. If you receive $600 or more from us in a calendar year, we are legally required to report it to the IRS and issue you a 1099 form. This may be considered taxable income, depending on your personal situation and local laws. We always recommend speaking with a tax advisor or accountant to understand how this might affect you.
Your safety and trust are extremely important to us. Please know that we will never ask you to send us money. To protect yourself and avoid a scam, we invite you to please read our safety statement.
Electrolysis Support Fund
General Eligibility
Is there an age requirement?
Can I apply if I'm a trans masculine person?
Can I apply if I live outside the United States?
Can I apply for assistance if I live in a state with restrictions on gender-affirming care?
Can I apply for myself if I’m also a support person for someone else?
Can I apply if I've already had, or am currently having, hair removal sessions?
Can I apply if I'm seeking hair removal on an area other than my face, neck, or in preparation for surgery?
Can grants be used for laser hair removal services?
Application Process
Can I snail-mail you my application?
Can I send you a letter of recommendation?
Can I submit an application on behalf of someone else?
We recognize there may be barriers that prevent someone from submitting an application on their own without help. You may submit an application on behalf of someone else only if you are working directly with the applicant and clearly reference their involvement in completing the application. (For example, if you are providing technological support, language translation, or other assistance on behalf of the applicant, please note your role and that the applicant is still the primary author of their responses.) However, you may not submit an application without the applicant's involvement. (For example, applying for a loved one without their knowledge.) While we understand the desire to surprise someone with a grant, our process builds on the fundamental idea that trans people are our own best advocates: we want to ensure that this belief is reflected throughout the application process.
When will I receive a response about my application?
You will receive an email from an "@pointofpride.org" account in 8-12 weeks following the end of the application period. (Please check your spam folder and the quota limit on your inbox to make sure it hasn’t been filtered or bounced back. You may need to search for email accounts that end in “@pointofpride.org” or update your settings to allow emails from “@pointofpride.org” accounts.)
When are recipients selected?
Other Questions
What if I am unsure whether laser or electrolysis is right for me?
If awarded a grant, can I switch the type of hair removal service I need?
I have questions about hair removal. Where can I learn more?
If Point of Pride needs to pay me directly (as opposed to a retailer or provider), what tax or income implications does this mean for me?
In extremely rare cases, we may need to send funds directly to you instead of paying a provider or retailer on your behalf. If you receive $600 or more from us in a calendar year, we are legally required to report it to the IRS and issue you a 1099 form. This may be considered taxable income, depending on your personal situation and local laws. We always recommend speaking with a tax advisor or accountant to understand how this might affect you.
Your safety and trust are extremely important to us. Please know that we will never ask you to send us money. To protect yourself and avoid a scam, we invite you to please read our safety statement.
Thrive Fund
General Eligibility
Is there an age requirement?
It depends. If you’re under 18, you’ll need to list a parent or legal guardian as your support person on the application. Depending on the type of care you're requesting, we may need additional information and/or signed consent from your guardian to comply with state and federal laws. In some cases, however, you may not be eligible for certain types of care based on your age or legal requirements.
Is ____ an eligible healthcare need?
Yes, so long as it is not for surgery, HRT, permanent hair removal services, free chest binders, and free femme shapewear garments. For those types of care, we require you to please apply through our respective programs. As a reminder, the Thrive Fund prioritizes purchases or services that happen one time or have clearly defined start and end dates, though you may still apply if you are seeking ongoing services.
Can I apply if I have health insurance?
Can I apply if I live outside the United States?
It depends. If you live outside the U.S., you may still be eligible—but the types of products or services we can support may be limited. The application form will flag any parts of your request that might not qualify. If you’re unsure, we still encourage you to apply—our team will review your submission and follow up if needed.
Can I apply if I live in a state with restrictions on gender-affirming care?
Application Process
How can I submit a high-quality application?
We strongly encourage you to review our Instruction Packet, which walks you through each question of the application with tips. Ultimately, our reviewers are looking for thorough responses that answer each question with specific examples and detailed explanations.
Can I snail-mail you my application?
Can I send you a letter of recommendation?
Can I submit an application on behalf of someone else?
We recognize there may be barriers that prevent someone from submitting an application on their own without help. You may submit an application on behalf of someone else only if you are working directly with the applicant and clearly reference their involvement in completing the application. (For example, if you are providing technological support, language translation, or other assistance on behalf of the applicant, please note your role and that the applicant is still the primary author of their responses.) However, you may not submit an application without the applicant's involvement. (For example, applying for a loved one without their knowledge.) While we understand the desire to surprise someone with a grant, our process builds on the fundamental idea that trans people are our own best advocates: we want to ensure that this belief is reflected throughout the application process.
Can I edit my application after I submit it?
Unfortunately, no. All submitted applications are final, and you cannot edit your responses.
When will I receive a response about my application?
You will receive an email from an "@pointofpride.org" account in 8-12 weeks following the end of the application period. (Please check your spam folder and the quota limit on your inbox to make sure it hasn’t been filtered or bounced back. You may need to search for email accounts that end in “@pointofpride.org” or update your settings to allow emails from “@pointofpride.org” accounts.)
When are recipients selected?
Typically, recipients are selected within 8-12 weeks of the application cycle ending. Our non-profit is primarily volunteer-operated, so sometimes it can take longer as we process the high volume of applications. We appreciate your patience!
Can I submit more than one application per period?
No, we can only accept one application per person, for one specific need, during each funding cycle.
We understand that many of us have multiple healthcare needs at the same time. If you're not selected for funding, you're welcome to apply again in the future. If you are selected, you’re also welcome to apply again in a later cycle, as long as it’s for a different need.
Other Questions
Will you help me find a provider?
Unfortunately, no. Point of Pride does not provide medical advice, referrals, or endorsements of any provider. Importantly, every person's healthcare goals and priorities are unique, so selecting a provider becomes a highly individualized decision. Therefore, you will ultimately be the best judge of who your provider should be. We recommend that you reach out to local LGBTQ+ centers and trans support groups, as well as your current healthcare providers and/or insurance company (if applicable), for recommendations to help you as you research.
If Point of Pride needs to pay me directly (as opposed to a retailer or provider), what tax or income implications does this mean for me?
In extremely rare cases, we may need to send funds directly to you instead of paying a provider or retailer on your behalf. If you receive $600 or more from us in a calendar year, we are legally required to report it to the IRS and issue you a 1099 form. This may be considered taxable income, depending on your personal situation and local laws. We always recommend speaking with a tax advisor or accountant to understand how this might affect you.
Your safety and trust are extremely important to us. Please know that we will never ask you to send us money. To protect yourself and avoid a scam, we invite you to please read our safety statement.
I am a provider or retailer. Can I submit an application so I can provide services or goods for free to the community?
Unfortunately, no. At this time, Point of Pride only awards financial assistance to individuals seeking aid for themselves.
Free Chest Binders
General Eligibility
Is there an age requirement?
Can I get more than one binder?
The following reasons do not constitute extenuating circumstances:
- Multiple binders for laundry day
- Multiple colors needed/wanted
- Multiple sizes needed/wanted
I already have a binder that no longer fits and I need a different size. Do you offer exchanges?
I don't need a binder anymore. How can I cancel my request?
What to Expect
What kind of binder will I receive?
95% of the binders we mail out are new or gently used binders from one of the following manufacturers: For Them, gc2b, urBasics, Spectrum Outfitters, TomboyX, and Underworks. We allow you to select your preferred manufacturer, size, style (half or full) and color, but we can’t always guarantee that you'll receive the style or color you request. We guarantee you’ll receive a binder in the size you need and by the manufacturer you select, since each manufacturer uses a unique size chart.
What does packaging look like?
Packaging for our mailed garments is extremely discreet. Your items will be shipped in a plain white mailing envelope. The sender’s name is “Point of Pride.” Nothing with the words “LGBT” or “trans” appear on the packaging. To comply with US Postal Regulations, we cannot change the sender name on the package.
The package is flexible and will fit inside of most PO Boxes. For street address deliveries, it is usually left inside the mailbox (or on the porch/inside the door in the rare event that the mailbox is too small). Signature is not required.
US Recipients: USPS offers a product called Informed Delivery, which will alert the account holder of upcoming mail and packages to the registered address. These notifications sometimes become available as soon as the label is generated. There is no way for us to be able to tell if an address is registered for Informed Delivery and if someone is receiving notifications about upcoming packages.
If international, the customs form will list the contents as an “undershirt” and will have the item marked as a gift, but you’ll still want to check with your country’s customs office for how the customs process may affect you. Many of the provided tracking numbers stop working once the package leaves the US, so you may want to check with your local postal service to determine the best method for tracking your package once it’s left the US.
The package will contain your binder, an informational card on safer binding techniques, 1-2 stickers, and a note of support meant to brighten your day (written by other trans people, volunteers, and community members.)
Shipping & Delivery
Is shipping free?
Do you ship internationally?
Can I have my binder shipped to a trusted friend or relative?
Can I have my binder shipped to a post office?
Can I receive a binder if I live in a state with restrictions on gender-affirming care?
Fit, Safety & Care
How do I wash or care for my garment?
We recommend you follow your binder manufacturer's instructions, which typically instruct you to hand wash and hang to dry by air. You can use cold or warm water to wash your binder. Lather it with some dish soap or laundry detergent, then rinse thoroughly. If you wash it in the evening and leave it out to dry, it should ready to wear by morning. If you need to dry it using a machine, use a delicates bag to ensure your binder doesn’t get damaged or caught on other clothes.
I have a medical condition. Is it safe for me to use a binder?
What is your replacement policy?
- you received it through us in the mail (In other words, we cannot replace binders you purchased or received from other non-profit organizations, businesses, or programs. We also cannot replace binders you claimed from a Point of Pride table at in-person LGBTQ+ events);
- your binder was delivered within the last 24 months;
- you contact us. We will ask you to email 2-3 photos that show your binder is no longer wearable or safe.
Free Femme Shapewear
General Eligibility
Is there an age requirement?
Can I get more than one gaff?
The following reasons do not constitute extenuating circumstances:
- Multiple gaffs for laundry day
- Multiple colors needed/wanted
- Multiple sizes needed/wanted
I don't need a garment anymore. How can I cancel my request?
What to Expect
What kind of garment will I receive?
What does packaging look like?
Packaging for our mailed garments is extremely discreet. Your items will be shipped in a plain white mailing envelope. The sender’s name is “Point of Pride.” Nothing with the words “LGBT” or “trans” appear on the packaging. To comply with U.S. Postal Regulations, we cannot change the sender name on the package.
The package is flexible and will fit inside of most PO Boxes. For street address deliveries, it is usually left inside the mailbox (or on the porch/inside the door in the rare event that the mailbox is too small). Signature is not required.
US Recipients: USPS offers a product called Informed Delivery, which will alert the account holder of upcoming mail and packages to the registered address. These notifications sometimes become available as soon as the label is generated. There is no way for us to be able to tell if an address is registered for Informed Delivery and if someone is receiving notifications about upcoming packages.
If international, the customs form will list the contents as “underwear” and will have the item marked as a gift, but you’ll still want to check with your country’s customs office for how the customs process may affect you. Many of the provided tracking numbers stop working once the package leaves the US, so you may want to check with your local postal service to determine the best method for tracking your package once it’s left the US.
The package will contain your garment, an informational card on safer tucking techniques, 1-2 stickers, and a note of support meant to brighten your day (written by other trans people, volunteers, and community members.)
Shipping & Delivery
Is shipping free?
Do you ship internationally?
Can I have my shapewear shipped to a trusted friend or relative?
Can I have my shapewear shipped to a post office?
Can I apply if I live in a state with restrictions on gender-affirming care?
Fit, Safety & Care
How do I wash or care for my garment?
We recommend you follow your gaff manufacturer's instructions, which typically instruct you to wash in cold water and hang to dry by air. If you need to dry it using a machine, use a delicates bag to ensure your gaff doesn’t get damaged or caught on other clothes.