LGBT FUND
For many people who identify as LGBTQ+, life is better today than it was for those who came before them. That progress is because of past generations of LGBT individuals and allies whose advocacy and generosity paved the way. The LGBT Fund of the Erie Community Foundation was created to leverage that legacy of generosity to advance the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in the area.
OUR IMPACT
ABOUT US
MISSION
Our mission is to fund and partner in community-led initiatives that advance the local LGBTQ+ population.
VISION
We envision a united, vibrant, and thriving community for the LGBTQ+ population of the Erie region.
VALUES:
- Integrity
- Dignity and worth of all people
- Justice
- Equity
- Compassion
Through an organized, intentional approach, we support programs, activities, and initiatives that:
- Help LGBTQ+ people in our region build healthy, productive lives.
- Promote equity and inclusiveness and make the Erie region a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Address discrimination and disparities in health and wellness, safety, education, and opportunity that members of the LGBTQ+ community face due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity
LGBT FUND BY THE NUMBERS
10
Years since the establishment of the LGBT Community Endowment
$35K
Grants awarded to local organizations
$12K+
Scholarships awarded to local students whose identities and interests align with the mission of the Fund
$500K
Four funds working toward our vision of a united, vibrant, and thriving community for the LGBTQ+ population of the Erie region
For all the progress made in recent years to advance the LGBTQ+ community, many individuals, including those in the Erie region, face barriers to well-being – in their personal lives, health care, employment, housing, and education.
Many LGBTQ+ people still struggle to be recognized—to be safe and accepted. Depression, suicide, and loneliness are all too common. Food insecurity, homelessness, and a constant fear of instability, particularly for LGBT youth, are a reality for many LGBTQ+ people in the Erie region. The LGBT Fund supports programs and initiatives addressing concerns unique to this community. The focus of the Fund is not on undertaking specific programming but on supporting local organizations that do.
Create your Own Fund
We welcome additions to our family of funds. If you want to establish a fund with a mission aligned with the LGBT Fund, contact Olivia Burgess.
Legacy Giving
Consider making the LGBT Fund a part of your legacy. Gifts can be contributed to the LGBT Community Endowment to support grantmaking to mission-aligned nonprofits forever or be directed to one of our scholarships. Bequests can also be used to establish funds that support our work; contact our team for more information.
Establish a Scholarship
If you’re interested in starting a scholarship or named fund and want to explore supporting the work of the LGBT Fund, contact Olivia Burgess at The Erie Community Foundation.
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