Community Spotlight #8: LGBT Funds of the Erie Community Foundation

Board members of the LGBT Funds of the Erie Community Foundation

The LGBT Funds of the Erie Community Foundation strive to address the challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals in Erie County face every day. With a generous gift in 2014, the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality helped to establish the LGBT Funds of The Erie Community Foundation. Today, the Funds are led by a volunteer advisory board and various committees and aim to provide financial support to nonprofits in the Erie area that address strive to create a positive, thriving environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The LGBT Funds consist of the LGBT Community Endowment Fund, which generates impactful grants for nonprofit organizations and projects throughout NWPA.  Grants focus on key priorities such as safe schools, youth homelessness, mental health, substance use, suicide prevention, health and wellness, housing and workplace equality and family support and recognition.  Additionally, the LGBT Funds include scholarships to support the next generation of leaders in creating a positive environment for the local LGBTQ+ community.  The LGBT Funds Committee will begin accepting applications for the next grant cycle on September 14th. 

The LGBT Funds recently held their first education session, "The Landscape of LGBTQ+ Affirming Healthcare in Erie:  A Panel Discussion."  The group has plans for a September 20 session on aging in the LGBTQ+ community, featuring a screening of the documentary film "Gen Silent" and a panel discussion. 

Potential donors have the option to contribute to the LGBT Funds Community Endowment for grantmaking, donate to one of the named scholarship funds, or create their own named fund.  Volunteers are also welcome to join the board and committees to help plan events, raise funds, set strategies and determine scholarship recipients.

The LGBT Funds' goal is to continue convening community conversations and expand their reach each year.  The LGBT Funds rely on the support of individuals attending events, volunteering, and making donations to further their grantmaking efforts and support local nonprofits.  If you are interested in becoming involved or learning more, you can contact Olivia Burgess at oburgess@eriecommunityfoundation.org.

The Erie Community Foundation's mission is to inspire, engage and empower donors and communities across the region, today and tomorrow.  We envision united, vibrant and thriving region for all.