Local Queer Nonprofits Participate in Erie Gives 2023

Erie Gives will be taking place on Tuesday, August 8, from 8 am to 8 pm. This is a great day to help your favorite nonprofits. Last year, Erie Gives broke all the records giving over $8.1 Million to 470 nonprofits. The local LGBT nonprofits participating in this year's campaign are listed below.

The minimum gift is $25. There is no limit to the amount of money you may give. There is no limit to the number of organizations you can donate to in a transaction. Donations can be made via check, Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Sorry, credit card gift cards will not be accepted.

Compton's Table, Inc.

Mission

Compton’s Table’s mission is to eliminate systemic inequity, create community through peer connection, and empower queer youth and young adults to be agents of change. Together with the individuals and communities we serve, Compton’s Table works to create a thriving queer community.

Programs and Services

Compton’s Table is proud to be offering AFFIRM, an evidence-based queer youth support group, as a free resource available to youth and young adults. In addition, we have launched Compton’s Closet in two locations. This free resource provides gender-affirming attire, accessories, and hygiene products. Compton’s is excited to open a community room at PACA to offer social groups and events to strengthen connection and supports. All these programs are aimed at building resilience and reducing suicide among queer youth.

Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE)

Mission

The Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, Inc. (GEAE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the region’s LGBTQ+ community and its straight allies through educational programs, social events, and opportunities for service, which are designed to strengthen our voice and improve the quality of life in northwestern Pennsylvania. We advance our mission to create a safe and welcoming community for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity through quality educational programs, service opportunities, and social events.

Programs and Services

GEAE provides annual scholarships to LGBTQ+ persons for university, community college, technical school, art school, or para-professional programs.

GEAE partners with Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life in order to provide mental health services to Erie County youth who are LGBTQ+ and in need of counseling.

GEAE works with the PA Thrive Partnership to provide testing, prevention, and support to LGBT+ persons throughout Erie County.

GEAE holds Afternoon for Equality to educate and raise funding.

GEAE holds a family-friendly After-Pride Party and helps support Erie Pride.

NW PA Pride Alliance

Mission

NWPA Pride’s mission is to increase visibility for the Queer community in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Programs and Services

Officially incorporated in 2012, NWPA Pride Alliance become the organizing body for Pride events in the city of Erie and Crawford County. Pride events have been celebrated in Erie for 30 years and NWPA Pride works to host events, gatherings, and programs to improve the visibility of the queer community in the NW PA region.

Since the official incorporation of NWPA Pride Alliance and our incorporation as a 501(c)(3), the organization has continued to grow. We now hold over 35 events every year! NWPA Pride relies on the support of partners within the Erie community to make these events a reality and is proud to offer events that are completely free to attend.

Pennsylvania Equality Project, Inc.

Mission

The PA Equality Project serves the LGBTQ+ community across Pennsylvania by providing educational initiatives in pursuit of affirming our civil rights. We seek an end to discrimination, conversion therapy, and youth homelessness within the LGBTQ+ community.

Programs and Services

YouTube programs such as PEP Talks Uncut provides interviews from Pennsylvanians who support and stand with the LGBTQ+ community.

In person and online courses, seminars, and webinars for educators and social workers or those with a vested interested in youth.

We are working to open a community resource center and drop in safe space shelter in Meadville, that will serve all of northwest Pennsylvania, especially Erie County.

LGBT Funds of The Erie Community Foundation

See Community Spotlight article in this issue.