LGBT Fund of Erie Community Foundation Grant to Compton's Table

The LGBT Fund of The Erie Community Foundation has awarded a $7,500 grant to Compton's Table, supporting the organization's transformative True North and Chat n Chill programs. The initiatives, designed to create an affirming environment for LGBTQ+ youth in northwestern Pennsylvania, align with the LGBT Fund's vision for a united, vibrant, and thriving community for LGBTQ+ individuals in the Erie region.

True North provides young queer individuals with life skills training in such areas as budgeting, securing housing, self-care, and career development. The program of individual empowerment addresses the significant risks faced by LGBTQ+ youth, including high rates of suicide. The Trevor Project reports that more than 40% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, underscoring the urgency of supportive interventions like True North.

Chat n Chill complements True North by offering a consistent, judgment-free social environment where participants can apply their new skills and form meaningful connections. Research shows that a sense of belonging significantly reduces suicide risk among queer youth, making these safe spaces not only affirming but potentially life-saving.

The LGBT Fund's mission is to fund and partner in community-led initiatives that advance the local LGBTQ+ population. By supporting programs like True North and Chat n Chill, the Fund contributes to work that addresses this population's unique needs and experiences.

The LGBT Fund welcomes any organization interested in applying for its 2025 grant to contact The Erie Community Foundation for further details. The grants, application of which opens in the fall, support initiatives addressing LGBTQ+ needs in areas such as safe schools, youth homelessness, mental health, housing, workplace equality, and more. For more information, visit erielgbtfunds.org.