Our LGBTQ Fund
Our LGBTQ Fund was established by Shelley Padnos and Carol Sarosik, a West Michigan couple who chose to spearhead changes in the community after attending OutGiving, a LGBTQ philanthropic conference sponsored by the Gill Foundation. Inspired by the conference and the insight that the LGBTQ community needs to initiate support for its own issues, they partnered with Grand Rapids Community Foundation to lead the charge against issues faced by LGBTQ youth by creating the fund.
Support Us
Support this cause today by contributing to Our LGBTQ Fund. You will have the opportunity to choose an endowed gift or non-endowed. Both ways of giving will help LGBTQ youth now and in the future.
Our LGBTQ Fund Leadership Circle is a great way to ensure the sustainability of the fund into the future. To join the Leadership Circle, complete these simple steps: give a minimum of $2500, which may be pledged over five years, and advocate and share your enthusiasm with others about the fund. If you are interested in joining the Leadership Circle, please contact Marilyn Zack.
The Community Foundation exists to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people. That’s why we are pleased to announce Our LGBTQ Fund, an initiative to support LGBTQ people.
Provide a safe, welcoming and healthy environment for the LGBTQ community in West Michigan by increasing wellness and prosperity levels, visibility, acceptance, support and access to resources.
Create equal opportunity for the LGBTQ community. Currently focusing on youth experiencing homelessness, the fund works to increase the capacity of existing service providers and leveraging relationships within the LGBTQ community and allies.
Our LGBTQ Fund will help us understand the scope of LGBTQ challenges in the community and find ways to address them. We will also concentrate on filling the gap in LGBTQ leadership at the state and community levels.
Grants Awarded
Amount
Date
Purpose
$25,000*
Aug. 2020
Expansion of LGBTQIA+ Education Track Training, to equip agencies in Kent and Ottawa Counties with knowledgeable staff who can create atmospheres of inclusion and equity for LGBTQIA+ youth.
*Made in partnership with $7,500 from Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.
$60,000
Aug. 2020
Supporting the Foster Care A.L.L.Y Project, to build the foundation and infrastructure for a Kent County foster care system that welcomes and affirms LGBTQ+ youth and families.
$1,500
Mar. 2020
Technology updates to move support groups and information sharing to virtual platforms, in response to COVID19.
$45,000
Dec. 2018
LGBTQ Youth Host Home Housing: Arbor Circle’s Host Home Housing Program serves to stabilize and house homeless LGBTQ+ identified youth through connection and housing with safe and affirming adult hosts.
$2,500
Dec. 2018
Trans Education Fund (Learning for Life): To expand Grand Rapids Trans Foundation's current Academic Scholarship program.
$12,500
Dec. 2018
OOTL: At Home In Ottawa County: To facilitate a collaborative and educational process of serving Ottawa County's LGBTQ youth through an active, growing, and visible organization, Out On The Lakeshore.
$40,000
Dec. 2018
LGBTQIA+ Social Justice Education Track: Youth serving organization participation in The Social Justice Institute’s LGBTQIA+ Social Justice Education Track, which offers a progressive learning opportunity for community stakeholders and organizations who seek to enhance their awareness, knowledge, and skills to advance full LGBTQIA+ inclusion and equity.
Other Ways You Can Help
Help us reach out to area businesses, organizations and straight allies to spread the news about the fund and the community needs it addresses. Contact us to find out more.
Be an ally at home, school, church and work. Allies are some of the most powerful voices the LGBTQ community. Allies stand up, help people in coming out and help others understand the importance of equality, fairness, acceptance and mutual respect.
Our Community
Time for acceptance, equality and prosperity for our LGBTQ community. This is our home, where we work, support local businesses, take care of our friends and neighbors and raise our families. And now it’s time to take care of each other, too. Join these local community residents in supporting Our LGBTQ Fund.
Equality is essential for all, regardless of who we are. Until that happens, we need to be there for each other.
Regardless of who you are, we do all matter and offer a beautiful uniqueness.
Community inclusion promotes fairness, creativity, new friendships, and greater understanding.
Our family strongly believes in equality and we are supportive of efforts to achieve this.
Our LGBTQ Fund Leadership Circle
Our LGBTQ Fund Leadership Circle is a group of donors who are deeply committed to ensuring the sustainability of the fund into the future. They give a minimum of $2500, which may be pledged over five years, and advocate and share their enthusiasm with others about the fund. If you are interested in joining the Leadership Circle, please contact Marilyn Zack.
*Deceased
Help us create a collective vision for the next century of service and impact. It only takes a couple of minutes to share your vision for the future of Kent County!