Nonprofit organizations serving the state’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) communities will share $87,000 in grants through the Equity Action Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation. The funding will support organizations engaged in efforts ranging from civil rights advocacy for families and youth to housing and improving the delivery of health care.  

“The Foundation has offered uninterrupted grant support to organizations on the front lines of housing, health, advocacy and youth services for more than 20 years. By supporting this work, we help ensure the services that most Rhode Islanders take for granted are available to all regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.   

Guided by a volunteer advisory committee comprised of leaders in the state’s LGBTQ+ communities, the Equity Action Fund supports projects that meet the needs of LGBTQ+ Rhode Islanders. 

The recipients include the East Providence Public Library, which will present free teen and adult LGBTQ+ programs combining education, artistry and social awareness; Woonsocket Pride, which will provide emergency financial assistance to LGBTQ+ residents; and Pride in Aging RI, which will provide support services, social activities and diverse programming focusing on LGBTQ+ seniors. 

Also receiving grants are: 

• Black and Pink Providence 
• GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders 
• Haus of Codec 
• Newport Community School 
• Planned Parenthood of Southern New England 
• Project Weber/RENEW 
• Sojourner House 
• Thundermist Health Center 
• Wanderground Lesbian Archive Library 
• Woonasquatucket Valley Community Build 
• Youth Pride Inc. 

Over the years, the Foundation has made more than $1.4 million in grants through the fund to dozens of organizations working on behalf of Rhode Island’s LGBTQ+ communities. 

The Equity Action Fund is just one of the ways the Foundation supports Rhode Island’s LBGTQ+ communities. Just since 2017, the Foundation has awarded more than $2.3 million in additional funding to support housing and health services for LGBTQ+ people among other programs and released a multi-year research project on the experiences of the LGBTQ+ communities in Rhode Island, which includes a set of priorities for the future. The study – featuring oral interview transcriptions and a timeline of significant LGBTQ+ milestones – is posted at rifoundation.org/lgbtqinri.  

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, together with neighbors and partners, the Foundation is helping to create progress that lasts.

— from a Rhode Island Foundation press release

More: rifoundation.org

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