LGBTQ+ Giving Circle Awards $100,000 to Organizations in Lancaster County
A variety of empowering programs for transgender individuals, community festivals celebrating LGBTQ+ resilience, and inclusive resources at public libraries are just a few of the projects being funded by the LGBTQ+ Giving Circle’s recent grant cycle.
Launched in October 2022, the LGBTQ+ Giving Circle was formed by a group of local volunteers and donors to raise visibility and address the needs of LGBTQ+ communities in Lancaster County. An advisory committee, made up of individuals with diverse lived experiences including vocation, age, race, gender identities, and sexualities, was created to guide the overall vision of the giving circle. Through this collective approach to philanthropy, a wide range of projects that directly impact a variety of causes within local LGBTQ+ communities were considered and chosen with great intention. These grants are part of the ongoing commitment to support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Six organizations have received grants totaling $100,000.
“On behalf of the entire LGBTQ+ Giving Circle advisory committee, we were so impressed by the creative and intersectional initiatives proposed by many of our grantees. We share our appreciation to all our donors, and we are excited to partner with organizations providing support and celebrating the visibility of LGBTQ+ communities across Lancaster County,” said Todd Snovel, Advisory Committee Member.
Giving Circles are one way our community can leverage the power of collaboration to achieve impact through giving and granting. The Lancaster County Community Foundation is honored to partner with the LGBTQ+ Giving Circle as they center the most vulnerable LGBTQ+ communities and provide support for those most affected by systemic injustices such as racism, homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny.
Anyone can support the work of the LGBTQ+ Giving Circle by making a donation.
Learn more about the projects being funded:
Eastern PA Trans Equity Project – $12,460
Supportive Services and Empowerment Programs help transgender individuals with financial assistance, mentoring, and case management. Programs include support for rent, food, utilities, medical expenses, car repairs, legal name changes, transition clothing, mutual aid, and educational scholarships.
Girls on the Run of Lancaster and Lebanon – $10,000
Offering 10-week programs for girls in grades 3-8, culminating in a celebratory 5K event. Funding supports updated curriculum, The Confidence Suite, and training for Coaches, Staff, and Board of Directors to enhance understanding of gender identities.
Lancaster Pride Association – $25,000
Supports the 16th Annual Festival at the County Convention Center, themed “Our Streets Are Open to All.” The festival promotes visibility, acceptance, and equality through live performances, food vendors, workshops, and vendor booths.
Lancaster Public Library – $15,000
The Rainbow Visibility project enhances LGBTQ+ resources through collection development, programming, and outreach to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for queer patrons.
Lititz Chooses Love – $25,000
Supports capacity-building efforts, including expanding into new areas, creating a rapid response fund, launching an inclusion institute, increasing staffing capacity, upgrading marketing materials, and securing a dedicated office space.
Touchstone Foundation – $12,540
Organizes Healing Circles and Group Therapy for Community Benefit Organization leaders serving LGBTQ+ and BIPOC populations in Lancaster County, addressing mental wellness, trauma, and burnout.
By supporting these diverse initiatives, the LGBTQ+ Giving Circle aims to enhance the well-being, visibility, and empowerment of the LGBTQ+ community in Lancaster County.
