As 2016 comes to a close, and we reflect on the work of the past year, I wanted to share six inspiring moments from this year that your support made possible:
- In May, Pride Foundation and grantee Identity, Inc. launched the second edition of the Inclusive Alaska Guidebook, which shines a spotlight on LGBTQ-supportive businesses statewide. The number of businesses included in this resource has nearly doubled since 2015!
. - In September, Pride Foundation launched TRANSform Washington (TWA), a public education campaign that celebrates the dignity, diversity, and humanity of transgender and gender non-conforming people. Since its launch, the TWA photo story campaign has been viewed more than 800,000 times.
. - Pride Foundation co-hosted a Youth Summit in October to highlight the needs of youth experiencing homelessness in Montana. Montana Governor Steve Bullock attended the summit, which focused on developing responses that address the unique challenges facing homeless LGBTQ youth, Native youth, and youth of color.
. - Pride Foundation awarded grant funds to seven outstanding organizations in Idaho, including three first-time grantees that are providing timely, essential support for vulnerable LGBTQ youth in more rural areas. These grantees are the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights in Boise, and Goodwill’s Youth Mentoring Safe Zone program and Safe Passage in Northern Idaho.
. - In late October, Tylene Carnell joined our team as the Regional Development Organizer in Eastern and Central Washington. With local staff on-the-ground in all five states, we are able to invest in and advocate for lived and legal equality in towns and villages that are often overlooked. Just this summer, Tylene was on the advisory committee that helped establish the first LGBTQ youth drop-in center in Yakima.
. - In November, after years of collaboration, we announced that Pride Foundation and Equity Foundation are now unifying our philanthropic power under the infrastructure of Pride Foundation’s regional network. This merger will allow us to build an even bolder and more innovative movement for equality in Oregon. Learn more about our merger at pridefoundation.org/unified.
.
You have been an incredible partner in advancing equality for our community in 2016—and we look forward to continuing this work together in 2017. It is because of you that we are able to help create a world in which all LGBTQ people feel safe and affirmed in their home communities.
With gratitude,
Kris