Announcing Our Washington Youth Initiative Report

Pride Foundation announces the release of its Washington Youth Initiative report: Supporting Spaces of Joy, Belonging, and Leadership for LGBTQ+ Youth, a comprehensive analysis of the findings and lessons learned from a groundbreaking two-year pilot program funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. This initiative, designed to expand resources and capacity for LGBTQ+ youth-serving organizations in Washington, has demonstrated the transformative impact of targeted investment in these communities, especially those led by Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QTBIPOC) and those serving rural areas.

Over the two-year program, the initiative awarded over $1.6 million in flexible funding to 20 organizations, reaching more than 1,940 LGBTQ+ youth with leadership development opportunities and strengthening the capacity of youth-serving organizations across Washington State.

“The report affirms our efforts to connect organizations across Washington to share experiences and collaborate on strengthening their outreach,” said Katie Carter, Pride Foundation CEO. “Now, more than ever, sustained and increased funding is critical for these organizations to continue their work in the face of escalating threats to LGBTQ+ people and the well-being of our youth, particularly trans and nonbinary young people.”

Key findings from the report include:

  • Persistent disparities: LGBTQ+ youth, particularly BIPOC and trans youth, face structural and systemic barriers that limit access to essential resources like housing, mental health care, and leadership opportunities.
  • The power of community-driven solutions: Youth emphasized the need for spaces that foster radical joy, connectedness, and belonging, underscoring the importance of by-and-for LGBTQ+ programming.
  • Urgency for systemic change: The ongoing anti-LGBTQ+ backlash requires funders to invest in organizations that address systemic inequities while reducing burnout among staff and promoting sustainable practices.

The report also outlines recommendations for the philanthropic sector, urging funders to increase the impact of grant awards by providing multi-year, general operating support, simplifying application processes, and incorporating feedback from grantees and LGBTQ+ youth.

“While this initiative is an important step forward, it is also a call to action,” said Olivia Thai, Program Officer with the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. “LGBTQ+ youth deserve access to the resources and safe spaces that will allow them to live safe, joyful lives. We hope funders recognize this and move to join us in supporting the critical work being done in Washington and beyond.”

As Pride Foundation continues its commitment to advancing equity and justice, this report serves as a roadmap for future investment in LGBTQ+ youth-serving organizations and a model for addressing the chronic underfunding of these vital groups.

Read the full report below: 

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