The Rhode Island Foundation has awarded $53,000 to share between eight LGBTQ nonprofits. The funding aims to support groups “engaged in efforts ranging from civil rights advocacy for families and youth to improving the delivery of health care,” states a recent Foundation release.
“This important work is enhanced by strengthening alliances between nonprofits working to address the most critical needs of Rhode Island’s LGBTQ communities, including investments in health, education and the arts, as well as issues critical to young and elderly members of the community,” said Foundation grants program officer Adrian Bonéy.
The grant-receiving groups, as detailed by the Foundation, include:
Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI) received $5,000 to support its Emergency Financial Assistance program for LGBTQ+ individuals living with HIV under its AIDS Project Rhode Island program. There are about 2,400 people living with HIV in Rhode Island, according to the state Department of Health.
Girls Rock! RI received $3,000 to support a re-branding effort that will result in a new name for the organization in order to make it more welcoming to trans and non-binary participants and volunteers.
GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) received $8,000 to support its ongoing youth and civil rights advocacy. The work includes holding semiannual roundtables of LBGTQ advocates, providing legal support to families of LGBTQ students and strengthening the state’s protective legal framework for the LGBTQ community.
New Urban Arts in Providence received $5,000 to support the Untitlement Project, a summer program in which low-income youth use writing and art to explore issues of identity, including gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Students meet four days a week.
Project Weber/RENEW received $8,500 for its Transgender Outreach Project. The funds will be used to support a trans peer outreach worker who will focus on high-risk trans individuals on the streets.
SAGE-Rhode Island received $9,000 to train nurses, social workers, community service providers and other healthcare staff working in long-term care, acute care facilities and community agencies. The organization serves older LGBT adults, through service, education and advocacy.
Sojourner House received $6,500 to provide shelter, housing and supportive services to LGBTQ victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. The supportive services will include clinical therapy, support groups, one-on-one advocacy, empowerment education, free HIV testing, sexual health education and financial literacy education.
Thundermist Health Center in Warwick received $8,000 to support its Trans Health and Wellness Program. The grant will enable the organization to expand its social- and community-building events to improve the physical and mental health and wellness of the trans community.
The Rhode Island Foundation is “the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential.”
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