Our LGBTQ Fund

Supporting Wellness, Visibility and Access

Our LGBTQ Fund was established in 2014 to provide a safe, welcoming and healthy environment for LGBTQ+ communities in West Michigan by increasing wellness and prosperity levels, visibility, acceptance, support and access to resources. Show support today by contributing to Our LGBTQ Fund through a financial gift. You will have the opportunity to choose an endowed gift or non-endowed.

Give Now

2026 Grant Application

The 2026 grant application for Our LGBTQ Fund closed on Friday, July 31, 2026. Decisions will be announced by the end of October 2026. More information about the process can be found in the application guidelines.  

2024 Grant Awards

Recipient

Amount

Date

Purpose

  • AYA Youth Collective

    Amount Awarded: $15,000

    Date Awarded: May. 2024

    Direct cash payments to mitigate the needs of LGBTQ+ community members experiencing homelessness.

  • Grand Rapids Pride Center

    Amount Awarded: $40,000

    Date Awarded: May. 2024

    To create a learning cohort that will train mental health clinicians of color to specialize in providing treatment care for LGBTQ+ communities, with the goal of hiring one at GRPC.

  • Grand Rapids Trans Foundation

    Amount Awarded: $30,000

    Date Awarded: May. 2024

    To extend legal guidance, advocacy, and financial assistance to transgender and nonbinary residents seeking legal name change and document updates in Kent County.

  • Michigan Organization Adolescent Sexual Health

    Amount Awarded: $15,000

    Date Awarded: May. 2024

    Support an LGBTQ+ youth summit to create community and develop advocacy skills in youth to improve their school community.

As an advocate in the community, we need your help to make this happen.

Leadership Circle

Our LGBTQ Fund Leadership Circle is a great way to ensure the sustainability of the fund into the future.

Learn more

Members of the Leadership Circle give a minimum of $2,500 (which may be pledged over five years) and advocate and share their enthusiasm about the fund with others. Interested in joining? Contact Jenine Torres today.

A photo of Carol Sarosik & Shelley Padnos, fund founders

Carol Sarosik & Shelley Padnos, fund founders

When we initiated the fund, we hoped to increase awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ community, and to begin to address the issues of youth homelessness.  With the incredible generosity of the West Michigan community, we have experienced some positive impact, but we have a long way to go, and it is our hope that the fund continues to grow in size and impact.”

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