The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado has been named the Foundation of the Year by the Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth (www.shaka.org), a Colorado organization devoted to addressing issues related to teen suicide and healthy families. The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado received the award at the 15th Annual Love Our Children luncheon, an annual fundraising event that the Shaka Franklin Foundation hosts in support of its suicide prevention and family support programs. Mary Lou Makepeace, executive director of the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, accepted the award at the luncheon.
“Fostering an environment of acceptance and inclusion is one of the critical ways that communities and families can prevent self-destructive feelings that sometimes put young people on the path to suicide. By demonstrating a profound commitment to issues of equality and nondiscrimination, the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado by its very nature supports these important notions of acceptance that young people so very much need,” said Marianne Franklin, executive director of the Shaka Franklin Foundation. “The Gay & Lesbian Fund puts its commitment to these principles into action every day not only through its grants but also through the non-financial hands-on support it provides to nonprofit organizations that support Colorado families. We are proud to recognize the Gay & Lesbian Fund as the Foundation of the Year.”
Colorado has ranked in the top ten states for teen suicide for as long as records have been kept by the Colorado Department of Health. One-third of children who attempt or commit suicide each year in the United States are gay or lesbian, and gay adolescents are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than are male heterosexual adolescents.
“Adolescents who are struggling with their sexual identity are particularly vulnerable, which makes the Gay & Lesbian Fund’s work all the more valuable,” added Franklin. “One of the organization’s key contributions is its support for programs that help children in Colorado grow up in an environment that offers equal opportunities and celebrates diversity. The Gay & Lesbian Fund also serves as a very positive role model for young people, demonstrating the positive impact that gay men and lesbians have on the community. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the fund to support Colorado’s young people.”
“It is an honor to accept this award from the Shaka Franklin Foundation, whose programs are so valuable in supporting the health and well-being of our children and families. All people deserve respect, acceptance and equal opportunity, and the nonprofit organizations we partner with do tremendous work to help build an environment that gives all children in Colorado the opportunity to fulfill their potential,” said Mary Lou Makepeace, executive director of the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado. “Past recipients of this Foundation of the Year award are an honor roll of the country’s best organizations – including the El Pomar Foundation, the Rose Community Foundation and the Hunt Alternatives Fund – and we are proud to be recognized alongside those respected groups.”
About the Shaka Franklin Foundation
Founded in 1990, The Shaka Franklin Foundation works to educate and inform young people, parents and others about the seriousness of teen suicide. Community activists Les and Marianne Franklin established the Foundation after the suicide death of their 16-year-old son in order to help other families avoid experiencing such a tragedy by providing counseling and programs that correct self destructive behaviors in young people. The Foundation also informs and educates young people and adults about the dangers and myths that surround suicide, depression and grief. The Shaka Franklin Foundation is supported by individuals, corporations and private foundations that understand the importance of helping young people develop into healthy, responsible adults. For more information about the Shaka Franklin Foundation and its programs, call 303-337-2515 or visit www.shaka.org.
About the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado
The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado was established in 1996 as a program to financially support nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life in Colorado and promote equality for all people. Since its inception, the fund has awarded more than $16 million to hundreds of nonprofit organizations whose program areas include arts and culture, civic leadership, healthy families and public broadcasting. In addition to providing financial assistance, the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado offers training programs, workshops, technical assistance and public meeting space to strengthen nonprofit organizations’ ability to grow, flourish and succeed. The organization is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information please visit www.gayandlesbianfund.org.
About the Funds
Every year, the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado receives a financial allocation from its parent organization, the Gill Foundation, that must be donated in the form of grants to nonprofit organizations that have an IRS 501(c)(3) status and adhere to a nondiscrimination policy inclusive of sexual orientation. These monies, which typically amount to approximately 18 to 20 percent of the Gill Foundation’s earned investments, are not used for private or political purposes, in accordance with IRS regulations.