The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado announced that it distributed more than $1.7 million in grants to Colorado non-gay nonprofit organizations last year. The philanthropy group’s donations supported programs that promote arts and culture, civic engagement initiatives, healthy families, and public broadcasting.

Of the total grant-related funds donated in 2008, 32 percent was given to arts and culture programs; 34 percent to civic engagement programs; 25 percent to healthy family programs; and 9 percent to public broadcasting. As a funder of non-gay nonprofit organizations throughout the state, the Gay & Lesbian Fund is committed to increasing the quality of life and advancing equality for all people.

Looking ahead to 2009, the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado will continue to pursue its mission to support non-gay nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life in Colorado communities and promote equality for all citizens. In support of this mission, the Gay & Lesbian Fund:

• Requires all of its grantees to explicitly include sexual orientation and gender expression in their personnel policies and publicly state they receive financial support from the Gay & Lesbian Fund.
• Works with nonprofit organizations to develop strategies for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for clients, members, employees, vendors, and other individuals and organizations with which they do business.
• Works collaboratively with nonprofits and other funders to develop statewide strategies for increasing civic participation by diverse Coloradans.
• Advocates for equality by conducting educational outreach about Colorado laws designed to protect all Coloradans, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, from discrimination in employment, public housing, and accommodations.

About the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado
Since it was founded in 1996, the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado has provided financial support and critical resources to hundreds of nonprofit organizations that share the fund’s commitment to advancing equality and improving quality of life for people across Colorado. Having awarded more than $22 million to arts and culture, civic engagement, healthy families, and public broadcasting programs, the fund is proud of the many collaborations it has formed with those who share a common vision for equality. Along with grantees, business partners, nonprofit leaders, public officials, and allies, the Gay & Lesbian Fund believes that Colorado is a stronger state when all residents have equal access to opportunities and resources. Learn more about the fund’s philanthropic work at www.gayandlesbianfund.org.