Reflecting on Stonewall’s grantmaking in 2023
In our shared commitment to LGBTQ liberation, Stonewall Community Foundation (SCF) embarks on a collaborative journey of empowerment, resilience, and change. Together with our dedicated fund partners, we celebrate the achievements of 2023 as we collectively strive to uplift marginalized voices, shore up support for communities in need, and foster tangible progress toward equity and justice.
Our journey towards liberation is guided by a strategic approach prioritizing collaboration, empowerment, and resilience. In line with this approach, we implemented the following strategies in 2023:
Shoring up support for long-time partners: Together, we worked to shore up support for long-time SCF grantee partners, particularly NYC-based organizations that serve and are led by people of color and transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary (TGNCNB) individuals. As resources become stretched amidst the challenges posed by domestic and international migration, our collective efforts have ensured that these organizations receive the support they need to continue their vital work.
Continuing grantmaking goals: We remain committed to continuing our grantmaking goals established in 2022, which focus on supporting new and new-to-SCF organizations. Our grantmaking priorities encompass various areas, including:
Direct services for queer and trans people affected by anti-trans policy, legislation, and hate crimes.
Support for community centers that provide a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people.
Advocacy efforts on behalf of LGBTQ+ people, encompassing legislative, judicial, and political realms, as well as organizing and mobilizing communities for change.
Cultivating organizations working on culture shift initiatives, enabling our movements to operate from an offensive rather than a defensive position.
Promoting arts and media that tell LGBTQ+ stories, celebrate LGBTQ+ life, and are created by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Prioritizing trans-led and trans-focused organizations: Recognizing the importance of centering transgender voices and experiences, we have prioritized support for trans-led and trans-focused organizations and projects. Through this prioritization, we aim to amplify the voices of transgender individuals and address the unique challenges they face within the LGBTQ+ community.
The impact of our grants resonates far and wide, from the streets of Staten Island to the communities of St. Louis. Together, we celebrated the achievements of organizations like La Colmena in Staten Island, empowering LGBTQ+ day laborers and immigrant workers, and the Queer+ Support Helpline in St. Louis, providing vital resources for trans youth and their families. These successes are a testament to our shared commitment to empowerment and resilience.
Fostering the growth of organizations dedicated to cultural shift initiatives, we empower our movements to transition from a defensive stance to an offensive one. Our collaborative partnerships with grantee partners bolster our journey toward liberation. Together, we amplify the reach and impact of our grantmaking endeavors, forging collaborative solutions to address the distinctive needs of our communities. Initiatives such as the Love Wins Food Pantry in Queens, made possible through partnerships with Colectivo Intercultural TRANSgrediendo and SAGE, offer crucial support to trans immigrants, LGBTQ+ elders, and families, nurturing a sense of belonging and solidarity.
Looking forward, our collaborative journey toward liberation persists, driven by the resilience of our fund partners. We celebrate our progress and recommit to future work. SCF remains steadfast in fostering change, breaking barriers, and forging an equitable future. Together, we accelerate progress, elevate voices, and create a world where LGBTQ individuals thrive. Thank you for your enduring support on this transformative journey.
2023 Financial Summary:
Total dollars awarded in 2023: $651,264
Average grant size: $6,448
Total number of grants: 198
Largest grant: $25,000
Smallest grant: $100