JACKSON, Miss. – July 1, 2021 – The LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi, a field of interest fund at The Community Foundation for Mississippi, has awarded its second round of grants and sponsorships, totaling $57,300 for 8 organizations. Entirely focused on supporting organizations that improve the quality of life for LGBTQ+ Mississippians, the Fund is the first of its kind in the state.
“Our second round of grantmaking is a milestone for our organization, because it cements for our grantee organizations and for LGBTQ Mississippians everywhere in the state that The LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi is a committed partner that will support exciting work,” said Justin Lofton, Vice Chair of the LGBTQ Fund of MS.
The Fund identifies emerging needs and provides financial support that enhances the work of organizations addressing issues important to LGBTQ Mississippians. The Fund developed its priorities through a comprehensive statewide needs assessment conducted by doctoral students at Mississippi State University, surfacing the challenges and opportunities that Mississippi’s LGBTQ+ citizens encounter in their daily lives.
“LGBTQ people are treated as second class citizens in Mississippi, and some of them are disowned by their families and lack access to resources. Those circumstances may cause them to become homeless. I think this work is important because it will contribute to the most disadvantaged. It will set them on a path to improving their own lives and bringing in some mode of stability, so that they can become independent,” said Deroll Barrett, of Youth Improvement Services, one of this year’s grantee organizations.
The twelve-month grants range from $3,500 to $15,000. The organizations and programs funded by the second round of grants are:
- Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University – ($3,500) – Jackson
- UMMC: TEAM Clinic – Supplemental Grant – ($4,800) – Jackson
- Youth Improvement Services: Housing for Transgender Individuals – ($6,000) – Jackson
- Youth Improvement Services: Staffing Support – ($9,000) – Jackson
- Mississippi State University – ($6,500) – Starkville
- MS Safe Schools Coalition – ($15,000) – Jackson, Hattiesburg
- Delta State University – ($3,500) – Cleveland
- Freedom Summer Collegiate – ($7,500) – Meridian / Rosedale / Sunflower
- Mississippi Book Festival LGBTQ Panel – ($1,500) – Jackson, Statewide
Inspiring LGBTQ Public Discussion
The LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi is also a sponsor of the LGBTQ Author’s Panel at the Mississippi Book Festival that will be held August 21, 2021 at the Mississippi State Capitol building in Jackson. In addition to the panel, look for book signings and on-site booksellers. Learn more at https://msbookfestival.com.
“Continuing this work is vital to making Mississippi a more welcoming place where all of our own citizens can be free to prosper. We’re proud to be able to support these fantastic organizations from across the state, and we look forward to future funding rounds!” said Sammy Moon, founding donor at the LGBTQ Fund.
Tax-deductible gifts to the LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi can be made through the website at www.lgbtqfundms.org or mailed to P.O. Box 55903, Jackson, MS 39296.