Mich. organization to match donations for agencies serving LGBT community

DETROIT — A Michigan-based philanthropic organization has launched a matching gift program for a fund that supports projects at nonprofit agencies serving the area’s LGBT community.

The program marks The HOPE Fund‘s 20th anniversary and runs through the end of the year.

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan will match donations from those who have either never given to the fund or have not contributed in more than two years.

“Each grant we make helps strengthen and support the LGBT community in southeast Michigan and will continue to do so far into the future,” said Allan Gilmour, co-chair of the Community Foundation’s HOPE Fund Committee.

More than $3 million has been donated to support the fund’s endowment and grant-making program since 1994. About $1.8 million in grants has been awarded to 131 projects by 45 nonprofits.

Article continues below

Organizations that have received grants from The HOPE Fund include Affirmations Lesbian/Gay Community Center Inc., the American Civil Liberties Fund of Michigan, Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, and KICK – The Agency for LGBT African Americans.

“Great gains in the LGBT community have been made thanks to The HOPE Fund and the dedication of the grantees, but there is still more work to be done,” said Mariam Noland, Community Foundation president.

“We hope people will consider support for the LGBT community in our region through a gift to The HOPE Fund during this match period.”