The Gay Community Endowment Fund recently announced 17 grants to programs that enhance the quality of life of Greater Akron's LGBTQ+ community.

Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative (CANAPI) received two grants this year, each addressing a different Gay Community Endowment Fund focus area. CANAPI received a $10,000 impact grant to provide short-term rental, utility and transportation assistance for LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing housing instability. Additionally, a $3,000 microgrant will support the 2025 Akron Pride Festival.

I think we can finally say it: Happy spring, everyone! There is enough madness in the world today, so I'd like to take this opportunity to share some joy with you.

The Gay Community Endowment Fund (GCEF) wrapped up 2024 with another fabulously successful Sugar Plum Tour that earned the fund $112,000! Thank you to the homeowner heroes and spectacular sponsors for making this the best Sugar Plum Tour yet! We followed the live tour with a Patron Party that was beyond our wildest dreams. Thank you to the Paparellas for generously opening their home to us. What a way to ring in the season!

This annual fundraising event celebrates the Gay Community Endowment Fund's impact in the community and recognizes its most recent grant and scholarship recipients. General admission tickets start at $75, and proceeds support the GCEF Scholarship Fund.

This year's celebration will feature remarks from Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and drag queen and activist Nina West. Guests may also purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win prizes donated by the Akron Art Museum, Akron Zoo, Cleveland Orchestra, Mountaineer Casino Resort and more.

The event will culminate with the presentation of the 2025 Paul Daum Award to the Akron Pride Festival Steering Committee for its contributions to the Greater Akron LGBTQ+ community.

Our fund is exploring a potential name change, but we want to hear from you first. As the fund continues to grow and evolve, it's important that our name reflects the values and vision of the community we serve.

Your feedback is essential in guiding this decision, and we invite you to take our brief survey to share your thoughts. It only takes a few minutes, but your input will have a lasting impact.

Through April 30, the GCEF Scholarship Fund is accepting applications from LGBTQ+ and allied students who have made a meaningful difference in the LGBTQ+ community. The scholarship is available to students who live or study in Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark and Wayne counties.

Please consider investing in the next generation of LGBTQ+ students and allies by making a gift to support future scholarships.

In April, the Gay Community Endowment Fund Advisory Board invited grant recipients from the last few years to meet and discuss pressing issues.

GCEF Chair Dr. Kate Raymond warmly welcomed board members and representatives from 15 local nonprofits before speaking about the importance of each organization's work in the community.

Trans Joy Akron's mission is to build a thriving, meaningfully inclusive trans+ community. The organization provides affirming spaces for visibility and social connection; empowers future leaders; and creates educational opportunities so trans+ people feel safe, supported and appreciated.

TJA is grateful for the Gay Community Endowment Fund's support as the organization builds a community focused on joy and thriving.

The Circle of Inclusion was created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Gay Community Endowment Fund. Donors to this giving campaign receive special recognition for their role in growing GCEF's endowment. The circle welcomes gifts and pledges of $1,000 or more, and all donations support the fund's mission of providing grants and scholarships that advance the Greater Akron LGBTQ+ community's right to live safely, openly and authentically.

Thank you to the generous individuals, families and organizations who contributed to the Gay Community Endowment Fund or the GCEF Scholarship Fund from Nov. 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Your gifts will positively impact our LGBTQ+ community and Greater Akron as a whole for many years to come.