FALL 2018
This week, GCEF will launch a new impact grant program to improve the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. Strong preference will be given to impact grant proposals that create safer environments for LGBTQ+ youth, combat phobias of the LGBTQ+ community, and support mental health and suicide prevention programs for LGBTQ+ people. 
This year's slate of accomplished recipients includes a Kent State student who started a service group for LGBTQ+ graduate students, a social work student who aspires to create a mental health agency for LGBTQ+ people, and a transgender student who successfully secured gender-neutral restrooms at Hudson High School.
We recently received a heartfelt thank you note from Rebecca Callahan, executive director of CANAPI, for a grant GCEF awarded last year to provide housing support to homeless LGBTQ+ youth. She shared an email sent by a 19-year-old transgender client who credits CANAPI for saving his life, and she thanked GCEF for funding this life-changing work.
This year, the Gay Community Endowment Fund added four more talented community leaders to our advisory board. Stephannie Garrett, Greg Hail, Michelle Krocker and Antha Poleondakis all bring a wealth of experience to our board, with expertise in both finance and law. Please join us in welcoming them to the board!
Since 2001, thousands of tourgoers have experienced the twinkling lights, roaring fires, sparkling trees and extraordinary holiday decorations of homes throughout Greater Akron. This year’s tour will showcase five exquisitely decorated homes in Fairlawn, Norton and Bath. Tickets are $35, and all proceeds benefit GCEF.
As the holidays approach, a gift to GCEF is the perfect way to honor a friend, family member or colleague while making a lasting difference for our local LGBTQ+ community. The people you honor will receive a card letting them know of your gift in their name. Gifts of cash can be made online until 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31 at www.akroncf.org/give/GCEF.
From cash to mutual funds, and retirement assets to real estate,
there are many ways to give to the Gay Community Endowment Fund.
Stay up to date on GCEF's events and submit your own community events
on Akron Community Foundation's Around Akron Calendar.