Pride Foundation- LGBTQ Community Foundation

I am just back from a fantastic weekend in Missoula and Kalispell, Montana. I went to Montana for the true pleasure of facilitating the grant review, where local volunteers decided how Pride Foundation’s dollars should be awarded in their state. The committee had some very profound discussions about what makes a healthy community. We also talked about ways Pride Foundation can partner and support local organizations, in addition to funds, such as helping with training and consultants for strategic planning and fundraising.

Scholarship interviews also happened simultaneously, and as often happens, the interviewers felt very inspired by the candidates, hopeful about the future, and frustrated we don’t have even more funds to support these deserving students.

We will be able to announce both which organizations and students received funding, after the dockets are approved in mid-May.

A true highlight of the weekend was when a local volunteer and leader, Caitlin Copple,  invited me to her home for a BBQ celebrating the ordinance that was just passed 10-2 in Missoula prohibiting discrimination against LGBT people. It was fun to meet Caitlin’s partner , her mom and many other activists. I heard great stories of what was learned and gained through the campaign and sensed that the community is very motivated after this big win. I would suggest taht you stay in touch with the Montana Human Rights Network.