The Allegan County Community Foundation has established two new funds that provide education support for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, and promote safe, healthy, affirming environments for LGBTQ+ communities within Allegan County.
The Allegan County Community Foundation (ACCF) manages four funds dedicated to its LGBTQ+ community members and works to support its nonprofit partners in increasing awareness of the many contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.
ACCF recently established two new funds, the Allegan Pride in Freedom Scholarship and a new Pride Fund.
According to ACCF, the Allegan Pride in Freedom Scholarship provides educational support for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies that are Allegan County residents. The scholarship can be used for any post-secondary education endeavor.
The newly established Pride Fund will support organizations serving the LGBTQ+ community in Allegan County. The fund promotes safe, healthy, affirming environments for LGBTQ+ communities within Allegan County by increasing visibility, allyship, multigenerational support, access to resources and promoting physical and mental health.
According to ACCF, the fund is the product of a collaborative group of residents that want to highlight and address challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces–particularly youth and the aging population.
ACCF shared that the Pride Fund was developed under the leadership of Sara Ruiter, corporate and donor engagement officer, with the support of community members. Ruiter worked to bring a group of residents, ages 18 – 80, with lived experience, together to develop the purpose and intentions of this new fund.
“It was important to the community foundation that every person has a voice at the table,” Ruiter said.
Another fund managed by ACCF, the Pride Celebration Garden Endowment Fund, established in 2020, is a gift to the community from two community members who identify as LGBTQ+. It serves as a tribute to their lives and others. It was established to cover the care and maintenance expenses necessary for the garden to be enjoyed for generations.
The West Shore AWARE, supported by ACCF, is a nonprofit partner dedicated to increasing the positive influence and public awareness of the many contributions of LGTBQ+ community members. According to ACCF, West Shore AWARE annually awards Saugatuck High school Seniors with scholarships.
“We serve a large, geographically diverse county, and it is important that we serve every resident in our county. We want everyone to feel they have a voice, that they are respected, and their philanthropic goals can be met,” Stephanie Calhoun, CEO/executive director of ACCF, said.
Want more?
Learn more about ACCF’s pride funds.
Learn more about the Pride Celebration Garden.
