LGBT FUND
OUR IMPACT
GRANTS
SCHOLARSHIPS
ABOUT US
SUPPORT THE FUND
Leveraging the collective gifts of many, the LGBT Fund advances a mission, vision, and values formulated by the Fund’s board of advisers.
The LGBT Fund began with the creation of the LGBT Community Endowment in 2014. Since then, the assets of the four funds managed by the LGBT Fund have grown to more than a half million dollars. This represents significant growth over just a decade, reflecting a recognized need by donors for funding that addresses LGBTQ+-focused areas of concern.
Mission, Vision, and Values
The mission of the LGBT Fund is to fund and partner in community-led initiatives that serve the local LGBTQ+ population.
The board, its supporters and donors share the vision of a united, vibrant, and thriving community for the LGBTQ+ population of the Erie region.
In making decisions about scholarships, grants, and projects, the board of advisers—on behalf of those who support the Fund—are guided by these core values:
- Integrity
- Dignity and worth of all people
- Justice
- Equity
- Compassion
OUR BOARD
Chuck Scalise
Board Chair
“It’s been an honor to help lead the LGBT Fund Advisory Board and I’m inspired by the commitment of our Board and humbled by the generosity of our donors. We are making an impact but, we have a long way to go to assure diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Erie Community.”
Bill Gonda
Engagement Chair
“It’s really time for a resource in Erie such as the LGBT Fund to address the issues unique to the LGBTQ+ community. For all of the progress we have made in our society, there are still a lot of LGBTQ+ people who struggle to be recognized—to feel safe and accepted. The LGBT Fund exists to support those very people—and I like knowing that.”
Blane Dessy
Fund Development Chair
“Being on the LGBTQA+ Advisory Board gives me an opportunity to help support advances in the quality of life for LGBTQA+ individuals. Many members of our community suffer from a lack of resources or a lack of community and I am proud to be a part of the effort to eliminate that inequity.”
Dr. Mandy Fauble
Grants & Scholarships Committee Chair
“I am passionate about the work that the LGBT Fund does because it helps Erie to be a welcoming community. It fosters human rights and equality through its grantmaking, scholarships, and programming.”
Kevin Bennett
General Board Member
Michael Wachter
General Board Member
Art Martinucci
General Board Member
Bob Ploehn
General Board Member
“Diversity has been a major problem in Erie, and this Board can effectuate change.”
Shari Gross
General Board Member
Join Us
If you wish to be involved with the LGBT Fund, consider joining one of our committees! We have positions on our committees that include fund development, grants & scholarships, and engagement. Each committee is led by a member of our advisory board, serves a different purpose, and holds meetings based on its projects. To join a committee, contact Olivia Burgess.
STAY CONNECTED
@erielgbtfund
Erie LGBT Fund
Erie LGBT Fund