LGBTQIA+ Charities and Nonprofits Your Company Can Support Right Now

For talent from LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as their allies, working for a company that is inclusive to people from underserved backgrounds is paramount—and they will factor in how diverse and inclusive a company is when considering job offers. Candidates and employees know when companies are paying lip service versus taking real action and supporting underserved communities. One way to do this is by putting your money where your DEI mission statement is—and the following are LGBTQIA+ charities and nonprofits your company can support right now. 

Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC)

Founded in 1981 as the AIDS pandemic was starting to take hold, GMHC has been doing advocacy work to eradicate the disease, while supporting the people who have been affected by it. Working in all five boroughs of New York City, the organization has helped those diagnosed with AIDS find the treatment they need to live a long, healthy life. GMHC strives to provide services to the most disenfranchised communities in New York, with a client base that is 75 percent LGBTQIA+, 60 percent people of color, and 80 percent people living below the Federal Poverty Line.

GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)

Since 1978, GLAD has been providing legal representation for members of LGBTQIA+ communities in various types of cases. The group has worked on issues related to employment, housing, education, public accommodations, and health care. 

GLSEN

GLSEN, which was founded by educators in 1990, is dedicated to creating a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ students in K-12 schools by protecting them from bullying, as well as creating environments that are inclusive and affirming for them. In order to do this, the organization provides educational resources, conducts research, and develops training programs for teachers and administrators. In addition, GLSEN engages in advocacy, including public policy work that led to the introduction of the Safe Schools Improvement Act, which requires that schools adopt anti-bullying policies to protect LGBTQIA+ children.

National Center for Transgender Equality

The National Center for Transgender Equality has been working to advance the rights of the transgender community since 2003. The group focuses on issues such as legal rights, economic justice, and familial support.

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates

This nonprofit organization is dedicated to making the workplace safer and more inclusive for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. To help make this possible, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates advises organizations on how to improve the conditions of their workplace so all LGBTQIA+ employees feel included and supported. The organization works closely with companies to train executives, human resources professionals, employee resource group leaders, and D&I staff on how to adopt policies and practices that will benefit LGBTQIA+ employees.

PFLAG

In 1972, LGBTQIA+ activist Jeanne Manford founded Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, now called PFLAG, to create an environment where LGBTQIA+ people and their allies could come together toward meeting common goals. As the mother of a gay son, Manford understood the importance of this connection between LGBTQIA+ people and their friends and family members, so the organization is dedicated to advocating for LGBTQIA+ communities, providing education about their struggles, and offering scholarship programs. 

Point Foundation

To help LGBTQIA+ young people reach their educational goals and achieve their dreams, the Point Foundation offers scholarships to pay for their college tuition, and provides leadership training and mental health services. In the 2021-2022 academic year alone, the organization was able to help 403 students with their tuition who focused their studies on a variety of disciplines, including education, the arts, business, law, humanities, and STEM.

The Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign is a leader in the fight for equality for LGBTQIA+ communities. From education to outreach to advocacy, the group works tirelessly to ensure that LGBTQIA+ people have full lives where they can live in their truth and thrive being themselves.

The Matthew Shepard Foundation

In 1998, Judy and Dennis Shepard founded this organization in response to the murder of their son, Matthew, who was killed in a brutal homophobic attack. Since that time, The Matthew Shepard Foundation has used this tragedy to raise awareness through its Erase Hate campaign that includes outreach to people in worldwide embassies, as well as law enforcement officials.

The Trevor Project

To address the devastating prevalence of suicide ideation and mental health challenges among LGBTQIA+ youth, The Trevor Project has worked to give young people intervention services, as well as provide suicide prevention education to the community. Some of the specific services the organization offers include a peer-to-peer network for people under 25 years old and a 24-hour crisis hotline. In addition, The Trevor Project engages in advocacy to promote legislation that supports LGBTQIA+ communities.

Supporting LGBTQIA+ charities and nonprofit organizations is really something you should do all year round, however, this month is the ideal time to start. By supporting the organizations on this list, you can prove that your company is an ally to LGBTQIA+ communities, while giving money to causes that will really help uplift them.