Community Grant Partnerships Available

For San Diego Pride's 2008 Celebration

San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride has made available a number of community grant partnerships for this year's 34th annual Pride celebration, scheduled for July 18-20. The beneficiary program gives non-profit organizations valuable opportunities to fundraise during the Pride season.

Between $30,000 to $50,000 is available for grants through the 2008 partnership program. Participating organizations that have provided support services have included the Golden State Rodeo Association, The Gay Men's Chorus, Different Strokes Swim Team, and Live & Let Live Alano Club.

A broad list of opportunities is available including involvement in the areas of ID checking, parade marshals, recycling, American Sign Language coordination, beverage sales and more. Agencies taking part have responsibilities that range from selling Pride lapel pins and tickets to managing and staffing various program areas.

"San Diego Pride is aware of the potential Pride holds as a fundraising resource for the LGBT community, and it has devised a number of opportunities for nonprofit organizations. The partnerships we've formed with community organizations are one of the five ways the organization gives funding directly to the community. By collaborating with community organizations, Pride not only invests in our community, but it also reinforces a community-based future for the annual celebration," said Ron deHarte, executive director of San Diego LGBT Pride.

Pride has given more than $1.2 million to community organizations through partnership grants, grant funding and direct community support, including that of the LGBT Community Center and other Pride organizations since 1996.

Organizations interested in participating should contact Bob Leyh, the Grant Partnership Coordinator at Partner@sdpride.org. Applications are currently available from the program coordinator or from Pride's web site: www.sdpride.org. All applications must be submitted by 12:00 noon on March 3. The program is open to nonprofit agencies whose mission involves services to the LGBT community, or provides positive outreach and education to the public about LGBT issues.

For more information, visit the web site or call the Pride office at (619) 297-7683.

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