GALE Fund Announces 2017 Grantees

The GALE (Gay and Lesbian Equity) Fund of The Cape Cod Foundation has awarded $6,450 in grants to seven local nonprofit organizations for their work supporting issues facing the region’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) community.

Since GALE’s inception in 1998, the fund has raised and distributed more than $250,000 to local organizations offering projects and programs that improve the lives of LGBTQ individuals and their families on Cape Cod. This year’s distributions included a contribution from the Sally T. Duplaix Fund of The Cape Cod Foundation. The GALE Fund was the fortunate beneficiary of an estate gift from Ms. Duplaix in 2017. 

This year’s grantees are:

Barnstable Senior Center, $1,400

To expand programs, services and social opportunities for LGBTQ elders on Cape Cod. The ongoing goal of programs is to help build a greater understanding and acceptance within the entire community for the rights and needs of LGBTQ older adults.

Camp Lightbulb, $500

To support an interactive historical project workshop for campers with Sarah Prager, a speaker on LGBTQ history and author of the upcoming book, “Queer, There and Everywhere,” which is about 22 historic LGBTQ figures who have made significant—but often forgotten–contributions.

Family Equality Council, $600

To support a special gathering, day of events and discounted tickets for local families during Family Week in Provincetown. This week of events and programs is an opportunity for families to feel celebrated, welcomed, and safe among a community of peers.

Homeless Prevention Council, $1,000

To support HPC’s Homeless Youth Outreach to schools, clubs, the media, and other resources.  Youths can text HPC for help and connect with a Case Manager who will coordinate needed services or provide the appropriate referral if they reside outside of the eight Lower Cape towns.

PFLAG of Cape Cod, $1,000

To support the second annual Cape Cod Pride Day in partnership with No Place for Hate – Falmouth. This celebration brings people of all ages and from all points of Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts together for a day of celebration, learning, and inspiration.

The Yard, $750

To support the fourth annual Martha’s Vineyard Pride, Not Prejudice event, part of the 2017 Yard Arts Summer Season. The event gives islanders and visitors the opportunity to support LGBTQ artists, learn how to mobilize politically to defend equality, and celebrate diversity, equality, and acceptance.

Thrive! at CIGSYA: the Cape & Islands Gay and Straight Youth Alliance, $1,200

To support Wednesday afternoon drop-in hours at CIGSYA House. The long-term goals of the program are to increase knowledge, awareness, self-esteem and resilience among members while building friendships.