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Mainstreaming Your LGBTQ Fundraising Programs

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) community has grown and will continue to do so. That has implications for the nonprofit sector in everything from hiring to community support, including fundraising.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), in the Fall 2015 edition of its publication “Advancing Philanthropy,” includes an article by Michael S. Slaymaker, who at the time was vice president of development at Easter Seals Florida. The article, “The Gay Transfer of Wealth,” includes the following tips about how to engage and involve local LGBTQ community members:

* Network at local LGBTQ equality organizations. These organizations have events and fundraisers at which representatives of a nonprofit can network with LGBT individuals who donate to other nonprofits.

* Send press or media releases, or advertise in the local LGBTQ media. This is especially helpful if there is an existing or startup program or service of which LGBT people would be interested in availing themselves.

* Join the local LGBTQ chamber of commerce or community center. This will get the organization listed in the group’s directory, and people will see that it is gay-friendly.

* Attend a meeting of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Do not forget that the LGBTQ community has very active allies who can provide connections to potential contributors.