Gay Community Endowment Fund

GCEF logo Full inclusion for everyone

One of the community foundation’s most important values is inclusiveness, and no fund embraces that more than the Gay Community Endowment Fund.

Established in 2001, the fund accepts grant applications for programs and services that positively impact the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, as well as Greater Akron as a whole. It also raises awareness about equality issues and rallies the LGBT community around a common philanthropic purpose.

Since its founding, the Gay Community Endowment Fund has invested more than $435,000 into local causes that change the lives of LGBT people in our community.

Download "The Final Report: By the Numbers," a report summarizing the impact the Gay Games had on Northeast Ohio.

Recent grants have educated court advocates about same-sex parenting, provided support groups for LGBT senior citizens, and funded positive social activities for LGBT teens.

Nonprofits interested in applying for a grant from the Gay Community Endowment Fund can find deadlines and other important information on our Issue-Specific Grants page.

In addition, area students can apply for a scholarship from the GCEF Scholarship Fund, which supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied students who live or study in Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark or Wayne counties.

Make a gift to the Gay Community Endowment Fund or read its most recent publications. You can also sign up to receive the fund’s e-newsletters.

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