LGBT Youth Orgs to Get a Push

Courtesy of Spruce Foundation

Last year, the nonprofit Spruce Foundation awarded grants to three organizations, including Rock to the Future, Summer Search, The Village of Arts and Humanities and YES! for schools. In addition, Spruce was a sponsor of Young Involved Philadelphia’s Board Prep Program, which trains young leaders to serve on non-profit boards.

For the 2012-2013 grant cycle, Spruce is adding a grant for organizations specifically serving LGBT youth. With growing awareness around issues of LGBT bullying, homelessness and suicide profiled by national organizations including the It Gets Better Project, GLSEN and HRC, the foundation will be making an announcement at a special event on June 28 when it hosts a summer launch event at Skai Blue Media (109 South 13th Street). The event will preview new programming and philanthropy for the coming year, as well as opportunities to become involved in the LGBT initiative.

In 2011-2012, Spruce’s philanthropy included giving grants totaling $20,000 to four grantees in the three program areas: Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness and Education. The Foundation’s vision is to raise social awareness among Philadelphia’s young adults and to increase their involvement in the Philadelphia community by encouraging their personal investment in young people. For the foundation to also reach out to LGBT youth is a major step, and one that has been a long time coming.

For more information about Spruce and the event, click here.