March 8, 2005

Equity Action raises $200,000 to meet challenge; Foundations offers second challenge
In surprise announcement, RI Foundation 'ups ante', offers 1:1 match for next $500,000 raised, for $1 million

In just one year, Equity Action, a special initiative of The Rhode Island Foundation to advance the equitable treatment of the state's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer and questioning (LGBTQ) communities, has raised $200,000, successfully raising another $100,000 in matching funds from a national coalition of funders, it was announced today.

In addition, based on both the results of the fundraising campaign and an impressive new grants program, The Rhode Island Foundation announced a promise to match the next $500,000 raised with a one:one match, netting another potential $1 million.

The announcements were made at a celebratory lunchtime event at the Foundation's downtown Providence office. An estimated 100 people attended.

"It's been a remarkable whirlwind the first year," remarked Equity Action Co-Chair Peter Hocking. "We issued a groundbreaking report on the challenges for Rhode Island's LGBTQ communities, we raised an impressive amount of dollars, and we unveiled and put into action a strategic grants program that distributed more than $80,000.

"And now, we have this magnificent opportunity to reach even further in our second year!"

"Equity Action has met every goal - and more - that we set for it, and we're pleased to cement its future even more firmly," said Foundation President and CEO Ronald V. Gallo.

"This is more than a promise to fund a nonprofit organization; this is a commitment to correct injustices, to fight for equality, and to develop a positive agenda for generations to come," Gallo added.

Nancy Cunningham, executive director of Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues, will bring a final check from the national organization, and Hocking will highlight Equity Action's exciting first year, he reported.

Among a sampling of its first year grants - 11 in total -- Equity Action awarded $15,000 to Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) to support the Family Law Program in Rhode Island; $13,800 to Youth Pride , Providence, for youth development and leadership opportunities; $9,975 to Senior Action in a Gay Environment/Rhode Island to assess the needs of Rhode Island lesbian and gay elders; and $15,000 to Comprehensive Community Action to reduce key health and mental health disparities and health trends for the LGBT community.

Equity Action's next deadline for grant applications is April 15 for approximately $50,000 in available funds.

"This is just the beginning. In the coming years, we hope to show what a stable organization with sufficient resources can do to make a difference in communities that have seen far too little assistance in the past," said Hocking.