Spring 2020
Our world has been turned upside down and our lives look a lot different than we ever expected as our advisory board transitions to a new leadership team. Yet, we remain hopeful for the future and look forward to the momentum we have built as we continue to drive our community toward our goal of lived equality.
GCEF recently announced $49,000 in grants to programs that improve the health and safety of Greater Akron's LGBTQ+ community. Impact grants were awarded to three nonprofit organizations, including Akron Children's Hospital, which received $10,000 to expand social work services at its Center for Gender Affirming Medicine.
exhALE postponed until 2021
Due to ongoing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, GCEF has decided to cancel our 2020 annual celebration. W e invite you to mark your calendar for June 2021, when we will gather to celebrate the fund's impact in the community and invest in the next generation of LGBTQ+ students and allies. For more information, please contact Deb Hoffman at 330-436-5614 or dhoffman@akroncf.org .
We recently welcomed two new members to our advisory board. Adam Besenyodi is a project manager at PNC Bank and is involved with several local organizations, including 91.3 The Summit, Akron Art Museum, and Stan Hywet. April Walker is the chief development officer of Vocational Guidance Services and brings a wealth of fundraising experience to our board.
GCEF's new site features easy access to our recent grants and news articles, as well as information about our advisory board and financials. It is also mobile friendly and ADA compliant, making it more accessible to everyone in the community. Check it out at www.gaycommunityfund.org .
GCEF is now a member of Funders for LGBTQ Issues, an international network of funders focused on enhancing the well-being of LGBTQ+ communities; promoting equity; and advancing racial, economic and gender justice. The organization provides reporting on LGBTQ+ funding that will help us identify trends, gaps and opportunities.
COVID-19 resources for the LGBTQ+ community
For some members of the LGBTQ+ community, including those with HIV who are not virally suppressed or have a low CD4 cell count, the coronavirus may present unique medical risks.

If you are concerned about the health of yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to explore the resources below:


  • OHIV.org: Order a free HIV test kit you can use at home and access resources for people who are living with HIV or unsure of their status.

  • Text "covid19" to 211-211 to receive a text with links to helpful information about the coronavirus. Reply back with your ZIP code to learn about resources near you.

  • Visit Coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH to ask questions and to access up-to-date information about the virus in Ohio.
Thank you to the generous individuals, families and organizations who contributed to the Gay Community Endowment Fund from Sept. 1, 2019, to April 30, 2020. Your gifts will advance a lived equality for LGBTQ+ people in our community for many years to come.