This year’s winners include a theater student who is creating an original performance about the experiences of transgender people in the theater industry, a public health student who is passionate about advocating for anti-discrimination legislation, and an illustrator whose goal is to increase the representation of LGBTQ+ youth in mass media.

Don't miss the dazzling decorations, twinkling lights, and unforgettable holiday traditions of our signature home tour. This year’s festivities include a live tour showcasing five homes on Sunday, Dec. 4, and a virtual tour featuring seven homes during the weekend of Dec. 10-11. Tickets are $35 each or $60 for both the live and virtual tours.

Each year, the Gay Community Endowment Fund recognizes an individual, business or organization that has actively supported the LGBTQ+ community with its Paul Daum Award. Cindy Christman, an emeritus advisory board member and past board chair, was honored with this year's award at the fund's annual celebration.

Read about the outcomes from Greater Akron's first LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment, which was supported in part by a grant from the Gay Community Endowment Fund. Recommendations ranged from creating science-based sexual education resources for LGBTQ+ youth and adults to increasing access to safe and affirming religious spaces. The results of this study will inform GCEF's future funding priorities and help us increase our impact in Greater Akron.

We're looking for passionate community members to serve on our advisory board and make an impact on the lives of people in Greater Akron's LGBTQ+ community. Since its establishment, the Gay Community Endowment Fund has invested more than $690,000 into local causes that change the lives of local LGBTQ+ people. To continue this important work, we're looking to add diverse, innovative, and philanthropic individuals to our advisory board. If you're interested in learning more about serving on the board, please contact current board chair, Stephannie Garrett.

The Circle of Inclusion was created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Gay Community Endowment Fund. Donors to this giving campaign receive special recognition for their role in growing GCEF's endowment. The circle welcomes gifts and pledges of $1,000 or more, and all donations support the fund's mission of advancing a lived equality for LGBTQ+ people in Greater Akron.

You can support the Gay Community Endowment Fund forever by establishing a charitable fund in your name at Akron Community Foundation through your will or trust. After your lifetime, the fund will continue to support all your favorite causes, including GCEF, in perpetuity. It's a simple and tax-friendly way to leave a lasting legacy.

Thank you to the generous individuals, families and organizations who contributed to the Gay Community Endowment Fund or the GCEF Scholarship Fund from March 1 to Sept. 30, 2022. Your gifts will positively impact our LGBTQ+ community for many years to come.