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Pride in LGBTQ+ Donors

"As an LGBTQ+ donor, I take great pride in my philanthropy. I am sure others do as well."


Hear more from our founder Doug, below.


In the olden days, the thinking was that people did not become philanthropic until they were in their 50s when they had a little more financial cushion, the kids had left the nest and they had begun to think about their legacy. AIDS upended that reality for my generation. We became donors in our 20s because we had to. It was literally a do-or-die moment for each of us and our community. We created AIDS service organizations – and groups that advocated for equality – across the country, staffed and funded mostly by LGBTQ+ people, young people.


I kept giving through the years, practicing the habit of philanthropy, and many, if not most, others did, too. Today, these boomer donors are primed for planned giving.


Many of us do not have children to inherit our wealth, so nonprofit organizations should begin to see a windfall from the AIDS generation.I wonder what motivates younger LGBTQ+ donors to give and if they are giving to the same degree. There is nothing like the fear of death to get you to open up your wallet. People give when they feel threatened, that’s for sure. And, of course, we are living through a time of increased hate rhetoric and the accompanying violence. Our books are being banned, and rightwing folks are trying to make us invisible.


There is, of course, a real fear the rights we fought so hard and so long for will evaporate if Trump is elected. That’s a lot of threat. I hope it will motivate people of all ages and persuasions to vote and to give.


And, of course, all gifts aren’t motivated by fear or anger, many are motivated by joy. People give where they find meaning. I do. The good news is that now many of our LGBTQ+ organizations can focus more on thriving than surviving.


So, find that place for you, and become a member or a donor. Creating a community is good for us personally and collectively. And it always feels good to give. Try it today! Surely, there is an email in your inbox with a Donate button.








Doug Wingo

Founder + President

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