UMD News Releases

Will Provide Public Education and Outreach to N.E. Minnesota
About Anti-gay Marriage Amendments and the Impact on GLBT Families

GLBT people live in 99.3% of all U.S. Counties
Says U.S. Census Report, 2000

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Services Office has received a $2,500 grant from Pfund, a foundation celebrating and strengthening GLBT communities. The grant will be used to fund an intern in the Northland to provide public education and outreach to northeastern Minnesota groups and organizations about anti-gay marriage amendments and the impact on GLBT families. This intern will work in collaboratively with the state's leading GLBT organization, OutFront Minnesota.

"This grant comes at a time when it is most needed," said Angie Nichols, Director of GLBT Services at UMD. "According to the 2000 U.S. Census Report, GLBT people live in 99.3% of all U.S. counties. Because one in three lesbian couples and one in five gay male couples are rearing children, fighting for civil rights has become a top priority to gain the same rights and protections as heterosexual families," said Nichols. "We are thankful that Pfund chose us as a grantee so that we may reach out and educate people about the issues that face our communities." Nichols explained that strategies to educate will be to partner with open and affirming places of worship, civic organizations and campus groups. "A little education goes a long way," she added.

Pfund, has a strong commitment to making grants in the Upper Midwest, this year awarding over $65,000 to 20 organizations. "The UMD Office of GLBT Services is doing incredible things to help improve the quality of life for the Upper Midwest's GLBT and allied communities," said Kit Briem, Executive Director of Pfund.

Pfund is a nonprofit community foundation serving the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) and allied communities. This year Philanthrofund awarded grants to a wide range of GLBT-positive organizations.

Grants are made in Pfunds five categories of action:

• Assisting GLBT youth
• Reducing isolation, particularly in small cities and rural areas
• Supporting GLBT celebrations and the arts
• Preventing discrimination and ending violence against GLBT people
• Building organizational capacity within the GLBT community, and supporting GLBT seniors.

Based in Minneapolis, Pfund works to fulfill its mission by:

• Making grants to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota, Iowa, North and South Dakota, and western/northern Wisconsin
• Providing scholarships and developing leaders within the GLBT community
• Inspiring giving with, by, and for the GLBT community