(Community Matters) Interestingly, there are lots of current, parallel discussions about LGBT philanthropy.
According to a Harris Interactive Poll, 87% to 88% of Americans donate to charity. In some of my discussions, there’s an assumption that fewer LGBT Americans donate to charity, but I don’t buy this conclusion. The only studies I’ve seen show the percentage of LGBT Americans giving to national, statewide and local LGBT charities. Though I can’t back it up statistically, from experience I know the LGBT community is at least as generous as anyone else. Whether this generosity is, or should be, directed to LGBT organizations or causes is another question.
My email friend Charlie Rounds, one of the founders of RSVP Cruises, made note of potential opportunities for philanthropic dollars from companies reaping their revenues from our community.
Isn’t Manhunt in fact the largest recipient of lgbt money in the world? I do not have the facts, but conservatively I believe they have at least 1 million US members putting in at least $20 a month – so let’s just say $240,000,000 annually. Part of this money we know goes to fund openly anti-lgbt candidates for office. So has anyone asked them for money? Has anyone asked that we try to increase lgbt giving through their expansive database?
Others in the discussion are reminding us that planned giving offers lots of potential funding. The Horizons Foundation in San Francisco is dedicated to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, strengthening LGBT organizations and leaders, and builds LGBT philanthropy through a diverse range of programs & donor services. It offers donor-advised funds. Do we need something similar in Austin? If so, should it be separate from or part of the Austin Community Foundation?
I am reminded that LGBT Americans have every other interest as all other Americans, so I don’t know what the right percentage capture might be.
Community Matters 