~ G/L Community Newsletter ~
Spring 2024
Dear Members and Friends,
In 2023 Milwaukee garnered nationwide recognition as one of the country’s top LGBTQ+ friendly cities. It also received a 100% rating on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year. The criteria for these accolades include LGBTQ wellness infrastructures, arts and entertainment access and local political support. Combined they offer a quality of life for LGBTQ+ people that many other cities lack. In great part, Milwaukee achieved these amenities and services as well as political recognition through your continuing financial support of community causes through the G/L Community Fund (GLCF).
Founded nearly three decades ago, the G/L Community Fund, A 501(c)3 charitable organization, helps underwrite Wisconsin’s LGBT+ groups, programs and organizations through its annual distribution of funds. Last year, nearly twenty beneficiaries received your support through the GLCF. They represented the arts (Boulevard Theatre) and health (Galano Club and Vivent Health), youth and senior programs (Courage MKE and the LGBT Community Center), as well as the Pride Parade, Black and White Men Together, the Metropolitan Community Church, Veterans and other programs.
However, while Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ community can boast about its achievements, those who oppose our rights and pursuit of happiness have been busier than ever. Throughout the country Republican controlled state governments have introduced hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills. Dozens have become law. In Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers has vetoed a number of bills passed by the legislature aimed at curtailing LGBTQ rights. Late in 2023 Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos lead the charge successfully blackmailed the University of Wisconsin (UW) system by withholding funding unless the UW dismantled its diversity, equity and inclusion programs designed to help LGBTQ and other minority students. Meanwhile, in 2022 nationwide hate crimes against our community based on sexual orientation increased by 13.8% and on gender identity by 32.9%.
Facing these unrelenting challenges, the G/L Community Fund launches its membership drive. The GLCF “Your Choice” card offers options to insure your donation impacts LGBTQ lives positively and effectively allowing you to select the organization(s) you wish to help. This year, the Wisconsin LGBT History Project and transgender programs have been added to the roster. Of course, donations may be directed to a beneficiary not listed among our designated recipients. In that case, you may wish to create your own donor advised fund.
In these extraordinary times, we hope we can rely on your continued generosity. If not a member already, please join the G/L Community Fund as a supporter. Please visit our website where you can learn more about the GLCF and also make your donation. We hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerely,
Si Smits,
Executive Director
A special thanks to our 2023 campaign sponsors for this year’s fund drive. American United Taxi, Balistreri’s Bluemound Inn, Balistreri’s Ristorante, Brewery Credit Union, Harvey’s Central Grille, Herb Kohl Philanthropies, Milwaukee Pride (Pridefest), Mondel Group Inc., Napalese Lounge & Grille, Valley Pest Control, Walkers Point Mobil, Wheeler’s Tax Service.
To keep our organization on top of what's happening in the community we appreciate hearing your comments. Be part of our foundation by keeping us informed with news and any information you feel of interest to the community. If you are interested in helping the foundation in our goals and mission please e-mail us at glcommunityfund@hotmail.com
In 2023 Milwaukee garnered nationwide recognition as one of the country’s top LGBTQ+ friendly cities. It also received a 100% rating on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year. The criteria for these accolades include LGBTQ wellness infrastructures, arts and entertainment access and local political support. Combined they offer a quality of life for LGBTQ+ people that many other cities lack. In great part, Milwaukee achieved these amenities and services as well as political recognition through your continuing financial support of community causes through the G/L Community Fund (GLCF).
Founded nearly three decades ago, the G/L Community Fund, A 501(c)3 charitable organization, helps underwrite Wisconsin’s LGBT+ groups, programs and organizations through its annual distribution of funds. Last year, nearly twenty beneficiaries received your support through the GLCF. They represented the arts (Boulevard Theatre) and health (Galano Club and Vivent Health), youth and senior programs (Courage MKE and the LGBT Community Center), as well as the Pride Parade, Black and White Men Together, the Metropolitan Community Church, Veterans and other programs.
However, while Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ community can boast about its achievements, those who oppose our rights and pursuit of happiness have been busier than ever. Throughout the country Republican controlled state governments have introduced hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills. Dozens have become law. In Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers has vetoed a number of bills passed by the legislature aimed at curtailing LGBTQ rights. Late in 2023 Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos lead the charge successfully blackmailed the University of Wisconsin (UW) system by withholding funding unless the UW dismantled its diversity, equity and inclusion programs designed to help LGBTQ and other minority students. Meanwhile, in 2022 nationwide hate crimes against our community based on sexual orientation increased by 13.8% and on gender identity by 32.9%.
Facing these unrelenting challenges, the G/L Community Fund launches its membership drive. The GLCF “Your Choice” card offers options to insure your donation impacts LGBTQ lives positively and effectively allowing you to select the organization(s) you wish to help. This year, the Wisconsin LGBT History Project and transgender programs have been added to the roster. Of course, donations may be directed to a beneficiary not listed among our designated recipients. In that case, you may wish to create your own donor advised fund.
In these extraordinary times, we hope we can rely on your continued generosity. If not a member already, please join the G/L Community Fund as a supporter. Please visit our website where you can learn more about the GLCF and also make your donation. We hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerely,
Si Smits,
Executive Director
A special thanks to our 2023 campaign sponsors for this year’s fund drive. American United Taxi, Balistreri’s Bluemound Inn, Balistreri’s Ristorante, Brewery Credit Union, Harvey’s Central Grille, Herb Kohl Philanthropies, Milwaukee Pride (Pridefest), Mondel Group Inc., Napalese Lounge & Grille, Valley Pest Control, Walkers Point Mobil, Wheeler’s Tax Service.
To keep our organization on top of what's happening in the community we appreciate hearing your comments. Be part of our foundation by keeping us informed with news and any information you feel of interest to the community. If you are interested in helping the foundation in our goals and mission please e-mail us at glcommunityfund@hotmail.com
Dear Members and Friends,
Enclosed you will find the G/L Community Funds annual report for 2017. We make our annual report available to all members and friends that have helped the foundation over the years.
This year Mr. Philip Amador, Mr. Donald Schwamb, and Mr. Darren Letner have been reelected for three years terms.
During the past year Diverse & Resilient, established in 1995, working on the healthy development of LGBT people in Wis., has joined the coalition of organizations that we work with. Also, we have received a gift of one thousand dollars to open a Wisconsin gay history and archives fund to help several under funded history programs in the state. If this is something you would be interested in helping, please consider a gift to that fund.
During the spring of each year we do our annual Endowment Fund drive. During the past years we have been fortunate enough to use the Endowment Fund to help the community with gifts and grants. The Endowment Fund is where your gift will be used in our long-term plans to benefit the community in future years. With your gift we will be able to continue our work. All gifts will receive the tax advantage of a public charity.
We hope you will help with a donation today.
Sincerely Yours,
Si Smits
Executive Director
To keep our organization on top of what's happening in the community we appreciate hearing your comments. Be part of our foundation by keeping us informed with news and any information you feel of interest to the community. If you are interested in helping the foundation in our goals and mission please e-mail us at glcommunityfund@hotmail.com
Enclosed you will find the G/L Community Funds annual report for 2017. We make our annual report available to all members and friends that have helped the foundation over the years.
This year Mr. Philip Amador, Mr. Donald Schwamb, and Mr. Darren Letner have been reelected for three years terms.
During the past year Diverse & Resilient, established in 1995, working on the healthy development of LGBT people in Wis., has joined the coalition of organizations that we work with. Also, we have received a gift of one thousand dollars to open a Wisconsin gay history and archives fund to help several under funded history programs in the state. If this is something you would be interested in helping, please consider a gift to that fund.
During the spring of each year we do our annual Endowment Fund drive. During the past years we have been fortunate enough to use the Endowment Fund to help the community with gifts and grants. The Endowment Fund is where your gift will be used in our long-term plans to benefit the community in future years. With your gift we will be able to continue our work. All gifts will receive the tax advantage of a public charity.
We hope you will help with a donation today.
Sincerely Yours,
Si Smits
Executive Director
To keep our organization on top of what's happening in the community we appreciate hearing your comments. Be part of our foundation by keeping us informed with news and any information you feel of interest to the community. If you are interested in helping the foundation in our goals and mission please e-mail us at glcommunityfund@hotmail.com