PFund Foundation’s ReVITALization campaign announces first round of grants
This July, Rainbow Health Minnesota (formerly Minnesota AIDS Project, Rainbow Health Initiative, and Training to Serve) unexpectedly ended programming for thousands of Minnesotans living with HIV/AIDS and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Local LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS service organizations immediately stepped forward to support the transition of these vital services with compassion and strength.
PFund Foundation is grateful for the community supporting our ReVITALization Campaign to support the services left behind in the closure of this key community resource. Dozens of donors shared over $4,000 to the ReVITALization fund in a few weeks’ time, which were bolstered by $200,000 in gifts from the Minneapolis Foundation, Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation, the F.R. Bigelow Foundation, and the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation.
PFund Foundation’s board of directors approved the FIRST ROUND of ReVITALization grants, totaling $110,000, which have been distributed to:
The Aliveness Project, Minneapolis, MN: $80,000
RECLAIM, Saint Paul, MN: $10,000
Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN), Saint Cloud, MN: $20,000
The Aliveness Project has already supported nearly 200 former Rainbow Health clients with direct financial support for rent, utilities, and emergency assistance; and this grant will support the establishment of seven new programs by Aliveness project, which will employ 30 to 40 new employees. The Aliveness Project supports people living with and at the greatest risk of HIV through transformative resources and direct services. Learn more at https://aliveness.org/
RECLAIM has already supported 6 former Rainbow Health clients, and hopes to expand their therapy capacity with these grant funds, as they provide mental health services to queer and trans youth ages 12-25. RECLAIM's mission is to increase access to mental health care for queer and trans youth so they may reclaim their lives from oppression in all its forms. Learn more at https://www.reclaim.care/
The Rural AIDS Action Network shared that over 40 clients of theirs have been impacted by Rainbow Health’s closure, as well as two staff. RAAN is using grant funds to expand their medical case management services to include folx in greater Minnesota who utilized Rainbow Health's Duluth case management office. RAAN’s mission is to foster knowledgeable, caring communities, which ensure quality services and support for people affected by HIV/AIDS. Learn more at https://raan.org/
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About PFund: Founded in 1987, PFund Foundation builds equity with LGBTQ+ communities across the upper Midwest by providing grants and scholarships, developing leaders, and inspiring giving. PFund is the only LGBTQ+ community foundation serving the states of Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the First Nations therein.