A tax-exempt community foundation, Our Fund's mission is to promote philanthropy, manage enduring investments and conduct impactful grant-making to improve the lives of LGBTQ people in South Florida.
Our Fund Foundation has a number of various ways in which you can give to the LGBTQ community - with your current giving or through the planning of your legacy giving after your death.
What organization or cause has had an impact on your life? What do you want to be remembered for? A planned legacy gift can benefit future generations - all in your name.
If you have supported various organizations or causes through the course of your life that are very important to you, Legacy Giving allows you to continue to have that impact after your death. Our Fund encourages individuals to be as purposeful with their giving after they are gone as they are while living. By creating a charitable fund from your estate, you will have a lasting impact for future generations.
For more information on creating your Legacy Fund, please contact Chief Financial Officer Mark Blaylock at 954-565-1090 MBlaylock@Our-Fund.org
Our Fund Foundation's Annual Campaign Fund is our community of generous donors ($1,500+ annually) who stand with us to support our mission of increasing philanthropy in the South Florida LGBTQ non-profit community.
These members are invited to special events throughout the year and are recognized in our publications and website as key members who stand with us in our mission of supporting a more vital non-profit LGBTQ community in South Florida.
A Donor Advised Fund is a simple yet powerful way to manage all of your charitable giving in one place. You make tax-deductible gifts into your fund and then recommend grants to your chosen charities at any time.
Your fund will allow you to support specific organizations or causes that are important to you - both within and outside the LGBTQ community - through one consolidated account. Setting up your Donor Advised Fund can be completed very easily with only a few decisions to make on your part and then you will be ready to simplify all your giving from one account.
For more information on establishing a Donor Advised Fund, please contact Chief Financial Officer Mark Blaylock at 954-565-1090 MBlaylock@Our-Fund.org
Our Fund has determined seven fields of interests that are especially important to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. Whether you decide to establish your own fund, contribute to a field of interest fund, or give directly to a specific organization, Our Fund is here to make the connection so that you have the best philanthropic choice.
Youth Fund
Our Fund’s Youth Fund uplifts LGBTQ youth and strives to provide safe and productive home and school environments. Funds are distributed to South Florida agencies that address the staggering statistics of violence and bullying affecting LGBTQ youth that result in poorer educational and health outcomes versus cisgender heterosexual counterparts, including lower GPAs, less likely planning for higher eduation and more likely experience of self-esteem problems.
Elders Fund
At a time when LGBTQ older adults should be enjoying their golden years, many face high rates of economic insecurity and are more likely to be affected by severe health and wellness issues. Our Fund’s Elders’ Fund supports South Florida agencies that address the unique needs of LGBTQ older adults, including training to provide culturally competent service providers, improving the lives of HIV+ older adults and reducing isolation and its effects that many older LGBTQ adults experience.
Women's Fund
Recognizing that the women’s LBT community is a marginalized class within a minority, Our Fund directs resources to uplift South Florida’s LBT community and combat the historical inequities that are pervasive within the LGBT community.
Transgender Fund
Our Fund’s Transgender Fund provides grants to service providers to advance the quality of life for transgender people. Because programs and services that serve and uplift South Florida’s large transgender community are deeply under-resourced, Our Fund plays an integral role in directing attention and philanthropy to these issues.
HIV/AIDS Fund
Because LGBTQ people are at greater risk for mental and behavioral health challenges and for diseases such as cancer, heart disease and HIV/AIDS, Our Fund’s Health Fund promotes community health by addressing the unique needs and challenges facing the LGBTQ community. Funds are distributed to South Florida agencies that promote education and address the disparities facing LGBTQ and HIV+ individuals related to access to healthcare, insurance and other barriers affecting the physical wellbeing of South Florida’s LGBTQ community.
Arts & Culture Fund
Our Fund recognizes the importance of arts and culture to inspire, empower and transform individuals and communities. Grants from this fund promote South Florida artistic expression that amplifies LGBTQ voices and works in the service of preserving, telling and celebrating LGBTQ stories and to promoting LGBTQ equality and social justice.
Social Justice Fund
Our Fund’s Social Justice Fund envisions a world in which all LGBTQ people live with dignity, safety, and opportunity. Preference for grants from the Fund is given to agencies, programs and services that increase LGBTQ inclusion and acceptance and expand LGBTQ-affirming protections.
Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others? - Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr.
Sweat equity is another great way to give!
Contact Obed Caballero to inquire about volunteering opportunities.
Justin Flippen, Florida Atlantic University’s first openly gay Student President, went on to become Wilton Manors’ Mayor before he died unexpectedly on February 25, 2020 at the age of 41. Justin’s life and career in public service was guided by Thomas Jefferson’s foundational principle, “Governments are the servants, not the masters, of the people.”
This scholarship in his memory is awarded annually to a Political Science major with a record of community service and political activism. Preference will be given to students exhibiting interest in promoting LGBTQ equality.
To learn more about Justin’s accomplishments and life’s work, visit here.
Scholarship Awarded to Florida Atlantic Student
Scholarship Recipient Luke Turner
WILTON MANORS (April 19, 2022) – Our Fund Foundation, the third largest LGBTQ+ foundation in the nation, has announced that Luke Turner, a graduate student at Florida Atlantic University, will receive the second annual Justin Flippen Memorial Scholarship.
When Justin Flippen, the beloved late mayor of Wilton Manors, died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm in 2020, Our Fund Foundation swiftly launched the Justin Flippen Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor his enduring legacy.
Turner, who has a longstanding record of political activism and working for social justice, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from FAU in 2020 and will soon receive his master’s in political science. Ever since coming out, he has stood up for himself and has been an outspoken advocate for others as well.
“From a young age, school saved my life and served as both an escape and a new beginning where I was able to educate and challenge myself,” said Turner. “As I became increasingly informed, I was able to improve my communication and critical life skills, and build upon my passion of becoming a responsible citizen who always stands up for what is right.”
Ever since Turner can remember, he has been committed to public service. At the ages of 10 and 14, he volunteered to work on President Obama’s two campaigns and even had a chance to meet the former president on two occasions. Participating in mock-legislative conferences through 4-H solidified Turner’s dedication to public service leading him to intern for a U.S. Representative both locally and in Washington, D.C. and then on to serving as Governor of Florida Atlantic University – Boca Campus. All these experiences deepened his commitment and aspiration to become an attorney and serve the public.
“Our Fund Foundation is honored to administer the Justin Flippen Memorial Fund which will help prepare future generations of leaders to follow in the footsteps of Justin’s thoughtful and passionate public service,” said David Jobin, President and CEO of Our Fund Foundation.
“Justin distinguished himself as Florida Atlantic University’s first openly gay Student President and went on to become Wilton Manors’ Mayor. His life and career in public service were guided by Thomas Jefferson’s foundational principle, ’Governments are the servants, not the masters, of the people.’”
Scholarships from the Justin Flippen Memorial Fund are awarded annually and in perpetuity, in increments of $1,000. Our Fund Foundation oversees the endowment which was created to provide financial support to Florida students who are aspiring to enter public service and pursuing a degree in political science or a related field. Preference will be given to students exhibiting interest in promoting LGBTQ+ equality.
“It is an honor to receive this scholarship in Justin Flippen’s name. He was a bridge-builder and a unifying leader,” said Turner. “I consider myself to be a trailblazer, because complacency is not an option.”
Our Fund Foundation intends on continuing to raise funds for the Justin Flippen Memorial Fund so the non-profit can increase and expand the number of future scholarships. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Justin Flippen Memorial Fund Donation page.