Category Archives: Pride Foundation

Why Does Marriage Matter?

by D Gregory Smith

Marriage in Washington has the direct effect of influencing marriage rights in all nearby states- including Idaho, Montana and Oregon.

Check out the latest tv ad from Washington United For Marriage and Pride Foundation:

Pride Foundation, the nonprofit LGBTQ community foundation serving the U.S. Northwest, has led an ongoing public education campaign on why marriage matters to all loving and committed couples. Today, Pride Foundation announced the second of two new statewide TV ads focused on the importance of the freedom to marry for all Washingtonians. The first of the ads debuted during the opening ceremony of the Olympics on July 27.

The ad released August 6 features United Church of Christ minister Reverend Gib Rossing and his wife, Beth Rossing, talking about their son Jonathan and their hopes for him to be able to marry his long-term partner Ryan. It emphasizes that all loving and committed couples, whether gay or straight, hope to marry for similar reasons: to make a lifetime promise to another person and to share the joys and challenges that life brings.

“Here in Washington, we treat all families with respect and fairness, because we believe in the Golden Rule of treating others as we want to be treated,” said Kris Hermanns, Executive Director of Pride Foundation. “This advertisement reflects our fundamental values, and will supplement the conversations we’ve had across the state about the important of marriage for all loving and committed couples. No one should be denied the freedom to marry the person that they love.”

This statewide ad follows another that debuted at the Olympics opening ceremony and features former Republican state Senator Cheryl Pflug.

For more information and to check out Senator Pflug’s video visit www.WhyMarriageMattersWashington.org.

To learn more about Pride Foundation visit www.pridefoundation.org.

Update (from the comments): Just wanted to let you know my dad (Gib Rossing) is actually a retired Lutheran pastor. He and Mom are part of a UCC church in Olympia, WA, but he’s not a minister of the UCC. Thanks for posting the video and sharing!

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Last Call: Making Waves

by D Gregory Smith

Pride Foundation aims to “make waves” with the first-ever Flathead Lake Equality Cruise on Sunday, Aug. 12, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The boat will depart KwaTaqNuk Best Western Resort at 4 p.m. sharp, so guests are encouraged to arrive by 3:45.  Tickets are $45 for individuals and $80 per couple and can be purchased online at  www.pridefoundation.eventbrite.com.

Seattle-based Pride Foundation has made a big splash in Montana since hiring on-the-ground staff in 2011, sextupling the number of active donors in less than two years. Pride Foundation has increased from $19,000 to nearly $50,000 the amount of grants and scholarships given out in the state over the past year.

According to Regional Development Organizer Caitlin Copple, who is also the first openly gay member of the Missoula City Council, Montana is part of a larger national trend toward greater acceptance of people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

“From the city ordinances protecting the community from non-discrimination to the increase in the number of high school Gay-Straight Alliances around the state to the changes in both the Republican and Democratic party platforms, Montana is rapidly becoming a more friendly place for gays and lesbians,” Copple said. “Most importantly, more of our heterosexual family, friends, and colleagues are also ‘coming out’ as supporters of full equality in our state.”

Indeed, co-hosts for the upcoming cruise include Rep. Ellie Hill (D-Missoula) and Dr. Tyler Smith of Missoula, Cathy and Ned Cooney of Bigfork, Mary Stranahan of Arlee, and Beth Frazee, Paul Vestal, and Bryony Schwan, all of Missoula.

Special thanks to event sponsors KwaTaqNuk Resort, Fidelity Title of Lake County, Mamalode Magazine, MissoulaEvents.net, Salish Kootenai College, S&K Technologies, Ronan Telephone Company, Blackfoot Telecommunications, and Gateway to Vitality. If you would like to sponsor or co-host, please contact Caitlin@pridefoundation.org.

Founded in 1985, Pride Foundation is dedicated to inspiring a culture of generosity to connect and strengthen organizations, leaders, and students who are creating LGBTQ equality across the Northwest states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. To learn more, visit www.pridefoundation.org or email Caitlin@pridefoundation.org.

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Making Waves!

by D Gregory Smith

 
Join hosts Rep. Ellie Hill (D-Missoula) and Dr. Tyler Smith of Missoula, Cathy and Ned Cooney of Bigfork, Mary Stranahan of Arlee
and Beth Frazee, Paul Vestal, and Bryony Schwan, all of Missoula.
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Flathead Lake Sunset Cruise
dinner, live music, and community building
Sunday, August 12, 2012
3:45 p.m. – 6 p.m.
(Ship leaves Polson’s KwaTaqNuk Resort at 4 p.m.)
tickets $45 single $80 couple
Please purchase your ticket online at www.pridefoundation.eventbrite.com by Friday, August 3, by texting or calling Pride Foundation’s Regional Development Organizer in Montana, Caitlin Copple at 546.7017 or by emailing caitlin@pridefoundation.org.
Interested in sponsoring the event? See our event registration form.
Founded in 1985, Pride Foundation inspires a culture of generosity that connects and strengthens Northwest organizations, leaders, and students who are creating LGBTQ equality in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington State.
 
Visit www.pridefoundation.org for more information.
 
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Turman Larison Gallery to Host Pride Foundation Benefit

by D Gregory Smith

 Helena Art Party to Raise Money for Grants and Scholarships in Montana

 

The Turman Larison Contemporary Art Gallery in downtown Helena will host a fundraiser for Pride Foundation’s grants and scholarships on Thursday, Aug. 9, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is free to attend, but donations are encouraged. Co-hosts include: Clark &Toni Broadbent, Attorney General Candidate Pam Bucy, Linda Carlson and David Hunter, Tom and Lisa Cordingley, Pam Dale, Clayton Elliott, Laura Fix,Ginny Furshong, Jamee Greer, Cindy Lewis, Pat Kemp and Sen. Christine Kaufmann, Terry Kendrick, Wendy and Sarah Nicolai, Linda Reed, Mike Wessler and Bobbie Zenker.

Seattle-based Pride Foundation has made a big splash in Montana since hiring on-the-ground staff in 2011, sextupling the number of active donors in less than two years. A board of 12 volunteers, including Helena residents Ginny Furshong, Pat Kemp, Mike Wessler and Bobbie Zenker, helps lead the organization’s efforts. Pride Foundation has increased from $19,000 to nearly $50,000 the amount of grants and scholarships given out in the state over the past year.

According to Regional Development Organizer Caitlin Copple, who is also the first openly gay member of the Missoula City Council, Montana is part of a larger national trend toward greater acceptance of people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

“From the city ordinances protecting the community from non-discrimination to the increase in the number of high school Gay-Straight Alliances around the state to the changes in both the Republican and Democratic Party platforms, Montana is rapidly becoming a friendlier place for gays and lesbians,” Copple said. “Most importantly, more of our heterosexual family, friends, and colleagues are also ‘coming out’ as supporters of full equality in our state.”

Founded in 1985, Pride Foundation is dedicated to inspiring a culture of generosity to connect and strengthen organizations, leaders, and students who are creating LGBTQ equality across the Northwest states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. To learn more, visit www.pridefoundation.org or email Caitlin@pridefoundation.org.

Facebook Event Page Here
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Pride Foundation to ‘Make Waves’ on Flathead Lake August 12

by D Gregory Smith

Beach-themed fundraiser to raise money for Montana grants and scholarships

Join me on a Flathead Lake cruise!

Pride Foundation aims to “make waves” with the first-ever Flathead Lake Equality Cruise on Sunday, Aug. 12, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The boat will depart KwaTaqNuk Best Western Resort at 4 p.m. sharp, so guests are encouraged to arrive by 3:45.  Tickets are $45 for individuals and $80 per couple and can be purchased online at www.pridefoundation.eventbrite.com.

Seattle-based Pride Foundation has made a big splash in Montana since hiring on-the-ground staff in 2011, sextupling the number of active donors in less than two years. Pride Foundation has increased from $19,000 to nearly $50,000 the amount of grants and scholarships given out in the state over the past year.

According to Regional Development Organizer Caitlin Copple, who is also the first openly gay member of the Missoula City Council, Montana is part of a larger national trend toward greater acceptance of people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

“From the city ordinances protecting the community from non-discrimination to the increase in the number of high school Gay-Straight Alliances around the state to the changes in both the Republican and Democratic party platforms, Montana is rapidly becoming a more friendly place for gays and lesbians,” Copple said. “Most importantly, more of our heterosexual family, friends, and colleagues are also ‘coming out’ as supporters of full equality in our state.”

Indeed, co-hosts for the upcoming cruise include Rep. Ellie Hill (D-Missoula) and Dr. Tyler Smith of Missoula, Cathy and Ned Cooney of Bigfork, Mary Stranahan of Arlee, and Beth Frazee, Paul Vestal, and Bryony Schwan, all of Missoula.

Special thanks to event sponsors KwaTaqNuk Resort, Mamalode Magazine, and FlatheadEvents.net. If you would like to sponsor or co-host, please contact Caitlin@pridefoundation.org.

And yep, I’m gonna be there.

Founded in 1985, Pride Foundation is dedicated to inspiring a culture of generosity to connect and strengthen organizations, leaders, and students who are creating LGBTQ equality across the Northwest states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. To learn more, visit www.pridefoundation.org or email Caitlin@pridefoundation.org.

Facebook Event Page is here.
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Free Money! Pride Foundation Deadline July 31

by D Gregory Smith

Pride Foundation, The Northwest’s largest LGBT community foundation is accepting Letters of Inquiry for its 2012 Grant Cycle. Pride Foundation is proud to support LGBTQ equality in Montana. Building on our first Montana grant awarded in the 1990s supporting a LGBTQ youth conference, we have been growing support for Montana organizations and scholars thanks to donors and volunteers with more than $300,000 awarded to date. For Every $1.00 given in Montana, $3.80 comes back to the state- allowing Pride Foundation to make major investments in Montana Equality.

The simple online Letter of Inquiry application is available here. If you are a previous applicant, please log in using your email address and password. If you are a new applicant, please select “Create New Account” on the registration page. Only successful Letter of Inquiry applicants will be invited to submit a full application. However, all applicants will receive notification.

Please review our grant guidelines before applying.

2012 Application Process

Letter of Inquiry

  • Letter of Inquiry available: June 1, 2012
  • Letter of Inquiry deadline: July 31, 2012
  • Letter of Inquiry applicant notification: August 27, 2012

Full Application (By Invitation)

  • Full Application invitation notification: August 27, 2012
  • Full Application deadline: September 21, 2012
  • Full Application notification: November 30, 2012

(Funds will be disbursed in December 2012)

All of Pride Foundation’s granting decisions are made by teams of local volunteers knowledgeable in their community’s needs.

Questions?

If you need more information regarding this process, contact your area’s Regional Development Organizer.
In Montana, that’s Caitlin Copple. She can be reached at 406.546.7017, by email: Caitlin@pridefoundation.org
For general grant assistance or questions, please email our Director of Grants Programming or call 206.323.3318 or toll free at 800.735.7287.

Sign up for Pride Foundation’s monthly eNewsletter to receive notification of future grant and scholarship deadlines, and other Pride Foundation news.

Political Candidates Respond To “Big Gay Invitation”

by D Gregory Smith

You may have read about the Openly Gay Elected Officials and Candidates Breakfast being hosted by the Pride Foundation and Women Vote during Montana Pride.

If you haven’t,  it’s here.

We’ve gotten some amazing responses so far. I wanted to highlight a few:

AG candidate Jim Shockley let us know through his assistant that he can’t attend due to the Montana Republican Convention that same weekend.

Legislative candidate from the Flathead Reservation Tom Camel declined because Bozeman is “too far,” but says he “supports Pride in the ways I can.”

“Dear Caitlin,  I would love to come to your breakfast mixer but I work on Saturdays.   I absolutely support equality for ALL and wish I could be there to support you and meet potential collaborators.  If you have any questions of me, please ask.  Keep me up on other events and I’ll try and make it.  Sincerely,  Jessie Nichols for House Distict 14 (Alberton)”

“My wife and I would like to join you for the breakfast mixer.  I’m running for Senate District 36 (Beaverhead and Madison counties).  We’re also the proud parents of a gay daughter. My campaign website is at www.turnerforsenatedistrict36.com. – Richard Turner, Dillon”

“I received your invitation to the festivities in Bozeman, unfortunately my husband and I will be in Germany visiting our son who is stationed there with the Air Force.  I’m sorry to miss meeting all the legislators and many supporters.  Will you be having any events in Billings?  Thank you again for the invitation and I hope the events of that week go well. Best, Debbie Willis Candidate, HD 50 (Billings).

“You can count me in as a supporter of the Gay Community and Women everywhere! – Norma Duffy,  Democratic Candidate of HD72 – Beaverhead County”

“Thank you for your invitation to the June 16th event. Due to the distances I will be unable to attend. Please know that I am a huge supporter of all rights for women. They by the way seem to be more treated then ever.”
Sincerely, Peggy Steffes Candidate for HD 89 representative” (Bitterroot Valley)

I received your invitation to this breakfast and I would like to attend.  I left a message on your cell phone.  I need to know what exit gets off highway 90.  I’ve got a map.  Maybe you’ll be able to point me in the right direction for the parade too.  (I don’t know my way around Bozeman as well as I should).  So this is my RSVP and I look forward to meeting you all.  Marla Clark for House District 83 (Helena)

Awesome support for LGBT’s in Montana! Still time to make it if you’d like- donations accepted but never required!

Please RSVP by Thursday, June 14 by texting or calling Pride Foundation’s Regional Development Organizer in Montana, Caitlin Copple at 546.7017 or by emailing caitlin@pridefoundation.org.

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You’re Invited

by D Gregory Smith
Come together to celebrate Pride Foundation’s
impact on Montana’s equality movement!
_________________________
Partners in Pride Buffet Dinner
Saturday, June 16, 2012
5:30 – 7:30 PM

 

Hosted by
Tom Marsh, Greg Smith, and Ken Spencer
Montana State University
Student Union Building | Room 168
Donations accepted but never required!

Please RSVP by Thursday, June 14 by texting or calling Pride Foundation’s Regional Development Organizer in Montana, Caitlin Copple at 546.7017 or by emailing caitlin@pridefoundation.org.
 


Founded in 1985, Pride Foundation inspires a culture of generosity that connects and strengthens Northwest organizations, leaders, and students who are creating LGBTQ equality in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington State.
Visit www.pridefoundation.org for more information.
 Pride Foundation’s mailing address in Montana is P.O. Box 7456 Missoula, MT 59807  

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Breakfast With Openly Gay Candidates And Officials During Pride

by D Gregory Smith
Join Montana Women Vote and Pride Foundation
for this special event during Pride Weekend in Bozeman.
_________________________
Breakfast Mixer with Openly
LGBTQ Elected Officials and Candidates
Learn more about openly LGBTQ people and allies running for office. Get informed on the issues facing our community in 2012!

Saturday, June 16, 2012
8:00 – 9:00 AM

 

Sponsored by
Pride Foundation and Montana Women Vote
 at Nova Café

Donations accepted but never required!

Please RSVP by Thursday, June 14 by texting or calling Pride Foundation’s Regional Development Organizer in Montana, Caitlin Copple at 546.7017 or by emailing caitlin@pridefoundation.org.
 


Founded in 1985, Pride Foundation inspires a culture of generosity that connects and strengthens Northwest organizations, leaders, and students who are creating LGBTQ equality in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington State.
Visit www.pridefoundation.org for more information.
 Pride Foundation’s mailing address in Montana is P.O. Box 7456 Missoula, MT 59807  

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Pride Foundation In Montana: Promoting Equality And Generosity- With A New Website

by D Gregory Smith

Pride Foundation launched a new website this week, making it much easier to focus on the great work we are doing throughout the Pacific Northwest. And yes, I say we. And so should you.

Since 1985, Pride Foundation has been promoting a culture of philanthropy and generosity among LGBT people and our allies- most recently supporting Marriage Equality in Washington State. And we’re not stopping there.

Pride Foundation is proud to support LGBTQ equality in Montana. Building on the first Montana grant awarded in the 1990s supporting a LGBTQ youth conference, we have been growing support for Montana organizations and scholars thanks to donors and volunteers with more than $300,000 awarded to date. For every $1.00 given in Montana, $3.80 is returned to Montana by Pride Foundation.  Seriously. That’s a firm and amazing commitment.

As a donor-supported community foundation and a catalyst for change, we support transformative philanthropy, programs, and individuals in the Northwest that help people find joy and strength in who they are and where they are—in urban, rural, and remote communities.

Caitlin Copple is Pride Foundation’s full-time Regional Development Organizer in Montana, based in Missoula. But Caitlin travels throughout the Treasure State meeting donors, volunteers, grantees, and scholars—building a community to move LGBTQ equality forward in Montana. She’s on the road for Pride Foundation every week.

Contact Caitlin to learn more about Pride Foundation’s work in Montana and to find out how you can get involved. Be sure to sign up for Pride Foundation’s monthly eNewsletter to learn more about our supporters, grantees, and scholars. You can also read all of Caitlin’s Montana stories online.

Local Leadership: For Montana, By Montana

Local leadership makes Pride Foundation’s work meaningful and relevant as local Montana volunteers help award our grants and scholarships in Montana. Montana’s Leadership Action Team is one group of volunteers that provides guidance and advice to staff. I am proud to be a part of this group of amazing individuals. With representation from Arlee, Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Kalispell and Missoula, the members of the 2012 Leadership Action Team are:

  • Chris Bedoian
  • Rep. Bryce Bennett (D-Missoula)
  • Aaron Browning
  • Suzie Eades
  • Mel Fisher
  • Ginny Furshong
  • Shelley Hayes
  • David Herrera
  • Pat Kemp
  • Tom Marsh
  • Greg Smith – Chairperson
  • Mary Stranahan
  • Mike Wessler
  • Bobbie Zenker
Look for us this summer at Montana Pride– and remember, groups/events can request sponsorships ($50.00 to $500.00 separate from the larger grant cycle) from Pride Foundation through a quick and easy form. Pride Foundation is committed to LGBT Equality and philanthropy in Montana- we want you with us. Remember, for every dollar given by Montanans to Pride Foundation, $3.80 comes back to Montana. That’s an incredible return on your investment.
And our lives here are more than worth it.

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