Queer Philanthropy Circle

A brighter tomorrow.

For decades, Indiana University has been recognized as a leader among U.S. colleges and universities for its work in providing a safe and equitable learning environment for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+).

The Queer Philanthropy Circle (QPC)—the second affinity-giving circle established in the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (OVPDEI)—utilizes programs, resources, and other services to improve the recruitment, retention, and degree attainment for LGBTQ+ students and the quality of professional life for faculty and staff on all IU campuses.

Together, we are better

Improving higher education success for marginalized student populations is critical to the success of our community, our state, and our nation. By 2025, two-thirds of all jobs in the United States will require education beyond high school. At current graduation rates, the U.S. is expected to have a shortfall of 11 million college graduates to fill those jobs.

The Indiana University Queer Philanthropy Circle (QPC) underscores the belief that a group of committed individuals can positively create a better future for deserving students and others. Through programs, funding, and student support, it speaks to the power of possibility—and what can transpire when we work together to improve the college path for new generations of students.

It begins with a promise

Bound by a shared promise to make a difference for those who have traditionally been underserved or underrepresented in higher education, members of the QPC focus on key higher education issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. More than funding support, this work entails providing learning experiences and opportunities to address access, success, and attainment for LGBTQ+ students attending IU.

A shared commitment

The Indiana University Queer Philanthropy Circle collaborates with Indiana University and the Indiana University Foundation in developing programs, practices, and policies designed to enhance engagement and philanthropy in higher education and, ultimately, provide support to LGBTQ+ alumni, faculty, staff, students, donors, and allies.

Philanthropy, much like all things in life, must continue to change with the times,” says David Henry Jacobs, chair and founding member of the QPC. “It’s not enough to pay lip service to diversity and inclusion. We must actively strive to improve the lives of those who are marginalized and underrepresented. The Queer Philanthropy Circle was created to fill a much-needed gap and attend to a segment of IU whose goals continue to grow alongside their community.

David Henry Jacobs

Fostering Donor Support

The QPC supports various programs and initiatives to strengthen the engagement of LGBTQ+ alumni and allies of Indiana University. As a member of the QPC, you are part of a special group of committed individuals who not only want to effect change but also shape the future of Indiana University.

It Begins With You

Together, we can help fulfill the promise of higher education for all students. It begins with you. We invite you to join the Indiana University Queer Philanthropy Circle as a collaborator, catalyst, and partner. Email us at iuqpc@iu.edu.

Give Now

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