Since 2019, the Queer Philanthropy Circle (QPC) has committed $629,088 in grants for projects throughout the university. This year, QPC reviewed applications from across IU campuses on projects that demonstrated how efforts would facilitate comprehensive and practical support for the IU LGBTQ+ community. Proposed projects spanned a spectrum of support, including mental health, the creation of safe spaces aimed at increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, student scholarships, and support for the fine arts. For more information on the QPC, please visit this webpage.
“The QPC is honored to support a wide variety of innovative initiatives touching six IU campuses. Gathering for the inaugural Affinity Giving Grants Day gave us the privilege to hear from and connect with finalists who strive to provide all individuals in the IU community with a true sense of belonging and equity. The QPC’s mission to replace obstacles with opportunities for the IU LGBTQ+ community remains crucial through the support we are committed to providing in grants and beyond. “- Ann Sciortino, Chair, QPC Advocacy and Community Investments Committee
The 2023 IU QPC grant recipients are:
Project Title | Project Synopsis | Project Contact for Media |
LGBTQ+ DENTALliance at IU School of Dentistry | This project will create an accepting, safe, inclusive, and informed school community for better treatment of all patients and members of the IU School of Dentistry community and beyond. | Sydney Reynoso sydmking@iu.edu
Terry Wilson 317-278-4844
|
Cultural Humility and Competence Training for Dental Students at IUSD with an Interprofessional Approach | The project assesses cultural competency gaps in the pre-doctoral dental curriculum exploring oral health access issues among LGBTQ+ individuals. Specific training modules will be developed to educate students about significant prejudices towards the LGBTQ+ patient population. | Anubhuti Shukla, BDS, MHA |
IU Auditorium Presents: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo | Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo comes to IU Bloomington in 2024 for a residency including a performance on IU Auditorium’s stage along with a series of engagement events throughout the communities we serve. | Ryan Sheets 812-855-0640 |
Pedagogical Partners: Increasing Equity in the Classroom
| This project will focus on developing IU Kokomo undergraduate students as paid pedagogical consultants to faculty to share life experiences that can improve an inclusive environment in the classroom. | Erin Witt 765-455-9468 |
IU LGBTQ+ Alumni Association Scholarship Program | This project provides emergency and academic scholarship support for students across IU campuses. | April Wason 812-855-5700 |
Billie Tadros and Saul Lemerond: Creative Writing in the 21st Century | This project hosts authors Billie Tadros and Saul Lemerond for a day-long event at IU Kokomo to include classroom guest teaching and a book reading/discussion open to the public. | Erin Witt 765-455-9468
Danielle Rush 765-455-9414 |
Queer Student Housing for Intensive Freshman Seminar | The project will provide two and a half weeks of summer housing and move-in support for incoming IU Bloomington freshmen who will be living in the dorms and are enrolled in the Intensive Freshman Seminar (IFS) entitled Queer Activism & Public Issues. | Tanya Koontz Orbaugh tkoontzo@iu.edu |
In-House LGBTQ+ Center Counseling | In collaboration with IU Indianapolis' School of Social Work, the LGBTQ+ Center will host a second year Master of Social Work student for an academic year to provide in-house, walk-in counseling and case management to IU students visiting the LGBTQ+ or Multicultural Centers. | Li Pietruszka |
Titan Center for Identity and Inclusion | Designing an inclusive campus center for students, faculty, and staff that will be a safe place where IU South Bend Titans can create opportunities, support, and education for all campus stakeholders, lifting voices, and engaging all. | Rob DeCleene 574-520-4679
|
The 2023 IU QPC & WPLC grant recipients are:
Project Title | Project Synopsis | Project Contact for Media |
Engaged Artist in Residence (EAIR) | This project supports semester-long IU Bloomington campus residencies to groundbreaking artists with diverse experiences and backgrounds to support emerging artists’ work and activate campus resources in new, creative ways to highlight voices, values, and ideals of diversity. | Natalia Almanza 812-856-0963 |