Since 2019, the Queer Philanthropy Circle (QPC) has committed $803,714 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 counseling, support for first year students, cultural competency programs, and support for the fine arts.
“The QPC is honored to support eight worthy initiatives, with one of the eight recipients providing scholarships that are open to students on all IU campuses. The Affinity Giving Grants Day provided our circle with the opportunity to hear from and connect with finalists who strive to provide all individuals in the IU community with a true sense of belonging, inclusion, and equity. The QPC strives to create a space where all people can thrive with safety and respect, and we are thrilled to support programs that continue to make that a reality for so many.” - Sallie Jo Tardy Mitzell, Chair, QPC Advocacy and Community Investments Committee
2024 QPC grant recipients:
Project Title | Project Synopsis | Project Contact for Media |
The OASIS Project | The QSU's OASIS Project aims to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ students by cultivating an open, safe, and vibrant queer culture at IU Bloomington. The OASIS Project will pursue these objectives by creating new LGBTQ+ programming for undergraduate and graduate students, broadening the scope of existing QSU programming, and expanding QSU marketing efforts. | Nithin Krishnan |
Enhancing LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Among Dental Faculty at IU School of Dentistry | Our team at IU School of Dentistry (IUSD) is initiating a project to enhance cultural competency and LGBTQIA+ awareness among dental faculty, building on insights gained through our previous work. The project ultimately aims to create a more inclusive environment at IUSD, improving dental education, and patient care outcomes, thereby promoting oral health equity. | Dr. Anubhuti Shukla |
IU LGBTQ+ Alumni Association Scholarship Program | The IU LGBTQ+AA scholarship program provides academic and emergency scholarships to students on all IU campuses. These scholarships recognize academic achievement and leadership, invest in student futures, and help students who have been financially disowned by their families stay in school. | Patricia Riveire Stumpf |
DEI Ambassadors | DEI Ambassadors will expand the inclusive environment on campus to better include the IU Fort Wayne students within the PFW resources including The Multicultural Center, Disability Access Center, and The Q Center. Ambassadors will provide programing aspects through co-branding and marketing to better include the IU Fort Wayne campus community. | Marissa Lewis |
In-House LGBTQ+ Center Counseling | The LGBTQ+ Center connects LGBTQ+ and allied students to the resources they need to be successful with a tailored approach in an accessible environment. Through collaboration with the IU School of Social Work, BSW, and MSW students will practice skills in working with LGBTQ+ students through light case management, harm reduction, and resource referral. | IU Indianapolis |
Queer Student Housing Intensive First Year Seminar | The Intensive First Year Seminar, Queer Activism, and Public Issues provides a crucial entry point for queer high school students and their allies to begin their transition to Indiana University. Grant funds will support summer housing for incoming freshman enrolled in the course and additional staff time needed to provide a supportive, welcoming, high-impact residential program. | Tanya Koontz Orbaugh |
2024 BPC, QPC, & WPLC joint grant recipients:
Project Title | Project Synopsis | Project Contact for Media |
Indiana Memorial Union Art Initiative | As part of the IMU Art Initiative, the Union Board is seeking funds to support the next phase of this project: focus on diverse student art and artists. | Laurie Frederickson |
2024 QPC & WPLC joint grant recipient:
Project Title | Project Synopsis | Project Contact for Media |
IU's Internship Accelerator | Following the Walter Center's successful 2023 Philanthropy award, this project further broadens the Center's ability to serve its higher need constituents by developing a locally focused, subsidized, and comprehensive internship program. In partnership with Bloomington area social good employers, the Center will set students up for success by providing tailored, high-touch training for first-time professional experiences. | Steve Barnes |