LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville nonprofits that support LGBTQ+ youth have the opportunity to apply for some funding. The money is coming from a permanent endowment fund that a couple made about 30 years ago.
Charles Gruenberger and Jack Kersey met around 1950 and fell in love. They faced adversity as a couple and moved to Louisville, where they became fierce advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and for those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
Christina Miller, with the Community Foundation of Louisville, says they, “really started a decades-long work of advocacy and organizing to bring more resources, visibility and safety to the queer community here in Louisville.”
Even though Gruenberger and Kersey have passed away, through a charitable remainder trust they created with the Community Foundation of Louisville in the ‘90s, their legacy can live on.
“That love that they have for each other and for the community at large continues to carry on through the Charles and Jack Fund for LGBTQ+ Advancement,” Miller said.
Local nonprofits that serve LGBTQ+ youth can apply for a grant of up to $20,000 through this initiative.
“We have a lot going on currently in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and it’s good for us to invest in this specific topic because the community is not being supported, or they don’t feel like they’re being supported,” said Joel Buno with Crane House, who was selected to be part of the advisory committee for this funding.
Nonprofits can apply for the Charles and Jack Fund for LGBTQ+ Advancement until July 10. There will also be an information session on June 13 for anyone interested in learning more about this fund. For more information on how to register for that session or to apply for the fund, click visit the Community Foundation of Louisville website.