Two Warwick organizations serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities are among the nonprofits that will share $77,500 in grants through the Equity Action Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation.

The Equity Action Fund supports projects that meet the needs of the LGBTQ communities in Rhode Island. Guided by a volunteer advisory committee comprised of leaders in the LGBTQ communities, the fund has made more than $1.1 million in grants to dozens of organizations over the years.

“These organizations strive to ensure the health, safety and fair treatment of every LGBTQ Rhode Islander. As we begin recovering from the impact of COVID-19 on programs and services, the work of these organizations is more crucial than ever,” said Adrian Bonéy, who oversees the Equity Action Fund grant program at the Foundation.

The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre  received $2,500 to support its free classes for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other sexual- and gender-minority youth.

"The goal is to address issues and concerns unique to the LGBTQ+ population, including creating strong peer connection and a sense of belonging, exploration and acceptance of identity, practicing clear and effective advocacy skills, and addressing oppression and misrepresentation. We believe that using community-based theater in the context of a larger change-making strategy, will lead to healthy development for participating youth," said Amy Gravell, managing director.

Thundermist Health Center  received $10,000 to support its Trans Health and Wellness Program, which targets adults ages 18 to 25. The goal is to improve physical and mental health, increase community contentedness and reduce social isolation. The organization reports having more than 1,500 active patients.

"Wellness programming is vital to our trans and non-binary patients," said Jayeson Watts, LICSW, Director, Trans Health, Thundermist Health Center. "These events provide socialization and community. They help patients meet new people, learn new things, and add joy and movement to their week."

The public can support the Equity Action Fund’s work by donating to it on the Foundation’s website.