Ways to Give
Support the Center
In January of 2024, our board got together with a goal in mind – Open a safe, supportive, inclusive and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ and allied residents of Darke County and surrounding areas. In March of 2024, we launched our Inaugural Fundraising Campaign, and thanks to the amazing support of our community, partners and sponsors, we were able to secure our 501(c)3 status, insurance, and put down the 1st month’s rent and deposit. The Center was able to officially open its doors on May 1, 2024, and saw upwards of 150 people come through in the first two weeks alone! Today, we continue to raise funds so that we can pay our rent, provide programs and services, and ensure the Center is sustainable for years to come! There are lots of ways to support the Center! We hope you find one that works best for you!
Make a Monthly or One-Time Donation
According to the Ohio Suicide Prevention Plan, the LGBTQ+ Community Center of Darke County is exactly what’s needed to intervene in Ohio’s suicide and mental health crisis – It’s needed now more than ever. As importantly, according to a study from the Trevor Project, rates of suicide in LGBTQ+ youth decrease significantly when they access to an affirming space. Help us answer the call and ensure that affirming space is always available in Darke County by joining our monthly giving circle (which helps ensure we can always pay the rent) or by making a one-time donation (that allows us to support programs and services – like community groups and events – and obtain needed supplies). (NOTE: Please be sure to check “one time” or “monthly” on the tab to honor your donation intentions).
Support the Board Race, or Make a Gift in Honor of Someone You Love
Each of our board members are personally committed to raising funds. We’ve agreed to engage in a “race” to help ensure the Center can be opened and maintained. You can support a Board Member, or make a donation of behalf of someone you care about by making a monthly donation below.
Become a Sponsor or Program Supporter
As a business or organization sponsor, you can help us make sure we have the funds needed to support LGBTQ+ people and their allies and bring to life our vision of Darke County becoming a welcoming and inclusive community where all people, including LGBTQ+ people and their families, can live, work, play, go to school, and participate in the community. As a Business or Organization sponsor, you also receive:
- A logo and link on our home page
- A listing in our LGBTQ+ Community Resource Directory
- A window cling/decal to display in your store or organization (if desired)
Join the Center’s Brew Crew
Some nonprofits do plaques to recognize donors – Us? We do mugs! We’re all about having a safe space where LGBTQ+ people and allies can come in and have a cup a coffee. Receive a personalized mug when you join the Brew Crew for $25.00 or get a matching one to take home when you donate $40.00. Sign up below!
Join the National Give OUT Day Campaign
The Center is part of the National Give OUT Day Campaign held on May 30th of each year. By participating in this national campaign, the Center become eligible to receive additional awards and funding opportunities as well!
Make An In-Kind Donation For The Center Wish List
You can also help us create a safe space by donating tangible items for the Center.
Our current wish list includes
- Large Event Tent
- Stage (Indoor or Outdoor)
- Gaming Systems
- Furniture: Folding chairs, bar stools, folding tables, bookshelves, coffee/side tables, lamps
- Office: Printer with ink
The Center Can Always Use
- Coffee/Tea/Snack Bar: Keurig-type coffee and tea, snacks, disposable coffee cups, spoons, napkins, paper plates
- Fun, Inspiration and Growth: Inspirational books, LGBTQ+ themed books, board games, playing cards
- Other: Toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, printing paper
Volunteer
To join the team, please fill out our Volunteer Form below. (We’ll connect soon! Please allow up to 72 hours for a response from our team.)
- SpeakOut Authors; Safe Space Trainers
- Group Facilitators/Event Hosts (LGBTQ+ Connect and LGBTQ+ Up All Night)
- Center Coordinator/Center Team Members: Scheduling space, greeting people, connecting people with resources and opportunities
Partner With Us
If you’re an agency that provides health, wellness or community services geared towards the LGBTQ+ community, we’d love to partner with you to provide services at our Center space. Email us here.