Campus Pride Announces Social Justice Mini Grant Award Winners

Grants to fund LGBTQ+ inclusion projects on 13 college campuses

CHARLOTTE, N.C., November 15, 2023 — Campus Pride has announced thirteen winners of this year’s Social Justice Mini Grants for Activism. The grants offer up to $600 each to fund a diverse array of timely projects including funding for a gender-inclusive queer fraternity, an LGBTQ-straight alliance, LGBTQ-centered libraries on community college campuses in Texas, and other urgently needed projects.

“LGBTQ+ college students today are informed and motivated to make change — and they are uniquely positioned to put their ideas into action on their campuses,” said Campus Pride Founder, CEO and Executive Director Shane Mendez Windmeyer. “For the past three years, we have offered these grants because we know the impact it can have when a young change-maker is able to bring their innovative ideas to life. We also support faculty, staff and advisors who are close to the issues on the ground and working on projects that improve LGBTQ-inclusion on campus.”

Jay Sloan of Canton, MI, proposed a project that exemplifies the transformative work of LGBTQ+ students on college campuses across the country. Sloan applied for — and received — funding to improve access to gender-affirming clothing and to foster spaces for trans community members.

“One of the most pervasive needs that stands out for trans folks navigating college campuses is accessing gender affirming clothing and spaces,” said Sloan in the application process. “In my immediate area, college students and community members alike experience a unique difficulty in navigating local free/low-cost clothing closets, as all too often these businesses lack policies that are reflective of a fundamental understanding of trans identities and services that are not only LGBTQIA+ friendly, but broadly informed and supportive.”

Makenna Cofer, who is based in New York City, requested funding for a feature length documentary, “Part of the Kingdom,” which will investigate experiences of LGBTQIA+ students and alumni at southern Christian universities, where vulnerable queer students may be rejected or forced to conceal their identities. Cofer previously developed a short documentary on this theme, focused on John Brown University, which sparked meaningful conversations on campus.

“My goal with the feature length edition of ‘Part of The Kingdom’ is to create an even larger conversation across southern Christian universities,” said Cofer in the application. “Through involving more universities than just JBU, we will call these communities to action. I can see a domino effect for conversation as, even with the Christian universities not involved, they will find a holistic relatability to my project.”

“Each of this year’s recipients will be able to use the grant funding to implement a project that supports LGBTQ+ people on campus or in their community,” said Windmeyer. “We look forward to seeing the ripple effects of these projects for years to come.”

• • Britani Pires, University of California Berkeley, whose grant will support Sigma Epsilon Omega, UC Berkeley’s only gender-inclusive queer fraternity.

  • Paige Hoskins, Bowie State University, whose grant will support the university’s “House of Bowie” LGBTQ-straight alliance, to provide a safe space for all students.

  • Ashley Elkins, Clinton College, whose grant will support the promotion of positive sexual health and resources for PrEP, condoms, dental dams and sanitary menstruation products.

  • Tiffany French, Manhattan College, whose grant will support a new Pride Center at the Catholic college.

  • Ramier Villarama, Macalester College, whose grant will fund a safe space of inclusion for all LGBTQ+ athletes, design of gender-inclusive athlete uniforms and building community across sports.

  • Eric Lei, Washington University in St. Louis, whose grant will support positive sexual health information to navigate dating apps and hook-up culture, education on laws that impact queer and trans of color healthcare, and increased accessibility of community services and clinics.

  • Makenna Cofer, John Brown University, whose grant will fund a feature length documentary, “Part of the Kingdom,” investigating the experience of LGBTQIA+ students and alumni across southern Christian universities.

  • Emily Anschultz, California State University, Northridge, whose grant will support creating broader awareness and engagement for LGBTQIA+ Jewish activists and clergy on the CSUN campus and other campuses in the San Fernando Valley.

  • Hoa Nguyen, Valdosta State University, whose grant will support an in-person Safe Space training retreat for the campus community.

  • Ildai Dari, Kingston College, whose grant will fund crisis assistance for LGBTQ+ young adults to find help with leaving hostile home environments, including moving costs and safety.

  • Shannon Childs, North Central Texas College, whose grant will support creation of community libraries inclusive of LGBTQ+ voices and narratives, as well as a community hub for events and resources in the area.

  • Teagan Lauffenburger, Appalachian State University, whose grant will fund restoration of a community garden in Boone, NC, to teach a new generation of LGBTQ+ students and community members how to create sustainable living practices.

  • Jay Sloan, Eastern Michigan University, whose grant will fund access to gender-affirming clothing and spaces for trans community members.

To learn more about Campus Pride’s Social Justice Mini Grants for Activism, view current and past grant recipients, and to apply for future grants, visit CampusPride.org/SocialJusticeMiniGrantFunding.

ABOUT CAMPUS PRIDE
Since 2001, Campus Pride has been the leading national organization dedicated to building future LGBTQ and ally leaders and creating safer, more inclusive communities at colleges and universities. Campus Pride offers a wide variety of programs and resources for students and prospective students, including the Campus Pride Index, HBCU Clearinghouse, Trans Policy Clearinghouse, Stop the Hate and Safe Space trainings, the annual Camp Pride leadership camp, and Social Justice Mini Grants for Activism. Learn more at CampusPride.org.

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