Usage of the student’s chosen name and/or pronouns resulted in a 29% decrease in suicide ideation and a 56% decrease in suicidal behavior. –Trevor Project
The Friendship Fund is a dedicated initiative of the GIPS Foundation, designed to build support for the GIPS Family who identify as non-binary or LGBTQ+ to thrive. Ultimately, the grant will focus on family, friend, and professional allies that reduce suicide risks for these youth.
Eligibility and Purpose:
The purpose of this fund is to help support students who identify as non-binary or LGBTQ+, and their nuclear families, as they navigate the world around them. Additionally, the fund will focus on building family, friend, and professional allies as well as activities that reduce suicide risk for these youth.
- Grants will be made to support LGBTQ+ and non-binary youth that meet one of the following criteria:
- Focus on strengthening the parental, student, or professional relationships
- For staff or student training on inclusion or other like-minded learning
- To support student organizations with the focus of developing LGBTQ+ and Ally Networks
- To attend seminars or bring in guest speakers who will promote understanding and acceptance
- To offer counseling services to individual youth who meet this criteria as necessary, and if the youth cannot afford it - This fund is focused on acceptance, suicide prevention, and building stronger networks and relationships.
- Grants will not be funded for any strategy that includes or promotes conversion therapy.
Grant Awards:
- The Grand Island Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors will invest and administer the fund per Foundation guidelines. Grant distributions will be available.
- GIPS Students or Staff Members may complete the grant application form on the website.
- Grants will be awarded throughout the year as funds are available.
- A Review Committee appointed by the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation will receive grant applications and make funding decisions.
- Grants will be made payable to institutions, organizations, speakers, therapists, or Grand Island Public Schools.
- Grants will not be paid directly to students or staff members.
Donations:
- Donations to the Friendship Fund will be tax-deductible.
- Donations to the Friendship Fund may be made at any time by any donor.
- Per IRS guidelines, donations to the fund shall be general in nature with no specific designated recipient.
Application Procedure:
Complete the grant application. Grants will be awarded throughout the year as funds are available.
