Pride Foundation, a regional community foundation, has announced that it has invested over $7.5 million this year to expand opportunities and advance full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and families throughout the Northwest.

“2015 represented another important milestone for our community,” said Kris Hermanns, Executive Director of Pride Foundation. “Despite the setbacks and losses we faced locally and nationally, we continue to make progress so that one day all LGBTQ people are able to be who they are, where they are. Our recent investments give me hope that when we join together, we can chart a future filled with opportunity and promise for each of us.”

The foundation utilizes a variety of strategies to inspire giving and affect change, including community grants, educational scholarships, and timely initiatives, as well as partnerships with donors through their advised and designated funds.

This year, the foundation’s community grants program awarded a total of $373,500 to 66 organizations in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This represents a 23 percent increase from last year’s community grant awards, directing much-needed funds to organizations that are working to increase opportunities for LGBTQ people and communities. Forty percent of this year’s grantees are focused on supporting LGBTQ youth, and 15 percent of funding was awarded to HIV and AIDS prevention and direct services.