DONATE

Why Should I Donate?

We are a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization. We are an all volunteer team, which means no one is paid for this essential work and all your donations go towards our mission. Additionally, any donations are tax-deductible for the current tax year, making this the perfect time to donate!

  

How Can I Donate?

There are multiple ways, but the easiest is through our no-fee Zeffy portal. This portal helps us keep money that would otherwise be lost to fees. You can find our other options using these buttons.

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When Can I Donate?

You can give at any time! It does help to give by the end of the fiscal year if you intend to use your donation for tax deductions!

 

What Does My Donation Do?

• Provide comprehensive LGBTQ+ training to government agencies, first-responders, and community members.

• Build safe and inclusive events that support people of all ages and interests.

• Create the largest and most inclusive allies network in the Commonwealth.

• Give hope to LGBTQ+ students for a higher education through scholarships.

• Build a response team who can help provide direct support, legislative advocacy, and representation.

• Start work on opening the first LGBTQ+ Community Center in the region that would address food insecurity, clothing needs, access to inclusive books, have homelessness resource connections, support job training and employment, and be a safe and accepting recreation center for those most in need.

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Where Does My Donation Go?

​In 2023, our fundraising goals are to contribute the following: 

• $12,000 to the Equality in Education Scholarship fund.

• $25,000 to the LGBTQ+ Community Center fund. 

• $10,000 to the Loudoun Pride Festival.

• $1,500 towards building the Equality Allies program. 

• $3,000 to the Short Term Crisis Program.

• $1,000 to the LGBTQ+ Educational Training program.

• $1,000 to the Queer Lit Book Club.

• $7,500 towards Operational expenses including training, software, storage, and event fees to help us spread the word, raise awareness, and ensure queer voices are in the room to advocate in decision-making spaces.

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WHY DONATE?

• 1 in 8 LGBTQ+ people experience unequal treatment from healthcare staff.

• 84% of LGBTQ+ youth report verbal harassment at school for their identity.

• 28% of LGBTQ+ youth report experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

• Only 46% of LGBTQ+ youth feel safe disclosing their LGBTQ+ status to family.

• Only 2 in 5 LGBTQ+ people report living in an accepting community.

• 35% of LGBTQ+ people hide their identity in the workplace for fear of discrimination.

• 48% of LGBTQ+ people say they fear for their personal safety.

• 64% of LGBTQ+ people have experienced violence or abuse. 

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How Can I Get Help With Donating?

• Need a receipt?

  • Each donation is managed through our Paypal donation portal and will provide an emailed receipt of your transaction. If you need something more formal, email Treasurer@eqloco.com.

• Having an issue making a payment or donation?

  • Just email us at contact@eqloco.com.

• Interested in hosting your own fundraiser or event to benefit Equality Loudoun? 

  • To find out how we can help make it a success, email us at community@eqloco.com.

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How Do I Know This is Legit? 

Fair question! We have been working in Loudoun for over 20 years and certified with the State Corporation Commission as an official incorporated entity in 2021 (EIN 84-4791490). We also achieved our non-profit status in 2021 and remain in good standing. We work with a number of major corporations (Google, Brown-Forman, Amazon...), through a number of charitable programs (Charity Navigator, Network for Good, Benevity...), we maintain an excellent reputation (Non-Profit Insurance Alliance, Loudoun Cares, Guide Star....), and work to support major organizations in our area (LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, Mobile Hope, Loudoun County Government, Child Advocacy Center, Stop Child Abuse Network...). So, we've really done our homework and thank you for doing the same!