Four charities across the Pensacola Bay Area received grants from Sunday’s Child, an LGBTQ-focused philanthropic non-profit, to fund initiatives and projects that promote diversity of the LGBTQ community and inspire inclusion throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The awards were announced after an online vote at Sunday’s Child’s 6th annual membership meeting held via Zoom online meeting platform. Projects and initiatives submitted by the Council on Aging of Northwest Florida, INERTIA Education Programs, OASIS Florida, and Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge were selected for funding by the 186 members of Sunday’s Child.
Each of the four organizations will receive $25,000 to fund their projects.
The projects being pursued by the four charities vary in focus. Council on Aging of Northwest Florida will produce a mini documentary capturing the daily lives of LGBT couples along with narrative passages of their stories. The purpose is to raise awareness in the community of the unique challenges face by older LGBT citizens.
INERTIA Education Programs will expand their high-impact, experimental learning activities after school program to five additional Pensacola area schools. These programs have proved effective at raising standardized test score in the areas of math and science.
OASIS Florida will use funds to enhance their PrEP program for HIV prevention. Many high risk individuals from low income backgrounds lack the insurance or funds for the addition lab work and physician follow up visits required to participate in the PrEP program. This grant will allow up to 74 additional people to receive the services they need to stay healthy.
Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge will purchase new x-ray equipment for their facility in Santa Rosa County. This equipment will allow medial staff to better diagnose and treat injured animals in a timely manner and will likely save hundreds of live each year.
“Our nonprofit community always impresses with the services and project they provide our community,” said Gary Rhodes, President of Sunday’s Child. “Covid-19 has certainly presented new challenges for everyone. We are thankful we are able to help these organization continue their mission.”
