Liz Achanta
So you want to make a difference for the LGBTQIA+ community? Awesome! Fundraisers are a fantastic way to gather support, raise awareness, and generate much-needed funds for organizations doing vital community work. But let's be real: not all fundraisers are created equal. Some make a splash and then disappear, while others create lasting impact.
As part of the .gay community (where 20% of all domain registration revenue goes directly to LGBTQIA+ organizations), we've learned a thing or two about what makes fundraising efforts truly meaningful. Let's dive into how you can host a fundraiser that doesn't just look good on Instagram but actually creates positive change.
Before you pick a venue or create that Facebook event, get crystal clear on your purpose:
Which specific issue within the LGBTQIA+ community are you passionate about? (Trans rights, youth homelessness, elder care, mental health resources?)
Which organization(s) will benefit from your fundraiser?
What's your fundraising goal? (Be specific and realistic!)
How will the funds be used? (Can you highlight specific programs or initiatives?)
For example, rather than just "raising money for LGBTQIA+ causes," you might focus on "raising $5,000 to help the local LGBTQIA+ youth center expand their after-school programming." Specific goals resonate more with potential donors and give you a clear target.
Not all nonprofits are equally effective with donor funds. Before choosing which organization(s) to support:
Check their ratings on Charity Navigator or GuideStar
Review their annual reports and financial statements
Look at what percentage of donations goes to actual programs vs. administrative costs
Talk to people who have benefited from their services
Ensure their leadership includes LGBTQIA+ voices
Consider supporting smaller, local organizations where your donation might have a bigger relative impact. Many national organizations are well-funded, while local groups often struggle despite doing vital community work.
Collaboration amplifies impact. Reach out to:
Local LGBTQIA+ owned businesses
Community centers and advocacy groups
LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, and influencers
Allies with platforms who can help spread the word
Companies with strong diversity and inclusion practices
Many businesses are eager to demonstrate their commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community beyond just rainbow logos during Pride month. Approach potential partners with clear information about how they can help and what visibility they'll receive.
Pro tip: If you're creating an online presence for your fundraiser, consider using a .gay domain (like [yourevent].gay) which automatically contributes 20% of registration revenue to LGBTQIA+ nonprofit organizations like GLAAD and CenterLink. Then, reach out to the .gay team and ask for our additional support to promote the event on our socials - or complete our brand survey to be featured in an article on our blog!
The most successful fundraisers offer something meaningful to attendees. This could be:
Educational components (speakers, panels, workshops)
Entertainment (performances, music, drag shows)
Community-building activities
Unique merchandise or auction items
Personal stories from community members who've been helped by the beneficiary organization
Remember that many people in our community have "fundraiser fatigue." They've been to countless charity events and may need something special to motivate attendance.
It's surprisingly common for LGBTQIA+ events to unintentionally exclude portions of our community. Ensure your fundraiser is truly welcoming by:
Choosing accessible venues (physically accessible, public transit accessible)
Offering sliding scale ticket options or scholarships
Providing content warnings where appropriate
Creating substance-free spaces (many LGBTQIA+ folks are in recovery)
Having gender-neutral restrooms
Considering diverse dietary needs
Using inclusive language in all communications
Ensuring broad representation among speakers, performers, etc.
If your event focuses on a specific segment of the LGBTQIA+ community, that's fine! Just be clear about that focus in your marketing.
Even in-person fundraisers should have robust digital components:
Create a dedicated website (again, a .gay domain shows commitment and contributes to the cause!)
Use fundraising platforms like GoFundMe or Givebutter that make donating easy
Livestream portions of your event for those who can't attend in person
Create shareable social media content with clear calls to action
Set up text-to-donate options
Consider matching gift opportunities
Digital tools also make it easier to engage supporters who might not be able to attend physically, whether due to distance, disability, or schedule conflicts.
Trust is essential for fundraising success. Be upfront about:
How much money you hope to raise
Any expenses associated with the event
What percentage of proceeds will go to the beneficiary
How exactly the funds will be used
Timeline for fund distribution
After the event, share the results with attendees and donors. Let them know the impact of their contributions and how the funds will be put to use.
The easier you make it to give, the more people will contribute. Consider:
Multiple payment options (cash, card, digital payment apps)
Suggested donation tiers with what each amount "buys" (e.g., "$25 provides a week of meals for an LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing homelessness")
Games or activities tied to donations
Matching gift challenges ("For the next hour, all donations will be matched!")
Memorable incentives for different giving levels
Remember that some folks might not have much cash to spare but could contribute in other ways (volunteering, sharing skills, donating goods/services).
The work doesn't end when the event does:
Thank donors promptly and personally
Share photos and highlights from the event
Report on the total raised and the impact it will have
Keep supporters updated on how the funds are being used
Build a relationship with donors for future support
Gather feedback for improvement
Consider creating a newsletter or private social media group to keep supporters engaged with the cause long-term.
The most effective fundraisers build lasting relationships:
Create opportunities for ongoing involvement
Develop an annual event that people look forward to
Connect donors directly with the organizations they're supporting
Build a community around shared values
Focus on education and advocacy, not just fundraising
CenterLink - Find your local LGBTQIA+ community center
GLAAD Media Guide - Ensure your communications use respectful, inclusive language
.gay Domain Registry - Create a website that contributes to LGBTQIA+ causes
ActBlue - Easy fundraising tools for progressive causes
Hosting an LGBTQIA+ fundraiser that makes a real difference isn't just about raising money, it's about building community, raising awareness, and creating sustained support for vital causes. By approaching your event thoughtfully and centering the actual needs of the community, you'll create something meaningful that has an impact long after the last guest leaves.
Remember that by using services like .gay domains for your event website, you're contributing to the cause even before your fundraiser begins. The 20% of revenue that .gay donates to LGBTQIA+ organizations means your digital presence is working double-duty for the community.
Now go forth and fundraise with purpose! The LGBTQIA+ community has always thrived on mutual support and collective action. Your thoughtfully planned fundraiser is part of that proud tradition.
Liz Achanta
Imagine a digital world where everyone truly feels welcome. Not just tolerated or accommodated as an afterthought, but genuinely invited in, celebrated, and considered from the very first line of code.
Liz Achanta
Picture a classroom, field, or studio where every young person can fully show up as themselves. Where the energy once spent hiding, pretending, and navigating unwelcoming spaces is redirected toward learning, growing, and thriving. This isn't just a dream; it's entirely possible when the adults in young people's lives step forward with informed compassion and concrete action.
Liz Achanta
When we talk about LGBTQIA+ inclusion, disability often gets left out. And when we talk about disability, Queerness is too often erased. But Queer disabled people exist, and always have. We love, resist, create, and thrive at the intersection of identities that society frequently tries to overlook or simplify.
Liz Achanta
Well, friends? It’s that time again! Join us in circling back to some of our favorite moments of the past 12 months. We are proud to present 2025: The DotGay(est) Year!
