Article By Jason A. Michael of Pride Source | Full Article
Several local organizations will benefit from recently announced grants issued by Ferndale Pride (FP) and Ferndale Community Foundation (FCF).
FP will award $10,000 worth of grants to the following local LGBTQ+ organizations:
- Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center will receive $4,000
- Gender-identity Network Alliance, Matrix/MAC Health, TG Detroit and Transgender Michigan will receive $1,500 each.
FCF will grant $14,500 to three Ferndale-based organizations:
- Affirmations, Ferndale Housing Commission and FernCare Free Clinic will receive $3,000.
- The Ringwald Theater and Ferndale Seniors will receive $2,000.
- Southeast Oakland Coalition will receive $1,500.
“When we started Pride in 2011, the plan was to give back to nonprofits every year,” FP Executive Director Julia Music told Pride Source.
Music said when the pandemic started she didn’t think they would be able to fully complete that mission, but even a pandemic can’t keep LGBTQ+ Pride down for long. “It’s wild to think that we were able to donate a record-breaking amount this year given all of the constraints put on us that were far out of our control,” she said. Music explained that the organization “got creative and found ways to stick to the promises” they made to the community.
“Ferndale really comes together from sponsors like the Candle Wick Shoppe, LIV Cannabis and Green Buddah to folks donating to online and in-person fundraisers,” Music said. “Ferndale Pride was able to accomplish its goal. We look forward to being able to continue the momentum and legacy of Ferndale Pride.”
The presentation of grants will take place at the Jan. 24th Ferndale City Council meeting at 7 p.m. at Ferndale City Hall.
This year’s Ferndale Pride, the 12th annual, is scheduled for June 4, 2022.