PFund Foundation

About PFund

PFund is a catalyst in building communities in Minnesota and the Midwest where lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are celebrated and live free from discrimination, violence, invisibility, and isolation.

Established in 1987 as Philanthrofund Foundation in Minneapolis when four friends pooled $2,000, PFund is now supported by thousands of individuals in dozens of states who have created a vibrant and vital community foundation that advances social justice. PFund is one of only a handful of foundations in the nation created specifically by and for LGBT communities to advance social change philanthropy. It provides grants to emerging non-profit organizations and projects that would otherwise not get funded in large organizations, awards scholarships, develops leaders, and inspires giving. Today PFund manages $1 million in assets, enjoying the support of committed donors and dedicated volunteers from GLBT and allied communities.

We are working to change attitudes, change systems and break down barriers at the intersection of our identities—orientation, gender, race, culture—to achieve social justice. Our work includes outreach to populations including (but not limited to) seniors, queer youth, greater/rural Minnesota, the Midwest and people of color. We live our work by assisting organizations in being successful, funding systems change work, developing leaders, inspiring giving, and convening & reporting on issues of importance for our communities. We have led and participated in initiatives surrounding topics of homelessness, building leadership, community organizing, LGBT health, human rights, public policy and racial equality.

Pillars of Social Justice for LGBT People

Achieving equal rights --through advocacy and civic engagement. Vision: LGBT people’s human rights and dignity are unquestioned and they are free from discrimination.
Ensuring access, safety and security --in such places as schools, health providers, and housing. Vision: LGBT people experience the world as a place of safety and our media, policy makers, families and popular culture reject any form of violence against them.
Creating power through community --as a result of organizing, events and the arts. Vision: LGBT people are celebrated, visible, and find power in working together to advance equality and justice.

Recent Awards

2007 Human Rights Campaign Brian Coyle Award (see Lupe's thank you video, above)
2008 Quorum Non Profit of the Year Award
2009 Finalist for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits' Nonprofit Mission Award for Anti-Racism Initiative
2010 Twin Cities Pride Community Pride Award
2011 Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) Advocacy Award for Excellence in Leadership on Aging