Dear John,

If there’s anything we all need right now, it’s hope. 

Recognizing that need, #GivingTuesday has stepped up and created a new campaign on May 5th called #GivingTuesdayNow, which aims to bring crucial support to meet the unprecedented global need caused by COVID-19.

In these difficult times, OutRight recognizes that while everyone is affected by COVID-19, often the most vulnerable of in our community are left behind, especially in places where poverty is deep and government and healthcare infrastructure is weak. Knowing this, OutRight created a COVID-19 LGBTIQ Emergency Response Fund. This fund provides grants of $2,500 to $10,000 USD to LGBTIQ organizations around the world who are working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 health crisis.
 
That’s why we need your help. The need is beyond imagining, and without you, supporting LGBTIQ grassroots organizations and communities will not be possible. And today for #GivingTuesdayNow your gift is doubled thanks to a couple of generous donors. 

In just over three weeks after activating this fund, we received more than 1,400 requests for support and we have now closed for applications. The majority of these requests are from small, grassroots LGBTIQ+ organizations. These organizations are struggling to provide necessary services in their communities, including food, access to essential medical services, and protection against violence and stigmatization. 
 
The stories we hear are both heartbreaking and inspiring. Knowing their struggles and the steps they take to support their communities is truly amazing. We want to be able to support as many of these organizations as possible.

That is why, on May 5th, OutRight is taking our fundraising efforts online with #GivingTuesdayNow. By donating to OutRight this #GivingTuesdayNow, you’ll be directly supporting grassroots LGBTIQ organizations around the world. Your gift will help these organizations provide food, shelter, as well as access to medication like hormones and HIV treatments
 
If you are in a position to give during these times, we hope you will make a donation.  But even if you can’t contribute right now, you can still help us by sharing information about OutRight's fund with your friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else who may want to help. Remember, any gift today will be doubled!
 
THIS is the time to stand together. This is how we bring hope back to the world, together.
 
Thank you all for your support, 
 

Jessica Stern
Executive Director
OutRight Action International

 P.S. You can double or even triple the impact of your gift through your employer’s matching grants program. See if your employer will match donations!