I started an LGBTQ Center in rural central Wisconsin. Since March of this year, we have done all the steps and received our 501c3 non profit status. We have leased a small space, set up two on-going support groups, hosted a great Thanksgiving Chosen Family Dinner, and have several more programs in the works including Youth centered programming, Queer Prom, Craft and Game nights, Movie nights, and a Mentor/Mentee Program. We spent 3 months on a community survey to determine the needs and desires of the queer community in the area, and RESOURCES was a definite priority.

This will help us grow our resource library for the center. Our wishlist has around $700 worth of books, and we could use some of the money to also purchase shelves in which to place the books!

Rural Wisconsin can be a rough place to grow up queer. Prior to us opening, there wasn't a single resource for LGBTQ+ folx within 100 miles. Because we are rural, and lean relatively one direction politically, it has been difficult to find corporate sponsorship and donors. Most of the Wisconsin-based grants and sponsors tend to be in the southern part of the state - Madison and Milwaukee. We are relying solely on individual contributions right now, but are looking to expand.