Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Chamber of Commerce Foundation

ScholarshipsIn 2022, two fundraising events were produced to support the Foundations scholarship program, the scholars gala and the fall fundraising event, Spooktacular. Spooktacular is a Halloween-themed dance party. These events helped to fund scholarships granted in 2023. In 2022, six students received scholarships totaling $13,000. About the LGBT Chamber Foundation Scholarship Program-Since 2011, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to deserving LGBTQ and ally students across Texas. The Foundation makes scholarship grants to students who self-identify as LGBTQ+, children of LGBTQ+ parent(s), and LGBTQ+ allies who have worked in support of the community in a significant way. The scholarship grants may be used for any accredited post-secondary education, including traditional colleges and universities, trade schools, and certificate programs. Applications are accepted for all degree programs, from undergraduate studies to Ph.D. candidates.

DEI ConferenceIn 2022, the Foundation held its 7th annual Texas Diversity Equity & Inclusion Conference. Forty-five people attended the in-person day of the conference on July 19, 2022, hosted by Southwest Airlines. An additional forty-seven people attended all or part of the virtual conference on July 20, 2022.About the Texas DEI Conference-The Texas Diversity Equity & Inclusion Conference brings together local businesses, LGBT and other certified businesses, Employee Resource Group members, and corporate diversity/supplier diversity professionals. In peer groups and professionally led sessions, attendees learn about current issues facing diverse businesses and communities, gain new skills/knowledge, and share best practices.

Leadership InstituteThe LGBT Leadership Institute is a nine-month leadership development program that runs from September through May. In 2022, which includes five months of the prior year cohort and four months of the current year cohort, total program expenses were $6,715 (Income from the 2022 cohort was $11,250). The 2021 cohort had thirteen participants. The 2022 Cohort that began in September had seventeen participants.About the LGBT Leadership Institute-The LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation Leadership Institute develops leadership skills for LGBT and Ally professionals. We provide a safe and nurturing environment to develop skills and explore the critical issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. The program presents a diverse cohort of participants with valuable leadership skills, knowledge, and a historical view of the LGBTQ+ community and the equality movement. Upon completing the nine-part program, participants will better understand the community and have obtained advanced leadership skills.