Spectrum Waterloo Region has announced they’re creating an endowment fund in partnership with Waterloo Region Community Foundation.
Spectrum’s Rainbow Community Space has been providing programs and services for 2SLGBTQIA+ people since 2012.
With 30 different groups and activities each month, including peer support groups, social/recreational programming, and training, the fund will help ensure the organization viable in the region for years to come.
“We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary,” Scott Williams, executive director of Spectrum Waterloo Region said.
“We’re planning to be in the community for many years to come. Spectrum’s Rainbow Community Fund has been established to help provide financial stability to the organization in the long-term.”
The new fund is one of over 400 held by the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. The funds generate income that is then distributed to support a broad range of charitable causes within our community.
The Spectrum Rainbow Community Fund is being launched with an investment of $5,000.
“We are very pleased to be able to support Spectrum as they work to build up the resources to deliver programming in the community to meet current and future needs,” Eric Avner, president & chief executive officer, Waterloo Region Community Foundation said.
“Endowment funds like this help us work towards our vision of a sustainable, equitable, thriving community.”
The announcement comes at a unique time of year, Williams says.
“At this time of year, we are reminded that many 2SLGBTQIA+ people do not have supportive families to gather with,” Williams said.
“Spectrum provides a much-needed safe space where members of the rainbow community can find a sense of belonging. We are so grateful to the community for the financial support through individual, family, and corporate donations that makes our work possible.”
Donations can be made to Spectrum’s Rainbow Community Fund at wrcf.ca/spectrum.
