2023 Impact Report
A Letter from the Board of Directors
The Plus Collective Board
With last year in our rearview mirror, The Plus Collective is focused on continuing to support our local LGBTQ+ organizations with the funding they need to manage their existing services and stand up new, critical programs for our community.
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Letter continues…
As attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people, intensify, The Plus Collective remains a critical source of funding for local organizations fighting for equality. In 2023, we proudly awarded grants totaling $135,000 across 19 organizations, supporting their daily operations, special projects, and community events. These organizations are on the frontlines creating safe spaces for our friends and neighbors to live full and equal lives.
In May, we looked back on 20 years of The Plus Collective and its accomplishments at our annual gathering, “The Celebration” – a time for us to recognize our grantees and the commitments our network of donors and sponsors have provided year in and year out. Our supporters came together and helped provide additional funding to go towards our Endowment Fund – an important component of our fundraising that will help ensure The Plus Collective can continue making an impact for decades to come.
This year, we're committed to building on this legacy. With a small fraction of all philanthropic funding reaching LGBTQ+ organizations, our mission remains the same: to award grants to organizations that support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community in Charlotte while fostering partnerships with allies.
We couldn’t be more grateful for everything those who support us have given. For this, we say THANK YOU – without our donors, sponsors and community partners we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.
Here’s to a great 2024!
Yours in Equality,
The Plus Collective Board of Directors
THE PLUS COLLECTIVE GRANTEE
One Voice Chorus
A 2023 Moment of Impact
“We’ve continued to make scholarships available to anyone with financial need, but most importantly work tirelessly to make sure that OVC is a safe place for all. Many of our singers refer to OVC as their weekly therapy, finding solace, peace, and strength through being a part of such a loving, affirming group of people.”
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With the generous support of The Plus Collective and other funders, One Voice Chorus was thrilled to hire for a part-time inaugural Executive Director to join their team.
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This upcoming year, One Voice Chorus will be participating in the GALA 2024 Festival in July in Minneapolis, Minnesota. GALA Choruses is the centerpiece of the LGBTQ+ choral movement, which began decades ago to increase awareness, education, and liberation of the queer community nationally (and now globally).
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The support of The Plus Collective means the world to us. It's validating knowing that we can continue to work toward our mission no matter what. Knowing that we have the backing and trust of the Collective gives us the flexibility to explore creative ways of meeting our mission. It gives us the space to learn and grow in service to our community.
One Voice
THE PLUS COLLECTIVE GRANTEE
Charlotte Black Pride
A 2023 Moment of Impact
“Our Holiday Give Back is the most rewarding. We were able to provide, food, clothing, a hot meal to our community and fulfilled the Holiday wish list of three underserved families.”
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Over the last year, we are most proud of our growth and reach throughout the community.
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This year we are looking forward to building more community partnerships. We are looking forwarded to adding new initiatives and programming.
Charlotte Black Pride
THE PLUS COLLECTIVE GRANTEE
Charlotte Royals Rugby FC
A 2023 Moment of Impact
“We build safe spaces for adults in our community who want to play rugby. There are many positive benefits to being part of a team. For example, increased social support networks and increased physical activity.”
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We were part of hosting the first IGR NorAm Cup. Over 25 teams came to participate in this tournament. Which had a huge economic impact for places like uptown, the city of Charlotte (Parks and Rec), Bar Argon, and Chasers (just to name a few).
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We were able to encourage the Carolina’s Rugby Union to work with us to schedule Mental Health First Aid classes for our community (Youth and Adult rugby players, referees, and coaches). The dates are to TBD but will happen in 2024. - December 2024
Charlotte Royals Rugby FC
THE PLUS COLLECTIVE GRANTEE
Charlotte Trans Health
A 2023 Moment of Impact
“The PATH (Providing Access to Trans Healthcare) Program enrolled over 60 participants in its first 6 months of operation and continues to offer free case management, mental health, and medical services to all participants.”
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With unrestricted and operational funding from The Plus Collective and other donors, we were able to employ our first full-time employee and complete our first strategic planning process with a paid consultant.
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We will be hosting our fundraising event T.H.E. Night - Celebrating Trans Health for Everyone for the 2nd time, with plans to make this a biannual event.
Charlotte Trans Health
THE PLUS COLLECTIVE GRANTEE
Twirl to the World Foundation
A 2023 Moment of Impact
“We granted emergency funding through groceries, medical, and transportation assistance to 151 local LGBTQ+ in need.”
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Extending our Referral Partner network from a handful of agencies to 15 local LGBTQ-focused organizations in the first three months of 2023.
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Continuing our focus on TAP and meeting immediate emergency needs, along with implementing more sustaining approaches like financial literacy and self-defense classes to add to our mental health options.
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We believe strongly in the Plus Collective’s community efforts because their goals align with Our mission - to bring relief, stability, and joy to the world through social advocacy and hardship assistance for the LGBTQ+ community. Without the Plus Collective’s generous support this past year, we would not have been able to expand our operational expenses through various marketing, advertising, social platforms, etc.
Twirl to the World
Grantmaking Over the Years
