Introducing the Thrive Fund: New microgrants program

Today, coinciding with the start of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Point of Pride is proud to announce the launch of a new support program: The Thrive Fund.

This new initiative provides small grants to trans folks who cannot afford gender-affirming health and wellness services that fall outside of our existing programs. Applicants may request up to $2,500 for their unique care needs, which may include things like:

• The purchase of gender-affirming prosthetics or wigs
• The fees associated with obtaining approval towards gender-affirming care, such as letters from licensed therapists in order to access HRT or surgery
• The cost of hiring professional nursing or caregiving support following gender-affirming surgery
• The purchase of at-home Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal devices
• Waxing services or other non-permanent forms of hair removal
• Vocal therapy or voice training sessions
• Medical tattooing
• Fertility preservation or reproductive health services, including contraception, IUDs, and birth control implants

"This program is in direct response to the many messages we receive each week from trans and gender diverse folks who cannot access vital gender-affirming care," says Tyler Rodriguez, Director of Programs. "We are excited to empower more siblings in our community with their journey towards living authentically and healthily."

Jeff Main, Executive Director, highlighted the financial barriers faced by the people Point of Pride serves: "So many of these types of healthcare expenses are not covered by health insurance, and many of the people we serve don't have health insurance in the first place. Despite this, these services are incredibly necessary in the lives of many trans folks. We are committed to continuing to bridge gaps towards inclusive health and wellness."

Applications for the first-ever funding cycle of the program will be accepted August 1–August 31. To learn more and apply, visit www.pointofpride.org/thrive-fund.

Learn more about the Thrive Fund

If you'd like to support this work, you can make a donation of any size or purchase a t-shirt via Bonfire. 100% of the proceeds from the "We Deserve to Thrive" and "Together We Thrive" t-shirt designs will benefit the program.