USA
Al-Fatiha Gets $12,000 Boost From Gill Foundation
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WASHINGTON DC, January 19 – Al-Fatiha, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering Muslims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning (LGBTIQ) announced today that it has received a grant of $12,000 from the Gill Foundation, the nation's largest funder of lesbian and gay organizations. The grant, the largest-ever to Al-Fatiha, will support the organisation’s Increasing Technology and Media Capacity Project for the organization, its board and volunteers. |
“We are extremely thankful to the Gill Foundation for this generous grant,” commented Faisal Alam, the founder of Al-Fatiha.
“The Technology and Media Capacity project will help Al-Fatiha to achieve its mission to support and empower queer Muslims, while offering important resources and information to their friends, families and allies.
“With the support of foundations and donors, we can continue our important work to ensure that all Muslims are treated with respect and dignity regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” he added.
In acknowledging the grant to Al-Fatiha, Rick Jung, national senior program officer for the Gill Foundation commented, “Al-Fatiha's important work to support LGBTIQ Muslims is crucial to our community. As we continue our mission of securing equal opportunity for all people, we are proud to support Al-Fatiha and its important.”
The Gill Foundation, which is celebrating 10 years of investing in change for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, was founded by software entrepreneur Tim Gill in 1994.
The “mission” of the Foundation is to secure equal opportunity for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. With an endowment of approximately $226 million, the foundation is the largest funder of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organizations in the USA – and has invested nearly $67 million in non-profit organisations throughout the country to date.
In 2004, the Foundation was named the Outstanding Foundation by the Association of Fundraising Professionals – the largest association of charitable fundraisers in the world.
The Technology and Media Capacity Project will fulfil the following goals:
■ Redesign of Al-Fatiha's website
to make it a premier resource for LGBTIQ Muslims and their Allies, while
increasing access to Al-Fatiha's services
■ Publication of “An-Nur” - The Light, Al-Fatiha's Newsletter
■ Media training for Al-Fatiha's board of directors and volunteers
■ Publication of a booklet on “Islam & Sexuality” – Frequently Asked
Questions
LINKS
For more information about the Gill Foundation visit their website .
19 January 2005
