GSBA Named Outstanding Philanthropic Organization

GSBA Named Outstanding Philanthropic Organization

GSBA will be honored at the annual National Philanthropy Day awards ceremony on November 7, 2012

SEATTLE – The Association of Fundraising Professionals – Washington Chapter, has named the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) as its Outstanding Philanthropic Organization for 2012. GSBA was nominated by Michelle Johnson and Legal Voice.

GSBA will be recognized at AFP’s awards luncheon on November 7 at The Westin Seattle. This event is the largest celebration of philanthropy in the country, with over 1,000 guests.

The AFP has sponsored this annual awards program since 1989 to recognize outstanding philanthropic achievement in Washington State by an individual or couple, family, corporation, small business, foundation, organization and youth. Previous recipients include Group Health, Wells Fargo, Starbucks, Microsoft, SAFECO, PEMCO and Boeing.

The Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), founded in 1981 is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Chamber of Commerce in the United States. In addition to promoting business development, GSBA and its membership are committed to giving back to their community and understand that equality in business is not only the right thing to do but is also good for business. GSBA businesses understand the responsibility that business leaders have to invest in the next generation of leaders which is why, in 1990, GSBA founded the first LGBT Scholarship Fund in the nation.

The GSBA Scholarship Fund awards educational scholarships to undergraduate LGBT and straight allied students, who exhibit leadership potential, demonstrate strong academic abilities and are actively involved in school and community organizations. Scholars reflect a diverse group of students, from rural and urban areas, pursuing a wide range of professions and who have plans to positively impact their community. GSBA is committed to positioning today's students to become tomorrow's leaders. GSBA’s educational scholarship fund supports the community through providing financial support, role-modeling and hope to outstanding LGBT and allied students.

“GSBA’s Scholarship Fund allows us to connect with and encourage the future leaders of our community,” GSBA President & CEO Louise Chernin said. “Scholarship recipients have proven leadership skills, strong academic achievement and have demonstrated a commitment to making a positive difference in the world and their community.”

The GSBA Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to students who because of their sexual orientation, may have been discriminated against in school, may have lost family support and experienced bullying by their peers. As a marginalized group, these students may not have received financial aid from more traditional sources.

Over the years, the GSBA Scholarship Program has expanded its reach and its mission. Scholarships are now available to students of any age who are gay or questioning, or who come from gay families, or straight, allied students who are committed to working for civil rights in the LGBT community.

To date, the GSBA Scholarship Fund has awarded over 389 scholarships totaling over $1.4 million dollars to Washington state undergraduate students. GSBA scholarship awards range from $3,000 to $10,000. They provide significant support to students who often have little support from other sources. Last year alone GSBA awarded $182,000 to 43 students. In addition to financial support, having the acceptance and encouragement from business and professional leaders provides LGBTQA youth role models and the kind of validation important to all youngsters on the road to adulthood.