Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania is committed to helping our members and the entire community connect to the networks and resources it needs to respond when tragedy strikes.
We are reeling from the tragic news that a gunman in Orlando, Florida, opened fire at the Pulse nightclub leaving 49 people dead and over 50 injured according to preliminary reports. GWP stands with those who are working to end all forms of violence. In the coming weeks, we will continue to update this page as we learn more about ways to help.
Are you a funder taking action to help Orlando or to prevent the next tragedy? Let us know by emailing info@gwpa.org.
Updated as of June 17, 2016
Better Together Fund
Central Florida Foundation announced the creation of the Better Together Fund. Today, the Foundation and the City of Orlando agreed to pursue separate strategies to respond to the needs of the community. The Better Together Fund, provides a way to respond to the needs of Central Florida now and in the time ahead. This effort will take place through a transparent, accountable grant-making process addressing the following priorities:
- Nonprofits that are supporting the victims and families
- The LGBTQ, Hispanic, faith and other affected communities
- Underlying causes of this tragic event (not related to policy or advocacy)
- Other needs we cannot anticipate until we face them
OneOrlando Fund
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City of Orlando have announced the formation of the OneOrlando Fund. The distribution of the funds will be administered by the Central Florida Foundation. The purpose of the Fund is to provide a way to help respond to the needs of our community, now and in the time to come, after the effects of the Pulse nightclub tragedy. Read full press release here.
Pulse Victims Fund
Equality Florida is collecting contributions via a GoFundMe page to support every single victim of the Orlando shooting. This includes victims’ families, survivors, and those in the club who may not have suffered physical injury but in need of support. Equality Florida is working with the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) to distribute the contributions via NCVC’s National Compassion Fund.
The City of Orlando will pursue its own strategy to give funds directly to victims and their families. Read a message from Central Florida Foundation President & CEO Mark Brewer describing the respective roles of the City and the Foundation.
GWP members are encouraged to check Florida Philanthropic Network’s website for updates and resources.
Funder Networks Assembling Information and Resources to Respond:
Lessons From Roseburg: The Ford Family Foundation
The Ford Family Foundation in Roseburg, Oregon has been a key leader in the response to the mass shooting that took place in Roseburg on October 1, 2015, at the Umpqua Community College. Below are some resources from the foundation about what they’ve learned:
- How a Foundation Can Help: Unusual Circumstances Require an Unusual Philanthropic Response
- The First 72 Hours: Taking Action
Possibilities for Donors Looking to Make Contributions:
Funds for the Victims of the Orlando Shooting:
Equality Florida (Florida Philanthropic Network has referred people to the website of Equality Florida, the main LGBTQ rights organization in the state, where you can find information and updates on this horrific situation.) Equality Florida has said that “We are working with a team of attorneys and experts, including the National Center for Victims of Crime, which deployed funds in both Chattanooga and Aurora, to ensure funds are distributed correctly.”
The Center, an LGBT advocacy group that is providing a crisis hotline (407-227-1446) and grief counselors for people in the Orlando area, also set up a GoFundMe page
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Central Florida is working to support the local queer community through counseling and support in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. To donate to the center’s efforts, visit here.
Muslims United for Victims of Pulse Shooting. American Muslim leaders called on members of their community who are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan to break their fast if needed in order to donate blood. And, Muslim community members in Florida have launched a fundrasing campaign to support the shooting victims and their families.
Central Florida Foundation will be sharing updates in the next few days on how you can help now and in the weeks and months to come. FPN will release more details as they become available and you can monitor up-to-date developments at their website, http://cffound.org.
Our Fund Foundation, a community foundation whose mission is to support South Florida’s LGBTQ agencies, is collecting tax-deductible donations. 100% of the tax-deductible funds raised through Our Fund will be donated to the nonprofits in Orlando supporting survivors and victims' families and friends and their efforts to restore peace, joy and wellness to Orlando's LGBTQ community. To make a tax-deductible donation through Our Fund, visit https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/OurFund/Orlando.html
Governor Rick Scott announced the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund following yesterday’s terror attack in Orlando. The Florida Disaster Fund will help provide financial support to organizations that serve survivors, their families, and all those in need. To make a contribution, please visit http://www.FloridaDisasterFund.org.
The Red Cross is also accepting donations toward the response in Orlando. Donate at 800-733-2767 or redcross.org.
Ending Gun Violence:
- Everytown for Gun Safety
- Coalition to End Gun Violence
- Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
- States United to Prevent Gun Violence
Local Organizations Supporting the LGBTQ Community:
- Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh
- Persad
- Delta Foundation
- PFLAG Pittsburgh
- Washington County Gay Straight Alliance, Inc.