Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation grants $351,300 to beneficiary organizations in 2026, totalling more than $4.9 million since 1989.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA. – November 8, 2026 – The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation is excited to share the incredible results of its 37th season of fundraising events. This year, the Foundation raised a record-breaking $351,300 for beneficiary grants, scholarships, and the GRGRF endowment. Marking our highest annual fundraising total to date, these funds will directly benefit Bay Area LGBTQ nonprofits and students, as well as allow the foundation to grow future programs.
In 2026, the Foundation is proud to support eleven local LGBTQ nonprofits with grant funding. With this year's remarkable achievements, the Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation has now contributed over $4.9 million to the community since its founding in 1989. The 2026 grants were awarded to the following organizations: Caminar, Maitri, Oasis Legal Services, ONYX Northwest Chapter, Pepper Diet Academy (PDA), and the Trans Advocacy & Care Team (TACT). In addition, the following organizations received funds through our Flagging in the Park program: LYRIC, Maitri, National AIDS, and SF AIDS Foundation.
The Foundation awarded three new We Rise LGBTQ Scholarships totaling $16,000, bringing the program's overall distribution to $39,500 across twelve recipients to date. This scholarship program is rooted in the belief that supporting individuals in their educational and vocational pursuits uplifts the entire community. These grants help recipients pursue higher education or vocational training, empowering them to launch their careers and transform their futures.
In a significant new distinction for our fundraising efforts, GRGRF contributed $100,000 towards a GRGRF Endowment. Establishing this Endowment represents a strategic, forward-looking investment in the Foundation’s sustainability. By dedicating funds to this legacy initiative, GRGRF is securing its own future alongside the futures of its beneficiaries, allowing the foundation to expand future programs in the Bay Area for generations to come.
Reflecting on the monumental success of the season, Mario Hernandez, Events Chair for 2026, commented: “This year’s theme was ‘Creating Change, For Good,’ and our extraordinary all-volunteer team truly brought that vision to life. From the incredible energy of REAL BAD:RITUAL to the flawless production of REAL BAD 37, our committees worked tirelessly to craft experiences that went far beyond the dance floor. Through seamless cross-team collaboration and immense dedication, we built deep community connections and raised record-breaking funds. To everyone who gave their time, energy, and heart—thank you! I am incredibly proud of what this team accomplished together, turning our shared passion into a lasting, positive impact for the LGBTQ+ community.”
In addition to grant and scholarship distributions, the Foundation also recognized exceptional individual dedication. Earlier this year, the Heart of the Community Award was presented to the late Tom Tarn in recognition of his exceptional support of GRGRF, its mission and programs. Following his recent passing, the Foundation officially renamed the honor the “Tom Tarn Heart of the Community Award” to commemorate his legacy.
The Foundation is also presenting the Founders Award, a lifetime achievement award given in recognition of extraordinary, impactful and reliable service to GRGRF over many years. This year's prestigious honor has been awarded to Will Vitagliano, Board President.
About the Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation
The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since 1989, GRGRF has raised and donated more than $4.9 million to support local and national nonprofits.