Niagara Pride, Inc

Niagara Pride, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families. We offer community-based educational programming, affirming and safe social meeting opportunities, and engage in charitable work for numerous organizations in Niagara County and the surrounding counties of Western New York.

Our agency relies heavily on donations to fund the services we provide, and all the work is done by our single employee, our volunteer board of directors, and/or community volunteers.

Some of the services Niagara Pride offers include:

1. GSA Grant Program - Niagara Pride offers grants to local middle and high schools to help them fund projects that will promote LGBTQ+ diversity and create affirming learning environments for students.
2. The Jean Hopkins Memorial LGBTQ+ Scholarship Program for high school seniors pursuing higher education; this scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated academic achievement while also showing leadership and advocacy in the LGBTQ+ community.
3. LGBTQ+ Senior and Youth Drop-Ins - Niagara Pride offers monthly drop-in programming for LGBTQ+ seniors and youth, creating a safe and affirming space for attendees.
4. Know Your Status campaign to help provide sexual health and wellness materials for free to individuals as well as share information about HIV and STI testing in all 8 counties of WNY.
5. LGBTQ+ Trainings – Niagara Pride offers trainings to businesses, agencies, and organizations, on both the local, State, and federal level for a nominal fee. In 2022, over 7,000 around the US were trained by our organization, and in first six months of 2023, over 6,600 people locally and nationally have taken our training.
6. WNY Shopping with Pride - an annual campaign designed to promote and highlight locally owned LGBTQ+ and ally owned businesses.
7. WNY Pride 5K Fun Run/Walk & LGBTQ+ Wellness Event- this yearly event brings the WNY community together to kick off Pride Month in a fun and positive way; Niagara Pride organizes the only health fair in WNY dedicated to sharing information about community providers offering services and programs that are LGBTQ+ specific and/or affirming.
8. Rainbow City Pride, Lockport Pride, Oliver Street Pride, and Newfane Pride - in partnership with other local agencies/organizations/businesses, Niagara Pride hosts 4 major Pride festivals in June
9. And in partnership with other agencies, Niagara Pride has been able to offer groups/services for addictions, breast and prostate cancer screenings, housing discrimination assistance, and support for LGBTQ+ Veterans

In addition to the aforementioned core services, Niagara Pride offers monthly social meet ups as well as various holiday themed events, which are open to all and free of charge.

Niagara Pride is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Niagara County and Western New York (WNY). We offer educational programming, engage in charitable works, and offer social programming to create a safe and welcoming environment for all those who identify as LGBTQ+ living throughout WNY. Niagara Pride, Inc. envisions a LGBTQ+ community in which individuals and families feel safe, secure, and affirmed where they live, work, worship, and play, especially in the Niagara County and the surrounding WNY areas. Niagara Pride strives to be an integrated part of the social fabric of Western New York.

Mission

To empower, affirm, and serve the LGBTQIA2S+ community and families throughout Niagara County and Western New York by providing accessible programs, educational resources, charitable works, and social events, with a specific focus on reaching and supporting individuals in rural communities.

Vision

To realize a Western New York region where safety, security, and access to essential resources, affirming programs, and supportive community are guaranteed for every LGBTQIA2S+ person, especially those in rural and underserved areas.