Local Non-Profit Establishes $50,000 COVID-19 Relief Fund for GTA Drag Community

Community One Foundation to provide 100 local drag artists with $500 grants as part of their “We Are Family – Emergency Drag Support Fund” this June.

TORONTO, ON (May 28, 2020) – In celebration of Pride month in Toronto, Community One Foundation (a non-profit that provides grants to enhance the development of LGBTTIQQ2S communities in the Greater Toronto Area), is announcing Community One Foundation’s We Are Family – Emergency Drag Support Fund — a $50,000 COVID-19 relief program to financially assist local drag artists in the GTA.

“Drag queens and kings have been the essence of Toronto’s queer community for decades. A hobby for some and a career for others. The drag community has not only been a source of entertainment for all, but they have often been leaders within our cause, fighting for equality, inclusion and rights for all community members,” says Community One Foundation board member Sam Katz.

“While the drag community has moved to online platforms, the tips do not compare to the revenue they were generating in the bar and club scene. With additional event cancellations, including Pride, our drag family is financially devastated,” adds board member Cory Stewart.

Community One Foundation will distribute 100 grants of $500 each, to eligible, in-need community members. To qualify for a grant, drag artists must be residents of the Greater Toronto Area, attribute drag revenue as a significant source of regular income, and require funds for essential living. Applicants can apply by visiting www.bit.ly/c1drag. Applications are now open and will close on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

With an over 40 year history, Community One Foundation has provided financial support to countless LGBTTIQQ2S projects and organizations in the GTA including The 519, Buddies in Bad Times, Black CAP, Toronto PFLAG, Inside Out, Asian Community AIDS Services, Toronto People with AIDS Foundation, Rainbow Railroad and many others.

Upon delivering grants to selected applicants, organizers of the “We Are Family – Emergency Drag Relief Fund” are hopeful to extend further grants to support additional in-need segments of the LGBTTIQQ2S community, but depend on public donations to continue in their efforts. To donate to this Community One Foundation initiative, please visit www.communityone.ca.

About Community One:

Established in 1980 as the Lesbian and Gay Community Appeal, Community One Foundation provides grants to LGBTTIQQ2S community projects in Greater Toronto Area including Durham, Halton, Peel and York Regions, focusing on the areas of arts and culture, health and social services, and research and education. The Foundation also promotes community philanthropy through strategic partnerships such as the Bill 7 Award and the LGBT Giving Network.

Website: www.communityone.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CommunityOneFoundation/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/C1Foundation

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