Nike Grants Go To 20 Organizations

As part of its annual Pride Month celebration, NIKE, Inc. has recommended $500,000 (through grants of $25,000 each, administered by the Charities Aid Foundation of America) go to 20 organizations that are advocating for and advancing the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual+ (LGBTQIA+) community. They are organizations with a focus on advocacy in sports, creating safe spaces and elevating the history of the LGBTQIA+ community, helping to create a more equal playing field for all.

Compete congratulates Nike and the organizations listed below for all they do to promote inclusion, diversity, equality and acceptance in the sports world and beyond.

Athlete Ally (New York City) seeks to end homophobia and transphobia in sport, helps create LGBTQIA+-inclusive athletic environments and works to mobilize athletes, teams and leagues to use their platforms to champion equality. Campus Pride unites student leaders, coaches and campus groups to create a safer college environment for all LGBTQIA+ students and athletes.

Center on Halsted (Chicago) promotes the health and wellbeing of Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ community by providing a wide array of programs and services in a safe, welcoming environment to more than 1,000 individuals every single day.

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and

Intersex Association (ILGA World) works to achieve and maintain recognition and protection of the human rights of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and sex characteristics; a worldwide federation of more than 1,600 organizations from over 150 countries and territories.

The GenderCool Project (Chicago) replaces misinformed opinions with positive, powerful experiences in a movement led by remarkable kids who identify as transgender and non-binary. Gilbert Baker Foundation (San Francisco) protects and extends the legacy of activist and artist Gilbert Baker, the creator of the LGBTQ Rainbow Flag.

The GLBT Historical Society Museum (San Francisco)

showcases the GLBT Historical Society’s archives, demonstrates the importance of queer history to the public and mounts exhibitions with an emphasis on diversity and social justice.

The Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA)

serves more than 600 LGBTQ+ athletes of all ages throughout the greater LA area with spring and fall seasons; it also hosts the annual Sin City Classic in Las Vegas which brings 8,000+ LGBTQ+ athletes together from around the world. Hetrick-Martin Institute (New York City) creates a safe and accepting environment for LGBTQ+ youth (13-24-year-olds) and their families and provides basic needs, health, education and career services. Latino Equality Alliance (Los Angeles) advocates for the equity, safety and wellness for the Latinx LGBTQ+ community, with a strong focus on family acceptance, equality and immigration reform.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community

Center (New York City), located in the heart of Greenwich Village and known as simply The Center, provides critical resources and services to all New Yorkers in the LGBTQIA+ community. LGBT SportSafe trains and educates coaches, athletic administrators and recreational sports staff on best practices and policies to help create an LGBTQ+-inclusive athletic community. Los Angeles LGBT Center offers programs, services and global advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and families in LA and beyond.

North America Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance

(NAGAAA) promotes opportunity and access to amateur sports competition, particularly softball, health and wellness for all persons, regardless of age, sexual orientation or preference. OUTMemphis (Memphis) provides health, wellness, cultural and community resources and activities for LGBTQ+ adults, youth and families in the Mid-South. Portland Frontrunners (Portland) brings members of the LGBTQIA community and their friends and allies together for regular runs, walks and other club events in Portland, Oregon. PrideCenter of St. Louis (St. Louis) hosts events throughout the year that include PrideFest, and it gives members of the LGBTQ+ community in St. Louis a safe, resourceful space to gather. Queer Art (New York City) helps cultivate a diverse and vibrant community through the support and amplification of LGBTQ+ art and artists across generations and disciplines. The Rose City Softball Association (Portland) welcomes all adult slow-pitch softball players, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and is Oregon’s largest LGBTQ+ sports organization. You Can Play ensures equality, respect, inclusion and safety for all athletes, coaches and fans, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity.