Bloomington, Ind.—Inspired by the work of Indiana University’s newly launched Queer Philanthropy Circle (QPC), an anonymous member of the IU LGBTQ+ community has made a $200,000 pledge to match donations to or memberships in the QPC received on or before June 30, 2020.

“The QPC was launched with 25 members and a $200,000 matching gift. As we embark on the important work of uplifting our LGBTQ+ community at Indiana University, this gift will be used as seed money to begin investing in queer priorities at Indiana University,” said David Jacobs, chair and founding member of the Queer Philanthropy Circle.

The QPC is the second affinity-giving circle established in IU’s Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs and was inspired by IU’s Bicentennial Strategic Plan, which set forth a focus on diversity and inclusion. In collaboration with the IU Foundation, the LGBTQ+ Alumni Association, and other IU LGBTQ+ organizations, the QPC supports programming, resources, and thought leadership aimed at improving recruitment, retention, and degree attainment for LGBTQ+ students and the quality of life for members of the LGBTQ+ community on all IU campuses.

“This wonderfully generous gift will have a lasting impact on the QPC’s efforts to help students and others grow, succeed, and thrive here at Indiana University and beyond,” said James C. Wimbush, vice president for diversity, equity, and multicultural affairs; dean of The University Graduate School; and Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership at Indiana University. “The QPC underscores the belief that, in philanthropy, one voice is bigger, better, and stronger when people work together to make a difference.”

Membership in the QPC includes three giving levels:

• Founding or Active Member – $5,000 annual commitment for three years and designation as a voting member who participates in meetings;
• Partner of the QPC – $2,500 to $4,999 annual commitment, with non-voting member status and invitation to participate in meetings; and 
• Associate of the QPC – $500 to $2,499 annual commitment.

“The QPC is one of the first giving circles of its kind and plays a central role in helping Indiana University obtain philanthropic support to help us meet the needs of our LGBTQ+ community,” said Dan Smith, IU Foundation president. “This gift will not only enable important initiatives, but it also represents a strong endorsement of the role that the QPC plays in inspiring our alumni and friends to unite in support of a common vision to create a more inclusive future for all.”

To learn more about the Queer Philanthropy Circle at Indiana University, contact Jessica Wootten at jwootten@iu.edu.