This panel will examine how philanthropy exists currently in the leather/fetish communities around the country. Additionally, we will explore various forms of effective fundraising (e.g. sponsorships) and grant making (e.g. priority setting), and how to maximize community impact. Different models will be shared so that philanthropy efforts may be bolstered at the local and national levels via better communication and improved community work.
How you will benefit from this presentation:
Philanthropy is a long-standing interest and characteristic of the leather/fetish community. In its 24-year history, Folsom Street Events has donated nearly $6 million to local and national charities. We will examine the most effective strategies for fundraising (i.e. sponsorships, donations, sales) and grant-making (i.e. priority setting, grant reviews, fee-for-service, distribution and evaluation). Attendees will complete the panel discussion with a greater understanding of how and why our communities do the work of philanthropy. Additionally, attendees will be encouraged to get involved in this valuable aspect of our community work. We believe that an audience will benefit from a panel discussion, hearing from various kinds of fundraising and grant-making organizations.
How this presentation will arouse you:
Although we champion fundraising and community support as a critical – even core – element of the leather community, we rarely examine how and why we do it. In some cases, we do it better than our mainstream counterparts in the LGBT community…but, why? We want to encourage a high-level discourse of these issues, examining the best ways to accomplish this work and be effective philanthropists in our community. We believe that attendees will be aroused to bring specific topics of conversation and key elements of the grant-making process back home with them in order to improve on the work that they are doing already.
About the presenters:
Moshoyannis: Originally from New York, Moshoyannis is a permanent California transplant. He brings 15 years of nonprofit management experience and 10 years of BDSM experience to Folsom Street Events. He is a third-time Executive Director, having directed two AIDS agencies, BAY Positives (SF) and Being Alive (LA).
Richards: Jacob heads the recycling program for Folsom Street Events and serves as the VP of the Board of Directors. He has lived in the Bay Area for six years and spends time working and volunteering for queer and leather organizations. He is a first-year UC Berkeley law school student.