Phoenix’s One-n-ten organization helps LGBTQ youth, their families

It’s a challenging time to be growing up gay.

LGBTQ youth are targeted by legislation that disallows the word “gay” in public schools and limits access to sports and health care. An Idaho Pride celebration was targeted by white supremacists.

Phoenix’s One-n-ten helps youth, their parents and young adults prepare for life’s challenges. The nonprofit raised $15,175 through the Arizona Republic-sponsored A Community Thrives grant program in 2021.

The grant “helped LGBTQ youth develop social and emotional skills to combat decades of homophobic and transphobic systems and messages at work, at school and in public accommodations,” said Executive Director Nate Rhoton.

One-n-ten was founded in 1993. It’s based near downtown Phoenix, but has satellite operations in Anthem, Chandler and Flagstaff. The group serves about 500 LGBTQ youth and young adults ages 11 to 24 a year.

The 6-year-old Community Thrives program supports education, arts and culture, wellness and community building in cities across the country.

Grants are broken into two categories:

National grants of $25,000, $50,000 and $100,000 are awarded for specific projects themed around community building. These are decided by the Gannett Foundation’s national board of directors.

Local operating grants can be used for specific projects or for operational costs. One distinction between the two grant-making programs: crowdfunding. For final consideration, A Community Thrives asks nonprofits to do some independent crowdfunding.

A Community Thrives 2022

Timeline:

June 1-30 — Application period. July 18-Aug. 12 — Crowdfunding by qualified nonprofits.

Grants will be announced Oct. 5. Nonprofits can find more details about A Community Thrives and apply at acommunitythrives.com. Learn more about one-n-ten at onenten.org.