We have some incredible news to share: We’ve officially met our goal for Haywood County Pride’s mini-grant program! Thanks to the unwavering support of our community, our vision of providing mutual aid to LGBTQIA+ individuals in Western North Carolina has become a reality. Together, we’ve shown that no one has to carry the weight of financial barriers alone.
See our original post here, highlighting our mini-grant campaign for LGBTQIA+ in WNC.
What Was the Goal?
Our mini-grant program was launched with a mission: to provide up to $200 in mutual aid to LGBTQIA+ individuals in need across Haywood County and beyond. These grants are designed to assist with essential needs such as healthcare, housing, transportation, and other critical services. We set a goal to ensure that no one has to carry their burdens alone—a sentiment embodied in our campaign slogan: “You don’t have to carry it alone.”
With every contribution, large or small, our community came together to meet this goal, reaffirming that when we support one another, we are stronger together.
The Impact of Your Generosity
Because of your generosity, we’ve been able to:
- Offer direct support to individuals facing financial hardships.
- Address systemic barriers to care, such as covering costs for gender-affirming healthcare or emergency housing assistance.
- Provide hope and solidarity to LGBTQIA+ individuals in a region where resources can be scarce.
Each mini-grant awarded is a reminder to someone in our community that they are seen, valued, and not alone. And the impact doesn’t stop there—this program also strengthens the bonds that hold our community together, showing what’s possible when we carry each other with pride.
What’s Next?
While we have met our goal and are temporarily closing the mini-grant application form, our commitment to serving the LGBTQIA+ community in Western North Carolina is ongoing. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can always contact us at info@haycopride.com.
Additionally, we are actively exploring ways to expand this program in the future. This milestone is just the beginning of what we hope will be a lasting source of support for those in need.
Thank You for Helping Us Carry It With Pride
We could not have done this without your support. Whether you donated, shared our campaign, or simply cheered us on, you’ve made an incredible difference in the lives of so many.
Let’s continue to show the world that here in Haywood County, we take care of one another. No matter the challenges we face, we carry it with pride—together.
Stay tuned for updates on our next steps, and as always, thank you for being part of this journey with us.
With gratitude and pride,
The HayCo Pride Team