Franklin County Awards $427,562 Grant to Stonewall Columbus to Expand LGBTQ+ Services and Launch Workforce Development Initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2026
COLUMBUS, OH — Stonewall Columbus announced it has been awarded $427,562.94 in funding from Franklin County to support its programming over the coming year, including $100,000 designated for Pride event production—consistent with last year’s investment—and an increase in general program funding to support expanded services, including the launch of a new workforce development initiative.
This investment reflects a continued and growing partnership between Franklin County and Stonewall Columbus, centered on advancing the health, stability, and economic opportunity of the LGBTQ+ community across Central Ohio.
“This investment from Franklin County reflects both consistency and progress,” said Densil Porteous, Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus. “We are grateful for the County’s continued support of Pride, while also recognizing the importance of expanding resources that address the evolving needs of our community—particularly around economic empowerment and workforce access.”
As Central Ohio’s leading LGBTQ+ community center, Stonewall Columbus serves as both a service provider and a regional hub for connection, resources, and advocacy. Through its Pride 365 framework, the organization delivers year-round programming focused on economic empowerment, health and wellness, family support, and identity enrichment.
The increased general funding will support the launch of Stonewall Columbus’s workforce development program, designed to help LGBTQ+ individuals—particularly those facing barriers to employment—gain skills, access opportunities, and build pathways toward long-term economic stability. This work aligns with Franklin County’s broader priorities around workforce readiness and inclusive economic growth.
In addition, the continued $100,000 investment in Pride production supports the Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival and March—one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Midwest—which brings hundreds of thousands of people to the region each year and serves as both a cultural anchor and an economic driver for Central Ohio.
Funding from Franklin County will enable Stonewall Columbus to:
- Expand access to critical support services for LGBTQ+ individuals and families
- Launch and scale a workforce development program focused on economic empowerment
- Increase community-based programming and outreach throughout Franklin County
- Sustain and enhance Pride programming as a key regional cultural and economic event
Stonewall Columbus is part of a national network of LGBTQ+ community centers that collectively serve millions of people annually. Within that broader landscape, Stonewall’s work reflects both the unique needs of Central Ohio and the essential role community centers play in advancing equity, public health, and community resilience.
“Franklin County continues to demonstrate what it looks like to lead with intention and partnership,” Porteous added. “This support allows us not only to meet the moment, but to invest in the long-term stability and success of our community.”
For more information about Stonewall Columbus and its programs, visit www.stonewallcolumbus.org.
About Stonewall Columbus
Stonewall Columbus is a community-centered organization dedicated to increasing visibility, inclusion, and connection for the LGBTQ+ community in Central Ohio. Through advocacy, education, and connection to services, Stonewall Columbus works to ensure that all people can live fully, freely, and authentically.
