COLUMBUS, OH – At its annual Come Out for Stonewall celebration, Stonewall Columbus announced the establishment of the Stonewall Columbus Greer/Grote Building Endowment Fund—a transformative $500,000 gift made possible through the vision and generosity of longtime community advocates Lynn Greer and Tom Grote and Rick Neal.
The fund, housed at The Columbus Foundation, will ensure the long-term care, safety, and accessibility of the Stonewall Columbus Community Center in the Short North Arts District—a vital space for LGBTQ+ programs, services, and visibility in Central Ohio.
“This endowment is both generous and brilliantly strategic,” said Densil Porteous, Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus. “It’s a promise that our Community Center will remain open, welcoming, and strong for generations to come.”
Lynn Greer, a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ philanthropy, is a founder of both the national Victory Fund and Columbus’s Legacy Fund, and has long been a supporter of the organization. Rick Neal, a humanitarian and former congressional candidate, brings a life of advocacy and public service, and his husband Tom Grote, co-chair of the Stonewall Builds campaign and a founder of Equality Ohio, has been instrumental in advancing justice and equity across the state.
“Lynn, Rick, and Tom have not only helped us do the big, visible things—like hosting one of the Midwest’s largest Pride celebrations—but they’ve also invested in the quiet infrastructure that makes that possible,”Porteous said. “Their gift keeps the lights on, the doors open, and the welcome truly warm.”
Stonewall Columbus identified five core values—History, Visibility, Inclusion, Connection, and Accountability—and noted that this endowment touches each one. It honors the past, strengthens the present, and prepares the organization for the future.
The fund also aligns with Stonewall’s broader vision to retire its current mortgage and secure long-term sustainability for the Center. As the community continues to evolve, the Center remains a place where individuals of all identities find support, affirmation, and belonging.
“Sustainability isn’t abstract,” Porteous added. “It’s the HVAC working on a hot day, the walkway cleared in the winter, the room ready for a support group, the gallery filled with conversation. It’s visibility and dignity, seen in everyday details.”
During the announcement, the fund’s creators shared their reflections on the importance of long-term investment and continued partnership.
“We see this endowment not as the final step, but as a spark—one that we hope will inspire others to invest in Stonewall’s future,” said Lynn Greer. “This Center has stood as a symbol of resilience and belonging, and with this fund, we’re helping ensure that legacy continues.”
Tom Grote added, “Stonewall Columbus has been part of our lives for many years, and Rick and I are proud to continue supporting this organization. We believe in its mission, and we know how important it is to make sure this space remains open, safe, and welcoming for all.”
The announcement concluded with a ceremonial sparkler lighting, recognizing the endowment and the spark it aims to create in sustainability for the organization as it works in support of the LGBTQ+ community in Columbus and across the Central Ohio region.
Stonewall Columbus, an independent 501(c)(3)nonprofit, is one of the oldest LGBTQ+ community organizations in the country–founded in 1981. Stonewall Columbus serves Central Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community by providing a community center and organizing an evolving array of programming, and making connections to services that enhance the well-being and visibility of our diverse community through discovery, affirmation, and celebration.
