Beginning with the 2023 Pride Festival, Columbus, IN Pride Inc. decided to name an annual initiative towards which we would donate 15% of our festival income. In 2024, our initiative was STAND WITH TRANS, and we raised around $5,250 for this cause. 

Because there are few trans-specific organizations in Bartholomew county, we explored Indianapolis-based services, but decided that we preferred to keep the funding hyper-local and specifically support our county community.

So, to disburse these funds, we are partnering with Y’ALL, a non-profit organization based out of Indianapolis that serves queer and transgender people throughout the state. Y’ALL’s existing micro-grant process allows individuals to request money for gender-affirming care, services, or products, including - but not limited to - wigs, prosthetics, hair removal, left over medical bills, or clothing matching their gender identity. While Y’ALL will continue to serve applicants from across the state, they will maintain a separate fund specifically for needs in Bartholomew County. Once these funds are used, Bartholomew County residents are still welcome to apply for the micro-grant, but will be placed in the state-wide pool.

After collecting applications on a quarterly basis, Y’ALL has a diverse board of anonymous individuals who prioritize funding requests for people who are minors, BIPOC, who live in rural areas/further from services, or who are impacted by the legal system. The current round of applications opened April 6, 2025. More information about their grant can be found here: https://www.yallforall.org/faq and applicants may apply here: https://www.yallforall.org/funding 

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When our government is pointedly attacking people who are LGBTQ+ (and especially trans) through legislation, funding cuts, banning words, and more, the fight for justice can feel huge and disheartening. Lately, I have been clinging to the elements and principles of Emergent Strategy, an idea that “supports the development of social justice movement [by] continually turn[ing] us towards life in the midst of violence and devastation.” 

What speaks to me the most from adrienne maree brown’s book on Emergent Strategy is the idea that “Small is good, small is all. (The large is a reflection of the small).” It is no wonder that we turn to our immediate communities for comfort and support in times like these - there is great power in small actions and building relationships. For these reasons, I am so excited to begin our micro-grant process and build trust and relationships with people who may be pushed to the margins in our community.

There is power in the small; small is all.

Lisa Huffman
Festival Director