When QMF launched in 2016, our focus was on funding rapid response projects in North Carolina. However, in 2020, QMF transformed, relaunching as a capacity-building re-granting fund with an expanded geographic reach beyond NC. Fast forward to 2023, and we are thrilled to announce that we have truly evolved into a regional resource, now serving 12 states across the Southeast. This expansion has allowed us to make a broader impact and support a diverse range of power-building activities for our grantees.
In 2023, a record number of anti-LGBTQ legislation was filed, with at least 508 bills targeting our siblings. Shockingly, 84 of these bills have passed into law, perpetuating discrimination and prejudice. As of September 2024, 530 bills have been introduced with over half of the bills directly impacting the Southeast, and political candidates are shamefully using LGBTQ individuals as a wedge issue with voters, perpetuating an environment of hostility and discrimination.
Our commitment to fostering positive change in the Southeast has never been stronger, and we are reaching out to you, our sibs, and community, to ask for your continued partnership in this journey. Your generosity has been instrumental in helping us make a difference, and with your support, we can further our impact and empower even more communities in the region.
Yourdotation will directly fuel our capacity-building grants, enabling organizations to enhance their effectiveness and expand their reach, ultimately leading to a more resilient and vibrant Southeast.