Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) has been awarded a $20,000 grant by the Boston Foundation to support its Public Affairs and Education program.

“We are pleased to have this vote of confidence from the Boston Foundation,” said Lee Swislow, Executive Director of GLAD.  “The grant will ensure that GLAD has the capacity to expand outreach and public education efforts throughout Massachusetts.”

With the grant, GLAD’s Public Affairs and Education department will:

• Increase its capacity to tell the stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and those with HIV/AIDS.
• Increase the capacity, quality and customization of its electronic communication;
• Expand its outreach and public education work in communities of color; 
• Interview people with HIV and, through their stories, better understand how effectively HIV anti-discrimination and privacy laws are working in Massachusetts and current legal issues facing people with HIV.

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders is New England’s leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and HIV status. GLAD is active in all six New England states.

The Boston Foundation, one of the nation’s oldest and largest community foundations, has an endowment of close to $770 million.  Last year, the Foundation made grants of $63.9 million to nonprofit organizations and received gifts of $73.6 million.  The Boston Foundation is made up of 850 separate charitable funds, which have been established by donors either for the general benefit of the community or for special purposes.  The Foundation also serves as a civic leader, convener, and sponsor of special initiatives designed to build community.  For more information about the Boston Foundation and its grant making, visit www.tbf.org, or call 617-338-1700.

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