EQUITY IN ACTION: EMPOWERING LGBTQ+ STUDENTS TO SUCCEED
Education is more than a privilege—it’s a pathway to opportunity, success, and empowerment. Yet, for many LGBTQ+ students, this path is filled with barriers that make achieving their dreams more difficult.
What does this all mean? Essentially, our LGBTQ+ friends, neighbors, and community members are less likely to finish college, less likely to earn a living wage, and less likely to achieve their dreams than their cisgender and straight peers.
1. THE REALITY LGBTQ+ STUDENTS FACE
📌 Mental Health Challenges: Nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered suicide in the past year, including 46% of transgender and nonbinary youth. (The Trevor Project, 2024)
📌 Bullying and Discrimination: LGBTQ+ youth are at high risk for harassment, with 49% of LGBTQ+ teens (13-17) experiencing bullying in the past year. (The Trevor Project, 2024)
📌 Lack of Support: Many LGBTQ+ students lack the support systems they need. Two-thirds of LGBTQ+ youth fear discrimination in future careers simply because of their identity. (Human Rights Campaign, 2023)
📌 Financial Hardships: LGBTQ+ students often face additional financial struggles, with 58.4% of young LGBTQ+ adults (18-24) reporting financial insecurity.(Human Rights Campaign, 2023)
For LGBTQ+ students, these challenges don’t just make school harder—they can impact their entire future, making it more difficult to graduate, earn a living wage, and pursue their dreams.
But together, we can change this reality.
2. OUR IMPACT
At the Rainbow Chamber Foundation, we want to see every member of our Sacramento-area LGBTQ+ community thrive!
Since 2008, the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber Foundation has awarded more than 120 scholarships, contributing over $400,000 to LGBTQ+ students and community organizations that uplift, protect, and empower LGBTQ+ youth.
Our scholarships help cover tuition, books, school supplies, living expenses, and more—giving students not only the resources to succeed but also the confidence of knowing that their community stands behind them.
🌈 We’ve also proudly supported organizations like: Sacramento LGBT Center, The Gender Health Center, Sacramento State Pride Center, The Trevor Project (National Suicide Prevention Hotline), GSA Network (LGBTQ+ student support programs), Transgender Law Center, Equality California Institute, Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (SIGLFF)
With your help, we can turn generosity into action, equity into impact, and dreams into reality.
3. YOUR ROLE IN EQUITY IN ACTION
🎯 Our Goal: Raise $50,000 on Big Day of Giving
💡 Every dollar helps an LGBTQ+ student stay in school
📢 Donate, start a fundraiser, share this message, and be part of the change!
Your donation isn’t just a gift—it’s an investment in the future of LGBTQ+ students. Every dollar goes toward breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring that every LGBTQ+ student has a fair chance at success.
📢 Donate today. Start a Fundraiser. Share this mission. Stand with our students.
Together, we’re not just giving—we’re creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that every LGBTQ+ student has the support they need to thrive.
Join us in #EquityInAction and be part of the change!
Together, we can help our LGBTQ+ students make the grade and achieve their dreams!
The Rainbow Chamber Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2007, with the mission to promote mentoring, guidance, and education, and to support programs that improve the quality of life of the LGBTQ community.
Needs
* MONETARY DONATIONS: Our primary need is monetary donations to support our scholarships and other community programs.
* IN-KIND / EVENT: For special events, we accept wine and liquor, gift cards to local grocery stores and/or catering, event space, and silent auction and live auction items.
* BOARD MEMBERS / VOLUNTEERS: Additionally, we are always seeking board members and committee volunteers.
Email info@rainbowchamber.com to connect around in-kind donations, board membership, or volunteer opportunities.
Equity Statement
We celebrate the many identities, experiences, and perspectives of the LGBTQ+ community. The Sacramento Rainbow Chamber Foundation commits to more than simply celebrating diversity, but we pledge to ingrain diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice in all imperatives to achieve our mission.