Lighthouse Foundation

Founded in 2019, Lighthouse Foundation (Lighthouse) is a social justice organization that advances justice for LGBTQ+ people across Chicagoland through empowerment, education, and entertainment. Lighthouse achieves its mission through grassroots organizations, advocacy, and research design, aiming to raise awareness and stimulate policy change for the LGBTQ+ community. The Black Queer Equity Index (BQEI) is a LGBTQ+ community-led participatory action research project that evaluates nonprofit cultures that support LGBTQ+ populations and issues. Now in its second year, the BQEI has expanded to include national organizations. This X-Grant supports convenings and presentations related to the expanded project.

Founded in 2019, Lighthouse Foundation (Lighthouse) is a Black LGBTQ+ led, multiracial social justice organization that advances justice for Black LGBTQ+ people across Chicagoland through empowerment, education, and entertainment. Lighthouse accomplishes its mission through grassroots organizations, advocacy, and research design to raise awareness and stimulate policy change for the LGBTQ+ community. The Black Queer Equity Index (BQEI), is a Black LGBTQ+ community-led participatory action research project to evaluate nonprofit cultures for Black LGBTQ+ staff and board members. The BQEI will improve organizational inequity by publishing an annual report card and offering actionable interventions. The award supports convening of the BQEI Steering Committee.