The Ferndale Community Foundation and Ferndale Pride are distributing $21,971 in grants to 11 community organizations this year. The grants come despite the fact that the popular Ferndale Pride event in June was canceled due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
"Although Ferndale Pride was not able to physically go forward this year, virtual events and online fundraisers were held carrying on the spirit of Pride," said Julia Music, Ferndale Pride's executive director.
Proceeds from Pride were granted to Affirmations, Gender-Identity Network Alliance, Matrix Human Services, Transgender Detroit and Transgender Michigan. In addition, the Ferndale Community Foundation, which receives funds not only through proceeds from Pride but also through private donations, provided an additional six grants through its annual giving. These grants were awarded to FernCare Free Clinic, the Ferndale Housing Commission, Friends of Royal Oak Township, LifeLab Kids, The Ringwald Theater and the Ferndale Community Concert Band.
"This year has been a particularly challenging year in light of the COVID pandemic," said Dan Martin, president of the Ferndale Community Foundation. "Fortunately, through all the hard work involved, we have been able to pivot and increase our annual giving. Organizations are in great need we are fortunate to be able to step in and help out."
Music said that in times such as these she looks to the future.
"COVID has taken a lot from us, but we will not be stopped when it comes to giving back to our community. One day we will gather again, but until then we are proud to help local nonprofits continue their work. We continue to be optimistic that we will be able to have a 2021 festival, but we have not selected a date as of yet."
The Ferndale Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation that supports projects and organizations in benefitting residents of Ferndale in the areas of art, health care, culture and education. Ferndale Pride operates as a fiduciary of the Ferndale Community Foundation. To donate to the foundation and Pride please go to ferndalepride.com.
