The Michigan Project for Informed Public Policy announced on Oct. 16 that it has received an $85,000 grant from the Arcus Foundation. The grant will be used to continue MPIPP's work to improve equality for Michigan's LGBT citizens. MPIPP started its work in 2008 and has developed a network of over 100 mental health providers and social scientists. The project has provided educational testimony to the Michigan legislature on legislation affecting the LGBT community and in Kalamazoo regarding the local anti-discrimination ordinance.
With this grant, MPIPP is expanding its efforts to include more experts, broaden education and enhance communications.
To achieve this, MPIPP will continue to facilitate collaboration between mental health, social science and health professionals and LGBT advocacy groups. The goal is to advance LGBT public policy in the state of Michigan by conveying accurate social science information about LGBT issues to the media, legislators, courts and other policymakers.
According to Dr. Judith Kovach, project director, "The purpose of the grant is to help reduce discrimination faced by those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered. MPIPP coordinates educational efforts and programs that provide the latest scientific-based psychological information to inform public policy and opinion. We address such issues as the mental health consequences of workplace discrimination, hate crimes, harassment of LGBT youth in schools, inequality for same-sex couples and lack of equal protections for lesbian andgay parents and their children."
The grant is being administered by the Michigan Psychological Association Foundation, a sister organization to the Michigan Psychological Association. MPAF is committed to science-based information and community-oriented action. MPA is affiliated with the American Psychological Association, a significant source of research regarding the impact of discrimination against LGBTs.
The Arcus Foundation is located in Kalamazoo and is a national source of funding for LGBT social justice programs.
Michigan Project for Informed Public Policy receives grant
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