Community One Foundation
Community One Foundation, formerly the Lesbian and Gay Community Appeal Foundation, is a non-profit foundation based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada that builds and supports individuals and groups that enhance the development of the LGBTTIQQ2S communities in the Greater Toronto Area, including Durham, Halton, Peel and York Regions.
In 2008, the LGCA became the Community One Foundation to recognize the ever evolving and diverse community that the foundation serves and to promote the need for unity and philanthropy in the community. Until the name change legal process is completed, the foundation still receives donations and issues tax receipts under the Lesbian and Gay Community Appeal Foundation name.
In 1980, the Lesbian & Gay Community Appeal of Toronto (LGCA) was founded by a group of Toronto activists led by Harvey Hamburg, Tom Beechy, Rosemary Barnes and others. The LGCA was a response to the lack of financial support for community projects and organizations. The appeal raised funds through an annual giving program and by holding special initiatives. Their mandate includes funding for projects and programs in the areas of education, health, human rights, and arts and culture.
Since its inception, the Community One Foundation’s volunteers and donors have raised funds to support projects that have strengthened the LGBTQ community. The foundation is a public foundation and registered charity. The foundation operates primarily through individual donations and, with the exception of the Steinert and Ferreiro Award, does not currently have an endowment fund.