Celebrating the 2025 Charles and Jack Fund Grant Recipients: Uplifting Queer Youth Across Kentucky

Posted September 25, 2025 under: , , ,

Written by Christina Miller

Earlier this month at the Louisville Pride Festival, the Community Foundation of Louisville proudly awarded $20,000 grants to six local nonprofits through the Charles and Jack Fund for LGBTQ+ Advancement. These organizations are doing life-changing work to support queer youth across Kentucky—providing care, connection, and community in a time when such support is more vital than ever.

Honoring a Legacy of Love and Advocacy

The Charles and Jack Fund was established to commemorate the enduring legacy of Charles Gruenberger and Jack Kersey, two trailblazers who dedicated their lives to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Louisville. From organizing community hotlines to fighting for visibility and equity, Charles and Jack’s love story became a movement—one that continues today through this fund.

group of men smiling and walking in a pride parade

Jack Kersey (far left) and Charles Charles Gruenberger (far right) walking in the Pride Parade with their friends. Photo provided by the Rare Books Archives and Special Collections at the University of Louisville.

The fund supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits that serve LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and under) in Metro Louisville and across Kentucky. It’s a way to carry forward Charles and Jack’s vision of a world where queer youth are safe, affirmed, and empowered to thrive.

Meet the 2025 Grant Recipients

In collaboration with a community-led advisory committe, each of the following organizations received a $20,000 grant to further their mission of supporting LGBTQ+ youth:

🌈 Louisville Pride Foundation 

Community Foundation's Amber Burns-Jones presents a $20,000 check to Ebony Cross of the Louisville Pride Foundation

Community Foundation’s Amber Burns-Jones presents a $20,000 check to Ebony Cross of the Louisville Pride Foundation

The Louisville Pride Foundation celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and advances equity and representation for all. They produce the annual Louisville Pride Festival and operate the Louisville Pride Center, a community hub in Old Louisville offering resources, programming, and support

🌈 Louisville Youth Group

Community Foundation's Amber Burns-Jones presents a $20,000 check to Madelyn Spalding of Louisville Youth Group

Community Foundation’s Amber Burns-Jones presents a $20,000 check to Madelyn Spalding of Louisville Youth Group

Louisville Youth Group provides a safe and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ youth to develop into healthy and resilient leaders through community connection, life skills education, and social advocacy. Their peer-led programs foster resilience, leadership, and community among young people as they navigate through life.

🌈 Kentucky Youth Law Project

Community Foundation's Amber Burns-Jones presents a $20,000 check to Keith Elston of Kentucky Youth Law Project

Community Foundation’s Amber Burns-Jones presents a $20,000 check to Keith Elston of Kentucky Youth Law Project

The Kentucky Youth Law Project provides legal advocacy and education to LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard. From name changes to housing rights, their work empowers youth to navigate legal systems with confidence.

🌈 Fairness Education Fund

Community Foundation's Amber Burns-Jones presents a $20,000 check to Chris Hartman of the Fairness Education Fund

Community Foundation’s Amber Burns-Jones presents a $20,000 check to Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign – Fairness Education Fund

The Fairness Education Fund is the sister organization to the Fairness Campaign, Kentucky’s LGBTQ advocacy organization that promotes LGBTQ+ equality through education, advocacy, and outreach. The Fairness Education Fund helps them advance LGBTQ public education efforts across Kentucky, building inclusive communities and challenging discrimination at every level.

🌈 Kentucky Health Justice Network (KHJN)

Community Foundation's Amber Burns-Jones presents a $20,000 check to Oliver Hall of Kentucky Health Justice Network

Community Foundation’s Amber Burns-Jones presents a $20,000 check to Oliver Hall of Kentucky Health Justice Network

KHJN provides health education, advocacy, and direct support to LGBTQ+ individuals, with a focus on reproductive justice and trans health. Their work ensures that queer youth have access to gender affirming care and resources.

🌈 Camp Beacon

Community Foundation's Amber Burns-Jones presents a $20,000 check to Mason Kalinsky representing two of the grant recipients - Camp Beacon & Sweet Evening Breeze

Community Foundation’s Amber Burns-Jones presents a $20,000 check to Mason Kalinsky representing two of the grant recipients – Camp Beacon & Sweet Evening Breeze

Camp Beacon is committed to offering a safe, affirming, and enjoyable summer camp experience for LGBTQ+ youth (ages of 13-17) residing in Kentucky.

🌈 Sweet Evening Breeze

Sweet Evening Breeze is committed to Louisville’s LGBTQ+ young adults, 18 to 24 years of age, experiencing homelessness; by going beyond the expectations of a shelter, providing housing, hope, and healing.

How You Can Support

These organizations are doing the work—now it’s our turn to show up for them. Here’s how you can help:

  • Donate: Every dollar helps sustain programs that uplift and protect queer youth.
  • Volunteer: Offer your time and talents to support events, mentorship, or outreach.
  • Attend: Join community events like the Louisville Pride Festival to celebrate and connect.

Together, we can continue the legacy of Charles and Jack by investing in a future where every young person feels seen, safe, and supported.

Louisville Pride Festival Photography Provided By Marty King of Kingzimage Photography