For Immediate Release:
HiTOPS of Princeton, New Jersey, has been awarded a 3-year, $165,000 Capacity Building grant from The Bunbury Fund, a donor-advised fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation.
The Bunbury Fund supports non-profit organizations that make a significant impact in central New Jersey, providing dedicated funds to strengthen infrastructure and capacity, thereby furthering organizations’ efforts to achieve sustainability, health, and maturity.
The Bunbury Fund grant will be used to advance HiTOPS’ growth & development in the areas of strategic planning, board development, staff training, marketing and communications, fiscal health, fundraising/donor development, and technological infrastructure.
HiTOPS is a statewide adolescent sexual health and support organization committed to creating safe, welcoming, positive, affirming spaces for young people of all identities. It is the only organization in New Jersey to provide direct support, education, and information for LGBTQ+ adolescents, their families, and youth-serving professionals. The full range of programming includes; sexual health education classes for middle and high school-aged students, professional development and consultation, LGBTQ+ mentoring and support groups, an initiative to support affirming, welcoming faith communities, and the Trans Youth Forum, an annual, state-wide forum for trans and nonbinary youth and their allies. These services and programs reach thousands of people throughout the state of New Jersey every year.
“We are deeply appreciative for this support and recognition by the Bunbury Fund and are thrilled to partner with them to build HiTOPS’ viability, sustainability, and effectiveness. A stronger organization will translate into greater impact and an increased number of adolescents and communities served,” said Lisa Shelby, Interim Executive Director.
Research has revealed a compelling need for the services that HiTOPS provides. Using data from thousands of respondents, a recent study released by The Trevor Project (National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health) showed that 87% of LGBTQ youth said it was important to them to connect with an organization that focuses on LGBTQ youth, and youth with at least one accepting adult (who was not a parent) were 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt.
Additionally, there is ample evidence that comprehensive, age-appropriate sexual health education contributes to a decrease in negative health outcomes among young people, and increases their understanding of healthy relationships, sense of autonomy over their bodies, respect for others’ right to bodily autonomy, and demonstration of dignity and respect for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Shelby added, “this vote of confidence from the Bunbury Fund presents an extraordinary opportunity for HiTOPS and our community of supporters to build the infrastructure for a long-term and healthy future, and to advance the mission of our organization.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Annie Pasqua
HiTOPS, Director of Development & Communications
apasqua@hitops.org
609-683-5515 ext 218