R.I.S.E. Recipients

Rally. Inspire. Support. Elevate

Empowering Change: Celebrating R.I.S.E. Award Recipients

Organization Overview

Pride Houston 365 celebrates, empowers, and unites Houston’s LGBTQ+ community through cultural events, advocacy, and year-round programming. Our mission is to uplift diverse voices, strengthen community connections, and advance equity and inclusion.

Program Summary

R.I.S.E. invests in emerging LGBTQ+ leaders and grassroots projects that advance equity, mental health, cultural expression, and social justice. Through micro-grants, mentorship, workshops, and visibility opportunities, RISE equips rising leaders with the resources, guidance, and support they need to launch impactful initiatives that strengthen Houston’s LGBTQ+ community.

Grant Application

Need

Many LGBTQ+ leaders in Houston, particularly BIPOC, trans, and youth innovators, face barriers to funding, mentorship, and recognition. RISE addresses these gaps by providing direct support that fosters leadership, community-driven solutions, and visibility for underrepresented groups.

Goals & Outcomes

Support 4–6 recipients annually with micro-grants of $750–$5,000
Provide mentorship, workshops, and visibility at Pride Houston events
Foster sustainable projects that build leadership, equity, and community impact
Enable recipients to expand their skills, networks, and influence, contributing to a stronger, more resilient LGBTQ+ infrastructure in Houston

Evaluation

Program success will be measured through:

Recipient surveys and mentorship feedback
Tracking project milestones, outcomes, and reach
Community engagement and visibility metrics

Application Timeline

Applications close April 30, 2026. Selected recipients will be contacted with next steps, including the RISE Recipient Agreement and grant disbursement details.

Grant Eligibility

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or operate under a qualified 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Funds awarded through Pride Houston Community Grants must be utilized within the calendar year. All grantees will be required to submit a report on their funded activities by October of each year.

Discover the distinguished R.I.S.E. award recipients below and explore their transformative work and missions in fostering inclusivity and empowerment.

Parents of Trans Youth

Parents of Trans Youth provides learning, support, and community to parents and caregivers of transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse kids.

Trans & GenderQueer Houston

To build community ties, empower individuals, and foster hope.

Resurrection MCC: Black History Month Initiative

LGBTQ+ affirming church that focuses on inclusion and a deep desire is to offer a safe and open community for people to worship, learn, share, and grow in their faith. Resurrection is committed to uplifting all people and standing with those who suffer under the weight of oppressive systems. We are guided by our commitment to global human rights.

Tony’s Place: Craft Your Pride Program

Craft Your Pride is a free, drop-in art program for all LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 14-25. Our program is hosted every third Thursday of the month. Craft Your Pride aims to create a space for LGBTQ+ youth to connect with friends and peers, foster creativity, develop new skills, heal, and feel empowered. We also assist participating youth by connecting them to valuable support systems and resources. Tony’s Place collaborates with community artists and educators to facilitate monthly art workshops. Each month an artist shares their craft with a group of LGBTQ+ youth, allowing them to explore their creativity and express themselves through various mediums.

Camp For All

Located in Burton, Texas in a tranquil setting, encompassed by lush landscape and rolling hills, the 206-acre camp site features more than 100,000 square feet of facilities, two lakes, nature trails, wooded areas and cleared areas for a wide range of activities. The smoke-free facility is fully accessible and designed to foster campers’ independence. Camp For All is the national leader in creating and providing proven life-changing experiences through passionate and professional staff, cutting edge facilities and innovative programming. Camp For All was designed with no barriers for children and adults with special needs to experience the thrill of camping and nature, just like their able-bodied peers.

FLAS, Inc.

FLAS, Inc’s mission is to offer a range of programs and social services to support our community, including behavioral health, substance use treatment, HIV/STD counseling and testing, food assistance, and more. Their dedicated efforts foster Diversity, Kindness, and Changing the World to a Better Place for All of Us.

BAYOU VILLAGE SCHOOL

Bayou Village School’s mission is to foster children to meet the world with a caring heart, clarity of thought, and responsibility to initiate change through critical thinking and compassionate action. Bayou Village School provides Houston families an inclusive, accessible, holistic education in a diverse urban setting.

IKan Outreach

iKan Outreach provides the Houston community with safe, personalized, and effective evidence-based treatment plans that reduce and prevent the negative impact of drugs and alcohol.

Wellness on WHEELS HTX

Wellness on Wheels (Houston) assists youth that are struggling with mental health issues through adventure and therapy.