R.I.S.E. Recipients

Rally. Inspire. Support. Elevate

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

Our R.I.S.E. (Rally, Inspire, Support, and Elevate) program highlights local grassroots organizations dedicated to empowering the LGBTQ+ community. This platform celebrates their substantial contributions, showcasing groups that have made significant strides in advocacy, education, and community support.

Pride Houston® prioritizes funding for LGBTQIA+ programs and initiatives that uplift and empower our most marginalized communities, with a focus on: Transgender and Nonbinary People, LGBTQIA+ Youth, People of Color, People Living with HIV/AIDS, Seniors, Women, and Newcomers and Immigrants

At Pride Houston, we understand the vital role grassroots organizations play in fostering inclusivity and support within the LGBTQ+ community. That’s why our RISE program stands as a cornerstone of our mission, dedicated to providing essential resources and assistance to these often overlooked organizations. Through RISE, we offer financial support, exposure, marketing assistance, and the use of our platform to elevate recipients. Our extensive outreach efforts ensure that we identify and support a diverse range of grassroots organizations, ensuring equitable assistance throughout the community. By amplifying the voices and efforts of these organizations, we aim to foster greater visibility, representation, and support for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Join us in our commitment to uplifting and empowering grassroots initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals across Houston and beyond.

Grant Application – Pride Houston RISE Recipient Program

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
The RISE Recipient Program invests in emerging LGBTQ+ leaders and grassroots projects that advance equity, mental health, cultural expression, and social justice. Through micro-grants, mentorship, and visibility opportunities, RISE equips rising leaders with resources to launch impactful initiatives.

Application closes April 30, 2025

Need
Many LGBTQ+ leaders in Houston — particularly BIPOC, trans, and youth innovators — face barriers to funding and mentorship. RISE closes this gap by providing direct support that strengthens local leadership and ensures community-driven solutions thrive.

Goals & Outcomes

Support 4–6 recipients annually with micro-grants of $750–$2,500.
Provide mentorship, workshops, and visibility at Pride Houston events
Foster sustainable projects that build leadership and equity.

Long-term: Recipients expand their skills, networks, and impact, contributing to a stronger LGBTQ+ infrastructure in Houston.

Evaluation
Success will be measured through:

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

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.