Arcus To Match up to $50,000 in Give OUT Day Donations to Russia Freedom Fund

May 12, 2014

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 12, 2014) – The Arcus Operating Foundation, a global foundation promoting respect for diversity among peoples and in nature, announced today that it will match up to $50,000 in contributions made to the Russia Freedom Fund through Give OUT 2014, a one-day fundraising event to rally financial support for LGBT causes.

The Russia Freedom Fund is a U.S. tax-deductible vehicle for making financial contributions in support of the LGBT movement in Russia and efforts to combat discrimination and violence there based on sexual orientation and gender identity. One hundred percent of all donations are paid out as grants. The Fund, housed by the Arcus Operating Foundation, was established last year in response to growing concerns about Russia’s recent state-sponsored discrimination and to express solidarity between the international community and the Russian LGBT movement.

Give OUT is an annual event sponsored by Bolder Giving, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring greater individual giving to worthy causes. Give OUT’s inaugural event engaged 5,500 individual donors contributing more than $600,000 to LGBT causes. Donors gave to more than 400 organizations from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

“Increasing individual awareness and financial support for LGBT causes around the globe are critical to the long-term success of the LGBT movement, and we are delighted to encourage both of these objectives with this matching grant,” said Adrian Coman, Arcus’ International Human Rights Program Director.

Donors are encouraged to schedule their Give OUT donations to the Russia Freedom Fund in advance of the May 15, 2014, deadline at the donation page.

ABOUT ARCUS

Founded in 2000 by Jon Stryker, the Arcus Operating Foundation is a private grantmaking institution dedicated to the idea that people can live in harmony with one another and the natural world. Arcus’ work is based on the belief that respect for diversity among peoples and in nature is essential to a positive future for our planet and all of its inhabitants. The Foundation works globally and has offices in New York City and Cambridge, UK. To learn more, visit: www.arcusfoundation.org