At GSBA, we believe that collective action creates lasting change. As the largest LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce in North America, we connect entrepreneurs, small business owners, corporations, and nonprofits committed to advancing diversity and equality across Washington State. 

This Fundraising Toolkit is designed to help you take an active role in supporting the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund —an initiative that open doors for LGBTQ+ and allied scholars and rising leaders. 

Together, we can harness the power of our shared networks to uplift the next generation of leaders. Your participation as a GSBA member plays a direct role in shaping a more inclusive, equitable future. Let’s get started. 

Why Fundraise for the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund? 

As a GSBA member, your support in fundraising for the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund is vital. With nearly 700 scholars supported since 1991 and the number of applicants growing each year, the need for financial assistance is clear. 

 

Where Exactly Does the Money Go? 

  • Scholarships and Grants: Your contributions directly fund scholarships and grants awarded to LGBTQ+ students, covering tuition, books, housing, and other educational expenses, reducing financial barriers to higher education, and empowering students to pursue their academic goals. 
  • Community Building: Through our events and initiatives, we foster a sense of belonging and community among LGBTQ+ scholars, creating spaces where they can connect, share experiences, and support each other on their educational journeys. 
  • Career Development Workshops: We host workshops and seminars on career development, resume building, interview skills, and job search strategies, equipping our cohorts with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen fields. 
  • Networking Opportunities: We provide networking opportunities with industry professionals, alumni, and fellow scholars, helping scholars expand their professional networks and access job opportunities and internships. 
  • Emergency Assistance: Your donations help provide emergency assistance to students facing unexpected financial challenges, ensuring they can stay enrolled in school and continue their education. 
  • Research and Advocacy: We invest in research and advocacy efforts aimed at advancing LGBTQ+ rights, creating more inclusive educational environments, and advocating for policy changes and institutional support. 

Member Toolkit: Fundraising for the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund 

 Fundraiser Ideas: 

Do you want to fundraise for the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund but aren’t sure where to start? From themed menus to charity fitness classes, there are countless ways to help financially support GSBA scholars. Read below for some ideas to kickstart your campaign: 

Restaurants: 

  • Themed Menu Items: Create dedicated menu items with a portion of sales going to the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund. 
  • Dine-out Event: Host a special themed dinner event where a percentage of each meal sold during the event is donated to the fund.  
  • Cooking Classes: Offer interactive cooking classes or demonstrations led by LGBTQ+ chefs or culinary experts. Charge a participation fee, with proceeds benefitting the fund. 

Retail Stores: 

  • Exclusive Merchandise: Design and sell exclusive themed merchandise such as t-shirts, pins, flags, or accessories featuring uplifting messages or designs that celebrate diversity. Allocate a percentage of sales from these items to the fund. 
  • Donation Boxes: Place branded donation boxes at checkout counters or high-traffic areas within the store, inviting customers to contribute spare change or make cash donations. 

Professional Services: 

  • Pro Bono Services: Dedicate a day or week to offering pro bono services to clients, with all proceeds generated during this period donated to the fund. 
  • Networking Event: Host a professional networking event or panel discussion focused on LGBTQ+ issues, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Charge admission or sponsorship fees, with proceeds directed towards the fund. 

Fitness Centers (Gyms, Yoga Studios, Personal Trainers): 

  • Charity Fitness Classes: Host special fitness classes or workout sessions throughout the year, with proceeds from class fees donated to the fund.  

Bakeries/Cafes: 

  • Themed Treats or Drinks: Create a selection of themed baked goods or drinks, such as rainbow cupcakes, cookies, or lattes, with a portion of sales donated to the fund. 

Bars/Wineries: 

  • Themed Events: Host special themed nights or events, with a portion of door cover charges or drink sales donated to the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund. 
  • Drag Shows: Partner with local drag performers to host drag shows or performances, with ticket sales benefiting LGBTQ+ education programs. 
  • Trivia Nights: Organize LGBTQ+ trivia nights or themed quiz events, with entry fees or raffle ticket sales contributing to the fund. 

Promotional Resources: 

When planning a campaign, promotional materials are important to get the word out. Reach out to the Scholarship team at Scholarship@thegsba.org to collaborate on a poster, social media posts, and/or newsletter highlights. Our goal is for these fundraisers to bring traffic to your business too, and we love to help spread the word about ways to support the Scholarship Fund.  

Graphics: 

To download the logo above, right-click to save it to your device. 

Donation Link: 

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/gsefmdf 

Contact Information: 

Helpful Links: 

  • Volunteer Opportunities: Get involved in volunteering opportunities to support LGBTQ+ education and empowerment efforts. 
  • FAQs: Find answers to commonly asked questions about fundraising for the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund. 

 

Member Toolkit: Member Fundraising Success Stories 

Cafe Flora: 

During Pride Month in 2025, Cafe Flora donated a portion of proceeds from their cinnamon rolls and limited-edition rainbow cake slices to the GSBA Scholarship Fund, raising over $2,000.  
 
Social media posts and reels from both GSBA and Cafe Flora helped make this fundraiser a success. 

Voodoo Doughnut: 

In honor of National Coming Out Day and scholarship applications opening on October 11, 2025, Voodoo Doughnut in Seattle sold their exclusive Pride bars and donated $1 from each bar to the GSBA Scholarship Fund. In addition to donating, Voodoo also raised awareness by giving out materials about the scholarship. Here is a reel GSBA made to promote the fundraiser. 

Updated January 2026