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Franklin County approves $276,000 grant for Stonewall Columbus’ year‑round programming and Pride events
Summary
The county approved a $276,000 grant to Stonewall Columbus to support year‑round services for adults 24+, including economic empowerment, health and the Columbus Pride events; executive director emphasized intersectional impact and economic benefits to the county.
Franklin County commissioners on Feb. 18 approved a $276,000 grant agreement with Stonewall Columbus to support year‑round programming for adults and to underwrite Columbus Pride events, county staff said.
Damika Withers, chief economic equity and inclusion officer, described the grant as funding for economic empowerment, family‑formation support, identity enrichment, and counseling services that serve LGBTQ+ residents 24 and older. Denzel Porteous, identified as executive director of Stonewall Columbus, told the board the funding reflects the county’s commitment to inclusivity and noted the organization’s multi‑decade history of work in the region.
Porteous described Pride events as major drivers of visitation and local spending, saying the festival brings visitors “from across the country and, nay, the globe,” and said the grant will support services and civic engagement efforts beyond the parade. Commissioners framed the grant as an economic‑development and equity investment; one commissioner stressed the county’s continued funding amid debates elsewhere about diversity, equity and inclusion programming.
The board voted to adopt resolution 11825. The agreement also supports the county’s Rise Together blueprint goals, as county staff noted.
