Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Franklin County approves $427,562 grant to Stonewall Columbus to expand workforce and community programming
Summary
The board approved a $427,562.94 grant to Stonewall Columbus to fund workforce development cohorts, the Stonewall Cafe training site and community programming; county leaders described the award as an equity‑focused investment into career pathways for LGBTQ+ residents.
Franklin County commissioners on March 31 adopted Resolution 19326, authorizing a $427,562.94 grant to Stonewall Columbus to support year‑round workforce development, community engagement programming and the 2026 Stonewall Columbus Bridal March and festival.
Perla Martinez, deputy director of the Office of Economic Engagement and Community Development, said the award will fund workforce training cohorts, supportive services and a Stonewall Cafe training site that provides workplace skills and stipends to participants. "Through this agreement, the organization will deliver a year‑round portfolio of workforce development and community programming that promotes economic empowerment, health, civic engagement, and advocacy," Martinez said.
Denzel Porteous, executive director of Stonewall Columbus, told the board the investment reflects “a deepening partnership” and allows the organization to expand pathways for residents and regional participants. Dr. CJ Martin, Stonewall’s director of business development, emphasized the program’s focus on people with justice histories and the barriers LGBTQ+ individuals face in employment, describing Out to Work as a program that offers hands‑on training and employer connections.
Commissioners praised the organization’s work and voted to adopt the resolution. The county will monitor program outcomes and cohort participation as part of the grant agreement; specific reporting requirements were not detailed during the presentation.
