Email Jennifer: jennifer.ruppe@ggfnc.org
Meet Jennifer Ruppe
Guilford Green
2nd Place Funder Award Recipient
Watch Jennifer Ruppe’s pitch, then read more about her organization!
Describe your organization and its mission:
Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center advances equality and inclusion for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community through programming and philanthropy. We envision a Greater Greensboro with a thriving LGBTQ community that elevates all.
We accomplish our mission by operating the LGBTQ center of Greensboro offering programs and resources that connect people with community in a safe and affirming space. We also make grants to LGBTQ partner programs ensuring that we build the capacity of LGBTQ services throughout Greensboro.
Why do you love working for your organization?
Our work saves lives. As an out lesbian I am honored to work for an organization that improves the experiences of all LGBTQ people in our community and ensures that no one feels alone or unwanted just for being queer.
What does being a member of the Future Fund Class of 2020 mean to your organization?
This is a fantastic opportunity to share our story with new supporters and to raise awareness of issues that impact the LGBTQ community. Since the passage of marriage equality there is a perception that the LGBTQ fight for equal rights is over. However, threats to our equality through legislative actions are on the rise. And, transgender people and people of color in our community experience disproportionate crime, poverty and discrimination.
What do you expect to gain from the Future Fund 10 experience?
I hope my organization gains more awareness about issues impacting our community and how our straight allies can help foster inclusion and equality in Greensboro.
What are you most nervous about with the FF 10 process?
Being in the spotlight, alone, in front of up to 1,000 people!
When you're not working, where could we find you?
I'm an introvert with and extroverted job so when I'm not working I am recharging. I love hiking, traveling, visiting national parks, reading and watching cute animal videos on the internet.