2014 LGBT Community Center Survey Report: Assessing the Capacity and Programs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Centers

We wanted to make MAP members aware of a new report that emphasizes the importance of LGBT community centers in our movement. Today, in partnership with CenterLink, we released a comprehensive report detailing the critical services offered by community centers, as well as an overview of centers across the country. 

The 2014 LGBT Community Center Survey Report: Assessing the Capacity and Programs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Centers surveyed 111 LGBT community centers nationwide. Both large and small centers reported increased revenue, for combined revenue of $138.1 million, allowing centers to serve more people each year, and to develop innovative new programs in response to emerging needs in areas from youth services to LGBT homelessness to transgender services.

 

However, despite the increase in average center revenue, many centers still struggle with a lack of funding and resources; 21% of all surveyed centers have no staff and rely solely on volunteers; and 57% have five or fewer paid staff. 

The report details the many ways in which centers are a lifeline in our community, offering a variety of much-needed resources including physical and mental health programs, information and education programs, social and recreational programs, community outreach and civic engagement, and computer centers.

Through these vital programs, centers reach diverse clientele: 90% of LGBT community centers offer specific programming for LGBT youth, 82% for transgender people, 61% for LGBT older adults, and 48% LGBT people of color.

 

We hope you take the time to read the full report, now available online, and learn more about the indispensable role centers play in the LGBT community.

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