At NCF we are always looking for ways to prioritize inclusivity and equity within our discretionary grant making.
Ensuring that the charities that we support are welcoming spaces for all, that the programs that we fund are free from discrimination, and that our grants are used for equitable purposes, remains a priority in our decision making and storytelling.
However, our discretionary grant programs only make up about 40% of our grants each year. 60% of our dispersal comes directly from the generosity of our donors, through donor directed grants. It is our privilege to fulfill our donor’s philanthropic wishes, however, it’s not up to us where those funds are directed. And so when a donor directed grant goes to an equity serving organization and makes a HUGE impact on that charity, we are thrilled to tell the story.
In honour of Pride month, we want to highlight a fantastic organization in Niagara who received such a grant. Recently, one of our fundholders (who wishes to remain anonymous) made a donor directed grant of $10,000 to Pflag Niagara, a small but mighty charity serving the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Niagara. This grant was an amazing example of allyship, community support and multi-generational philanthropy. We decided to reach out to the donor to learn more about the intention behind the grant and then to Pflag to find out about the impact that this grant has made.
Here's Our Interview
We know that our donors select charities for a variety of reasons. You mentioned that your adult children were involved in selecting your charities of choice this year. Can you tell us a bit about that process?
When we began to work with NCF we shared our plans with our kids (late teens/mid 20s). We wanted them to understand the importance of charitable donations at any point in your life and with any amount you are able to give. Initially, we suggested some charities after reviewing NCF’s annual report that outlines many of the groups who received grants. Each year since, we speak with our kids each time a donation is made and then suggest they look at the list or put forward a group they would like to support. This year they suggested Pflag.
Did your family have any previous connection with Pflag before this grant?
No. Our family has no previous connection with Pflag, but value the support they are providing to the LGBTQ+ community.
What was your intention behind the grant?
Our intention with this grant, and any others we have provided, is to support smaller organizations that have less of a profile but still in need of funds to promote their efforts.
Why is multi-generational philanthropy important to you?
We have always felt that donating to charities is important and any amount is valued. We spoke with our kids since they were young and continue to share with them our charitable wishes. We are so happy to see them take individual initiative to make donations personally. The past few years the kids have come together at Christmas to support a family through the Hope Centre. We are very proud of their generosity and willingness to help those in our community.
Interview with Kim A., Chapter Leader of Pflag-Niagara.
Tell us a bit about Pflag. What does your organization do?
Pflag Canada is a national charitable organization that offers local peer support, education, and advocacy for families, friends, and allies of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. At the Niagara chapter, we provide a welcoming, judgment-free space where people can connect, ask questions, and access resources that help them better support their loved ones—or themselves—through the journey of identity and acceptance. We work to foster understanding and inclusion through support meetings, community outreach, and public education efforts.
How was Pflag started?
Pflag was started in the 1970s by parents who wanted to support their gay children during a time when acceptance was far less common. The movement began in Toronto under the name "Parents of Gays" (POG) and evolved into PFLAG Canada in 2003 to reflect a more inclusive mission. Our Niagara chapter formed in 1994 in response to a growing need in our region for local, family-based support. Like the national organization, our chapter is entirely volunteer-run and continues to be fueled by love, empathy, and the belief that education and compassion can combat prejudice.
What makes PFlag unique in Niagara? What gap does it fill?
Pflag Niagara is often the first point of contact for families, allies, and individuals who are navigating the complexities of gender identity or sexual orientation. What sets us apart is that we’re peer-led—parents supporting parents, individuals supporting individuals. We offer something many services don’t: a safe space to learn, unlearn, ask questions, and make mistakes without judgment. In doing so, we help build stronger, more informed allies, which ultimately creates a safer, more inclusive Niagara for everyone.
Tell us about your funding structure.
As a volunteer-run organization, Pflag Niagara operates on a very modest budget. We receive no core government funding and rely entirely on the generosity of individual donors, small grants, and local fundraising efforts to sustain our work. This means that every dollar directly supports things like community events, printed materials, support meeting resources, and outreach. Funding allows us to remain accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of income or background.
One of NCF’s fundholders recently granted $10,000 to Pflag. What’s the significance of a grant like this?
A grant of this size is transformative for a small organization like ours. It allows us to dream a little bigger—whether that means expanding programming, offering more educational workshops, creating affirming resources for youth and families, or reaching parts of Niagara where support is still hard to find. Beyond the financial support, the grant signals that our work is valued and that our community matters. That affirmation is deeply powerful, especially in times when 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals continue to face significant barriers.
June is Pride Month. We know that the Queer community continues to face challenges in Niagara. What is one way that NCF donors and fundholders can support your community all year long?
This is a fantastic question! One meaningful way donors and fundholders can support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community year-round is by funding sustained, grassroots-level programming—not just during Pride Month, but throughout the year. This might include support groups, youth initiatives, educational outreach, or trans-specific services. Even small, recurring donations help us build consistency in our offerings. And beyond financial support, simply showing up—sharing space, listening, and amplifying our voices—can make a lasting difference.
Philanthropy means something different to everyone. How do you see philanthropy at work within your organization and community?
For us, philanthropy isn’t just about money—it’s about community care and mutual support. It’s a parent bringing coffee or snacks to a support meeting. It’s a volunteer offering their time to run a booth at a Pride event. It’s someone who shares their story to help others feel less alone. We see philanthropy at work in every act of kindness, advocacy, and solidarity. The collective generosity of our community is what makes our work possible—and it reminds us that we are not alone in this journey.
Thank you to Kim and to our fundholders for sharing your story. To find out more about Pflag visit their website here.
