FLoatarama Awards $150,000 in Critical Grants to Support South Florida LGBTQ Youth Amid Funding Cuts

FLoatarama will distribute $150,000 in grants through its LGBTQ Youth Fund during an awards celebration on October 23 at Hunters Wilton Manors, providing crucial support to organizations serving South Florida's LGBTQ youth population. The grants will fund life-changing and sometimes life-saving programs for the one-in-five youth who identify as LGBTQ in the region, addressing critical needs at a time when government support has diminished significantly.

Scott Schramm, President of FLoatarama, emphasized the urgency of this philanthropic intervention. At a moment when federal and state funding for inclusive initiatives has been drastically reduced, many vital organizations in South Florida are facing unprecedented challenges. That's why FLoatarama's LGBTQ Youth Fund matters now more than ever. By investing $150,000 directly in local nonprofits, we're helping sustain programs that support LGBTQ youth amid an environment of shrinking government resources.

The event, hosted by Alex Miranda, FLoatarama's 2025 Grand Marshal and Deco Drive personality, will bring together approximately 250 attendees for an evening celebrating philanthropy and unity within the LGBTQ+ community. With the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as presenting partner, the celebration will feature entertainment including performances from the Hard Rock Dancers and TP Lords, embodying FLoatarama's mantra of combining philanthropy with celebration through its #HaveFunDoGood approach.

This year's grant recipients represent a diverse range of services addressing the multifaceted needs of LGBTQ youth. The funding will support mental health services through organizations like Alliance for LGBTQ Youth and Jewish Community Services of South Florida, mentorship programs through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, arts education via Brévo Theatre, and anti-bullying initiatives through The Humanity Project. Additional critical services include HIV and STI prevention through PRISM Florida, Inc and Safe Schools South Florida, homelessness support through Sunshine Cathedral's Sunshine Pride House, and educational assistance via Trans Ed's GED tutoring and scholarship program.

The selection process demonstrated both the growing need and the robust network of support organizations in the region. FLoatarama's Grant Review Committee, composed of dedicated community volunteers, evaluated a record 25 applications this year, reflecting the expanding landscape of LGBTQ+ youth-serving organizations across South Florida. Since its establishment five years ago, FLoatarama has awarded more than $400,000 through its LGBTQ Youth Fund, which is managed in partnership with The Our Fund Foundation at https://www.our-fund.org.

As an all-volunteer nonprofit, FLoatarama operates as a social club that puts the fun in fundraising, engaging the community through vibrant events including its signature Pride-on-Water celebration each June during Pride Month. This model of combining celebration with meaningful philanthropy not only raises vital funds but also enhances Greater Fort Lauderdale's reputation as a safe, welcoming, and dynamic LGBTQ destination. The organization's approach demonstrates how community-driven initiatives can effectively fill gaps left by reduced government funding while building stronger, more connected communities.