Bunnies 46 Grant Program

The Bunnies on the Bayou (BOTB) organization awarded a series of grants in 2023 to various nonprofit initiatives in Houston, focusing on enhancing health, education, community development, and LGBTQ+ support. These grants, aimed at strengthening services for marginalized populations, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, provided essential financial support for a range of programs, from youth services and health interventions to cultural preservation and empowerment programs for minority groups. One significant grantee, Allies in Hope, received $8,000 for Camp Hope, a program supporting young people living with HIV. This funding enabled Camp Hope to resume in-person activities, expanding to include siblings and the Graduate Leadership Initiative (GLI) for 17-18-year-olds. The GLI focuses on HIV prevention, care access, and leadership skills to help participants transition into adulthood. Similarly, Avenue 360 Health and Wellness was awarded $12,000 to support Omega House, a hospice program for individuals with HIV/AIDS, emphasizing compassionate end-of-life care for financially vulnerable populations without strong social networks. Educational and preservation efforts were also highlighted, with the Dalton DeHart Photographic Foundation receiving $10,000 to digitize over three decades of LGBTQ+ cultural history in Houston. This digital archive is intended to serve as a research and educational resource, preserving the community's rich history for future generations. Meanwhile, Loud Inc.’s Houston Splash program, awarded $10,000, focused on health education for communities of color, offering mental health support, HIV awareness, and leadership development within the Black LGBTQ+ community. Additional grantees include Montrose Grace Place, which received $12,000 to support its Youth Night program, providing meals, clothing, and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness. Similarly, M.E.N. Incorporated was awarded $10,000 to run a mentorship program for young men who identify as Same Gender Loving or bisexual, offering life skills training and community support. Other educational grants supported Out for Education and PFLAG Houston’s college readiness programs, ensuring LGBTQ+ high school seniors have the resources to begin their higher education journeys. Each program is subject to regular evaluations, with success measured through participant feedback, reporting, and community impact. BOTB's contributions to these programs exemplify their commitment to enhancing support networks for LGBTQ+ individuals, preserving cultural history, and fostering inclusive, affirming environments. This funding plays a crucial role in sustaining services that promote empowerment, access to health care, and educational opportunities for underserved communities.