#OrlandoUnited: Resources and Networks for Action

Our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and families impacted by the June 12 mass shooting in Orlando. In the early morning hours of June 12, a gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando, leaving 49 people dead and more than 50 injured. Our hearts are with Florida, the LGBTQ community and the many families and friends now striving to come to terms with this senseless act of terror and tragic loss of innocent lives.

As we do during times of disaster, Maryland Philanthropy Network will serve as a clearinghouse for resources and information about support efforts. Our website will be updated as new information is received, so please check it regularly.

Response Resources & Information

• The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region 
• Free State Legal and Equality Maryland   
• Funders for LGBTQ Issues
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy
• Florida Philanthropic Network
• Lessons From Roseburg: The Ford Family Foundation

Make contributions to support the following: 

Ending Gun Violence

• Everytown for Gun Safety
• Coalition to End Gun Violence
• Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
• States United to Prevent Gun Violence
• LGBT Community
• Stonewall Community Foundation

Funds for the Victims of the Orlando Shooting

• Better Together Fund was established by the Central Florida Foundation to help the city respond to the needs of the community - not only those we know but those we cannot anticipate - now, and in the time to come. The fund will support:
  • Nonprofits that are supporting the survivors and families,
  • The LGBTQ, Hispanic, faith and other affected communities,
  • Underlying causes of this tragic event, and
  • Other needs we cannot anticipate until we face them.
• OneOrlando Fund announced by the Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. The purpose of the Fund is to provide a way to help respond to the needs of our community, now and in the time to come, after the effects of the Pulse nightclub tragedy. 
• Equality Florida (Florida Philanthropic Network has referred people to the website of Equality Florida, the main LGBTQ rights organization in the state, where you can find information and updates on this horrific situation.) Equality Florida has said that “We are working with a team of attorneys and experts, including the National Center for Victims of Crime, which deployed funds in both Chattanooga and Aurora, to ensure funds are distributed correctly.”
• The Center, an LGBT advocacy group that is providing a crisis hotline (407-227-1446) and grief counselors for people in the Orlando area, also set up a GoFundMe page
• The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Central Florida is working to support the local queer community through counseling and support in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. To donate to the center’s efforts, visit here.
• Muslims United for Victims of Pulse Shooting. American Muslim leaders called on members of their community who are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan to break their fast if needed in order to donate blood. And, Muslim community members in Florida have launched a fundrasing campaign to support the shooting victims and their families.
• Central Florida Foundation will be sharing updates in the next few days on how you can help now and in the weeks and months to come. FPN will release more details as they become available and you can monitor up-to-date developments at their website, http://cffound.org.
• Our Fund Foundation, a community foundation whose mission is to support South Florida’s LGBTQ agencies, is collecting tax-deductible donations. 100% of the tax-deductible funds raised through Our Fund will be donated to the nonprofits in Orlando supporting survivors and victims' families and friends and their efforts to restore peace, joy and wellness to Orlando's LGBTQ community. To make a tax-deductible donation through Our Fund, visit https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/OurFund/Orlando.html
• Pulse Victims Fund. Equality Florida is collecting contributions via a GoFundMe page to support every single victim of the Orlando shooting.  This includes victims’ families, survivors, and those in the club who may not have suffered physical injury but in need of support.  Equality Florida is working with the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) to distribute the contributions via NCVC’s National Compassion Fund.
• Governor Rick Scott announced the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund following yesterday’s terror attack in Orlando. The Florida Disaster Fund will help provide financial support to organizations that serve survivors, their families, and all those in need. To make a contribution, please visit http://www.FloridaDisasterFund.org.
• The Red Cross is also accepting donations toward the response in Orlando. Donate at 800-733-2767 or redcross.org.