We're Building a Brighter Future
Your donation will ensure sustainability of our programming and resources, expand our impact through the hiring of an Executive Director, and grow our operational capacity.
Help Us Reach Our Goal
Every donation makes an impact to meet the diverse needs of the LGBTQIA+ community in Mid-Missouri.
Thank You to Our Donors
Jay and Amber Sparks
Rosemary Feraldi
Gloria Crull (in memory of Andrew O'Haro)
Sara Humm
Lauren Williams
Teri Walden
Micaiah Cordell
Gregory Brown
Janet Berry
Sarah Wolcott
Barbara Sonderman and Martha Pickens
Suzanne De Chazal
Cassandra Rogers and Lisa Higgins
Jill Lucht and Bill McKelvey
Gina and Tim Overshiner
Mary Jo Neitz
Bonnie Trickey
Christina Carney
Mark and Paula Hannink (in memory of Leigh Lockhart)
Dee Williams
Ginny Muller and Alouette Mayer (in memory of Leigh Lockhart)
Raeona Nichols
Ian Aberbach and Beth Shoyer
Sarah Bantz and Michael Ohnersorgen (in memory of Leigh Lockhart)
Nikki Krawitz
Peter Tipton
Claire and Dan Baffaut
Aida Guhlincozzi
Hudson and Jane Lavender
Cameron Lee
Tashel Bordere
Bridget Murphy
Izel Rivera
Michelle Zvanut
John Christianson
Debra Till
Florence Tager
Vicky Riback Wilson
Tracy Toler and Bonnie Conley
Arin Liberman and David Wilson
Lynn Maloney
Dottie Matthews
Lynn Rossy and Bud Murphey
Cathy Gunther
Anna Lingo and Melody Nashan
Larry Kantner and Carl Morris
Mike Alden and Rockie Alden
Our Mission
Our mission at The Center Project is to provide a safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ Mid-Missourians to learn, grow, build community, and access support and resources.
We envision a Central Missouri where LGBTQIA+ people can thrive free from discrimination, connected to affirming support, experiencing equitable health outcomes, and empowered to live authentically and safely.
Our Impact in 2025
Our BRITE educators facilitated 6 trainings on LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, reaching about 200 people. Education = systematic change!
Our Emergency Fund supported 39 LGBTQIA+ individuals in crisis, totaling $14,589 in direct assistance.
We hosted our first Food Share, providing shelf-stable food to 100 people!
Prism served 93 LGBTQIA+ youth ages 11-18, providing life-saving community and connection.
Parents4Parents served 34 parents by providing essential peer support and education so each parent can build stronger relationships with their kids.
We completed an important accessibility project at our community center of adding a wheelchair accessible entrance!
Total Emergency Assistance Provided: $14,589
70
%
Housing Costs
14
%
Basic Needs
9
%
Transportation
7
%
Gender Affirming Care
Ways to Donate to Our Campaign
We have been focused on capacity-building over the past 5 years to prepare to hire staff so we can increase the impact of our programs and services
Support Us via an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
If you are 70½ or older, you can direct a tax-free donation directly from your traditional IRA to The Center Project. If you are subject to a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), a QCD counts toward it while keeping that money out of your taxable income.
How to make a QCD gift:
- Instruct your custodian: Ask your financial institution to issue a direct distribution to us using the following details:
- Payee Name: The Center Project
- Mailing Address: 805 Fairview Ave, Columbia MO 65202
- EIN (Tax ID): 20-0220760
- Give us a heads-up: Financial institutions frequently leave donor names off of institutional checks. To ensure we can properly thank you and track your capital campaign pledge, please drop us a quick email at treasurer@thecenterproject.org to let us know a check is on the way!
Note: Please consult your financial advisor or CPA to ensure a QCD aligns with your personal tax strategy.
Mail a Check
You can donate by mailing a check to:
The Center Project
P.O. Box 521
Columbia, MO 65205
Matching Gifts
Please speak with your HR department to see what your options are, and ask them to contact info@thecenterproject.org.
All donations are tax deductable!
The Center Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in
Columbia, Missouri.
Columbia, Missouri.
Help Us Build a Brighter Future
As we grow and expand our services and impact, we are committed to equity, justice, inclusion, and representation in our programming and leadership.
Donate Now
