At OPEN, we are honored and proud to have served LGBTQIA2S+ individuals in Dane County for over 14 years. In 2022, our board evaluated our effectiveness and listened to our community. We heard the need for workplace support services for all LGBTQ+ workers in Dane County.

I am pleased to announce the launch of OPEN Foundation, a new nonprofit fiscally sponsored by the Center for Community Stewardship and dedicated to providing career development resources to the LGBTQ+ community. With your support, OPEN Foundation can continue to empower our community by providing low or no-cost opportunities for career development and networking throughout the year.

Through OPEN Foundation’s pillars of Belonging, Equity and Service, we plan to:

• Create accessible and diverse professional career development opportunities with renowned speakers & leaders.
• Amplify messages from our partner agencies to create equity in our community and workplaces, including; increased representation, better workplace policies, and growing LGBTQIA2S+ leadership.
• Partner with college campus centers, student organizations, and LGBTQIA2S+ Employee Resource Groups to expand career networks and workplace equity education.

We cannot do this work alone and need companies like yours to be co-conspirators, advocates, and allies to our community.

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, we will celebrate our community with our (lucky!) 13th Annual Dinner. Please consider sponsoring our Annual Dinner to help fund our efforts and build OPEN Foundation to elevate queer careers and build pathways to success for the LGBTQ+ community. Your generous contribution will allow us to create career development resources such as job search assistance, professional training, and mentorship.

Our Annual Dinner is a treasured event and time of celebration. We reflect on the past year's accomplishments in building connections, supporting development, and advocating for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals in our community. This year, we look forward to the possibilities of OPEN Foundation and the impact we will have on the career paths of hundreds or thousands of LGBTQ+ workers.

Major sponsorships are first come, first served, so act fast! We will follow up with you in coming weeks to determine your level of interest. With your support, we can create a more equitable work environment for Dane County LGBTQ+ workers.

Thank you for your consideration.

Heidi Duss 

OPEN Board President