PHILADELPHIA — September 12, 2008 — Sapphire Fund, a nonprofit serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer community (GLBTQ) and Philadelphia’s HIV/AIDS community, has announced that its 2008-2009 grant process opens on September 12, 2008.

Each year, the Sapphire Fund invites eligible organizations to apply for one of three Sapphire Fund Unrestricted Funding Grants under an annual competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Eligible organizations may apply for grants by completing and submitting the Sapphire Fund 2008-2009 Grants Application Form and additional required documents found at www.sapphirefund.org. Deadline to submit a completed application is October 24, 2008.

In addition to the three unrestricted grants awarded annually, Sapphire Fund has initiated an LGBTQ Youth-in-Crisis Funding Initiative for our 2008-2009 grant cycle. As such, a portion of Sapphire Fund’s 2008-2009 fundraising proceeds will be earmarked for programs addressing Philadelphia’s LGBTQ youth in crisis.

The total amount granted to the LGBTQ Youth-in-Crisis Initiative will be an amount equal to Sapphire Fund’s largest 2008-2009 unrestricted grant award.

Sapphire Fund will announce the LGBTQ Youth-In-Crisis recipient(s) during the course of its fiscal year as it reviews efforts, in conjunction with governmental, community and organization leaders, aimed at addressing this issue.

Sapphire Fund identifies organizations that advance the GLBTQ community through education, advocacy, arts and cultural opportunities; in addition to HIV/AIDS research, education, prevention and treatment. Since 2002, Sapphire Fund has distributed almost $250,000.00 to a variety of Philadelphia-based GLBTQ non-profits, including: The AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, MANNA, Calcutta House, Mountain Meadow, William Way Community Center, GALAEI, The Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation, the Attic Youth Center, Safe Guards, Equality Advocates (formerly the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights), St. Mary's Family Respite Center, Philadelphia Family Pride and the Mazzonni Center.

Sapphire Fund is a volunteer organization, conceived and run by members and supporters of the Philadelphia GLBTQ community. Additional information is available online at www.sapphirefund.org.