Philanthropy Partner
The Our Fund Foundation
FLoatarama’s philanthropy partner is the The Our Fund Foundation, a leader in the LGBTQ+ philanthropic community and the 3rd largest LGBTQ+ foundation in the country. The Our Fund Foundation grants $2M+ annually to worthy non-profit agencies advancing LGBTQ+ causes in South Florida.
Our partnership with The Our Fund Foundation ensures the funds we raise achieve the greatest impact in the community. Funds raised by FLoatarama benefit the “FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund”, managed by The Our Fund Foundation and directed by FLoatarama.
South Florida LGBTQ Philanthropy Awards
Next Generation Philanthropy Award: FLoatarama
FLoatarama is greatly honored to be recognized by The Our Fund Foundation with the 2024 Next Generation of Philanthropy award.
The Our Fund Foundation's annual awards reception celebrates philanthropists who give of their time, talent and treasure to the South Florida LGBTQ community.
“It is a privilege to recognize these inspiring philanthropists who bring our mission to life,” said David Jobin, President and CEO, The Our Fund Foundation. “We are humbled and grateful for Bank of America Private Bank’s continued generous support which enables us to pay fitting tribute to these remarkable leaders who help make South Florida the most liveable and energetic community in the country for LGBTQ people.”
The Our Fund Foundation 5th Annual South Florida LGBTQ Philanthropy Awards
About FLoatarama
FLoatarama supports the One in Five Youth who identify as LGBTQ+.
From an impromptu start during the COVID lock-down, FLoatarama has quickly matured into a 501(c)3 all-volunteer non-profit organization, with a strong philanthropic focus, and a clear purpose to lift up LGBTQ+ Youth.
Latest data is that 1 in 5 Broward School students (50,000) identify as LGBTQ+ and face unique challenges including family rejection, bullying, depression, suicide, and much more. They need help, not the persecution they're getting from our elected officials, and FLoatarama is committed to their support.
FLoatarama’s primary objectives are to:
1. Maximize fundraising to support LGBTQ+ Youth in South Florida.
2. Foster philanthropy & networking through FLoatarama Founder’s Club.
3. Create unique, captivating & fun events to increase community engagement and
enhance Fort Lauderdale’s appeal as a safe, welcoming & vibrant LGBTQ+ destination.
The 5th Annual FLoatarama was held Saturday 8th June 2024. FLoatarama-2024, presented by Hunters Nightclubs, including the signature Flotilla of proudly decorated vessels led by the 130-foot Sun Dream Yacht Catalina. Grand Marshal breakout gay reality star Sam Lantz and 400 celebrants were on board.
The 4th Annual FLoatarama was held Saturday 10th June 2023. FLoatarama-2023, presented by Hunters Nightclubs, included the signature Flotilla of proudly decorated vessels led by the 130-foot Sun Dream Yacht Catalina. Grand Marshal Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and 400 celebrants were on board.
FLoatarama-2023 raised $75,000 for the FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund benefiting LGBTQ+ Youth (managed by our philanthropy partner, The Our Fund Foundation), an increase of 50% over 2022.
Grants were presented at the Check Awards Party on Thursday 12th October to six recipient agencies:
1. The Humanity Project ($5,000 funding school bullying prevention)
2. Thinking Cap Theatre ($10,000 funding LGBTQ+ youth arts)
3. Stonewall National Archives, Museum & Library ($10,000 funding SNEP program)
4. National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment($15,000 funding AFFIRM program)
3. South Florida Pride Youth Band($15,000 funding youth band & soloist scholarship)
4. SunServe ($20,000 funding health & wellbeing services for LGBTQ+ youth)
FLoatarama-2022, the 3rd annual event and first under our own 501(c)3 status, was on 11th June 2022. The Flotilla, with Grand Marshal NBC6 Meteorologist Steve MacLaughlin, was followed by the Sailor’s Dance & Pool Party, hosted by San Francisco DJ Matt Consola.
FLoatarama-2022 raised $50,000 for the FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund, benefiting LGBTQ+ Youth - grants were presented on 22nd September 2022 to four recipient agencies:
1. South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble ($10,000 to support Youth Band & Scholarship)
2. YES Institute ($10,000 funding education on suicide prevention & discrimination)
3. Pridelines ($15,000 to fund their CampOUT initiative)
4. SunServe ($15,000 to address increasing waitlist for critical services)
In our 2nd year, FLoatarama-2021 included a Flotilla of 34 registered boats, and a sold-out Sailor’s T-Dance with legendary San Francisco DJ Matt Consola. Our Grand Marshal was Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis. FLoatarama-2021 donated $17,134 to Pride Fort Lauderdale’s GED/Scholarship program.
Our first year was spontaneous – an impromptu, socially distanced, grass-roots Pride boat party of 20+ private vessels during the COVID lock-down in June 2020. From this start as just a party, we've grown into an all-volunteer non-profit organization, with a strong philanthropic focus, and a clear purpose to lift up LGBTQ+ Youth in South Florida.
