FLoatarama Distributes $150,000 in Grants to Support South Florida LGBTQ Youth Programs

FLoatarama announced it will award $150,000 in grants through the nonprofit's FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund at a celebratory awards party on Thursday, October 23 at 6 p.m. at Hunters Wilton Manors. These grants, which fund life-changing and sometimes life-saving programs, will be distributed among 12 extraordinary nonprofit organizations that provide critical support services for the one-in-five youth who identify as LGBTQ in South Florida.

The evening will be hosted by Alex Miranda, FLoatarama's 2025 Grand Marshal and beloved Deco Drive personality, and will celebrate philanthropy and unity within the LGBTQ+ community. With the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as presenting partner, the anticipated 250 attendees can expect a lively night of entertainment, including dazzling performances from the Hard Rock Dancers and the incredible TP Lords.

FLoatarama is an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ Youth in South Florida. Akin to a social club that puts the fun in fundraising, FLoatarama engages the community through a series of vibrant events, including its signature Pride-on-Water celebration each June during Pride Month and annual donations from its Founder's Club members.

By combining philanthropy with celebration, with its mantra of #HaveFunDoGood, FLoatarama not only raises vital funds for LGBTQ+ Youth but also enhances Greater Fort Lauderdale's reputation as a safe, welcoming, and dynamic LGBTQ destination. The organization's approach demonstrates how community-driven initiatives can fill critical gaps when government support diminishes.

Scott Schramm, President of FLoatarama, emphasized the timing's significance, stating that at a moment when federal and state funding for inclusive initiatives has been drastically reduced, many vital organizations in South Florida are facing unprecedented challenges. That's why FLoatarama's LGBTQ Youth Fund matters now more than ever. By investing $150,000 directly in local nonprofits, the organization is helping sustain programs that support LGBTQ youth amid an environment of shrinking government resources.

FLoatarama's 2025 LGBTQ Youth Fund grant recipients include Alliance for LGBTQ Youth for mental health, education and leadership; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County for BIG Pride Mentorship & Life Coaching; Brévo Theatre for arts & humanities program; The Humanity Project for abuse & anti-bullying program; Jewish Community Services of South Florida for mental health counseling & crisis support; National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment for AFFIRM Education & Leadership Program; PRISM Florida, Inc for HIV & STI prevention; Safe Schools South Florida for sexual health & HIV prevention; South Florida Pride Bands for youth pride band & scholarships; SunServe (AHF) for mental health therapy, support groups & life coaching; Sunshine Cathedral – Sunshine Pride House for homelessness; and Trans Ed for GED tutoring & scholarship.

This year, FLoatarama's Grant Review Committee of dedicated community volunteers evaluated 25 applications, a record number that reflects both the growing need and the incredible work being done by LGBTQ+ youth-serving organizations across South Florida. The competitive selection process underscores the importance of strategic funding allocation to maximize impact in the community.

Since its founding five years ago, FLoatarama has awarded grants of more than $400,000 through its LGBTQ Youth Fund, managed in partnership with The Our Fund Foundation. This sustained commitment demonstrates the organization's long-term dedication to supporting LGBTQ youth through strategic philanthropy and community engagement. The continued growth of FLoatarama's funding capacity signals increasing community support for LGBTQ youth programs during a critical period when many young people face unique challenges and barriers to accessing essential services.