Fundraise for SQSH

Ignite Our Fight for Queer Liberation

Mobilizing your social connections can create a ripple effect! When you start a fundraiser for SQSH, you join a grassroots movement of people who draw on our personal networks to contribute to systemic change. All funds you raise will support SQSH’s mission to strengthen the St. Louis queer/LGBTQIA+ community.

Whether you are honoring someone, challenging yourself, or celebrating a milestone, you can create a personalized donation page with SQSH! SQSH has accounts with Facebook, Instagram, and Givebutter that make fundraising easy. 

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So You Want to Fundraise for SQSH?

A step by step guide (with personal anecdotes) about how I fundraise for SQSH • Written by Kelsey (they/them), SQSH Volunteer

Hey you! Yes you! Hi, hello, I’m so happy you’re here, and hope this article finds you well. 

As SQSH matures as an organization, we plan to grow our capacity to support and empower our community to heal and flourish. In order to accomplish our collective goals, we would be so grateful for your help!

SQSH is a grassroots organization, led by queer and trans St. Louisans, funded significantly by individual donations. SQSH believes in community-centric fundraising, which works to dismantle class systems and value all donors regardless of donation size. Community-Centric Fundraising is a fundraising model that prioritizes the entire community over individual organizations, fosters a sense of belonging and interdependence, presents our work not as individual transactions but holistically, and encourages mutual support between nonprofits (CCF Website). Since our founding in 2019, SQSH has received much of our grassroots funding from donations by local businesses, groups of performers, and fundraisers by individuals (like me)!

Even “small amounts” can help to fund SQSH’s most crucial programs. Did you know that $15 funds one queer community anthology? That $25 funds one month of Peer Support Line phone bills? That $100 funds one community-building event? With our community’s dedication and support, we can grow and improve the capacity and sustainability of our programs – like our Peer Support Line, SQSHBook Resource Guide, STARLING Healing Justice Collective, and more!

“But Kelsey,” you might think, “asking people for money is super awkward!”

Yeah, that’s true and so valid. I struggled with that, too. When I reached out directly to a handful of people who I had a good feeling about contributing, I found that taking the time to personalize and connect with people – even through social media posts – was an effective way to garner support for my fundraiser.

“Huh, okay. That does sound like something I can do. So where do I start?”

I’m so glad you asked! I present to you: Kelsey’s Super Unofficial Step-by-Step Grassroots Fundraiser Planning Guide:

I know that donating to causes you believe in can feel like drops in a bucket; but as just one person doing a birthday fundraiser, I was able to individually raise $1,310 for SQSH in one month! That’s enough money to pay SQSH’s Peer Support Line phone bill for over two years!

In the end, grassroots community-centric fundraising is just one way that you can get involved in and support SQSH’s work. For more information and opportunities to get involved, check out our Volunteer webpage, follow us @thesqsh on Instagram and Facebook, check out our flyer on ways to support, or reach out directly to general@thesqsh.org. We look forward to connecting with you!

Past Fundraisers for SQSH

Host a Campaign or Event

Interested in hosting a campaign or event to raise funds for SQSH? This section will give you the tools and resources you need to get started.

Fundraise on Social Media

Start a Facebook Fundraiser

Start a Facebook fundraiser today to ask your Facebook friends to support the St. Louis queer/LGBTQIA+ community.


Instagram Bingo Cards

Download our Instagram Bingo Cards and post them on your Instagram Story to encourage your followers to donate to SQSH! Read more about how to use Instagram Story to fundraise.


Sample Social Media Posts

If you need language for your outreach, look no further! We’ve put together some scripts and templates for you to use on- and off-line. Feel free to copy-and-paste or customize these to support your fundraising efforts. Please add your own touch, if possible, to any bolded elements.

Tips & Tricks for a Successful Fundraiser