Who We Are
The Diana Foundation: Advocacy, Support, and Legacy
The Diana Foundation, based in Houston, Texas, stands as a beacon of support and advocacy for the gay community. Since our inception in 1953, we have been unwavering in our commitment to champion the needs of our diverse community. Our esteemed legacy identifies us as the nation's oldest continuously operating gay organization.
Our humble beginnings as a social organization evolved as we recognized the pressing needs within the gay community. Rising to the occasion, we embarked on a journey of fundraising, extending our aid to emergent groups striving to offer crucial services. To preserve our rich history, we have partnered with the University of Houston Library, undertaking an oral history project that delves into the personal experiences of our members, shedding light on The Diana Foundation's invaluable contributions within the broader landscape of the LGBTQ community, the vibrant City of Houston, and beyond.
In 1976, we proudly achieved our 501(c)3 status. Since then, our dedicated members have contributed over $2.1 million to a variety of organizations. Our Board of Directors meticulously reviews proposals annually, with our membership casting the final vote on the beneficiaries.
Our Impact:
True to our founding ethos of unity and camaraderie, our fundraising initiatives center around annual social gatherings. These events provide our members and guests with opportunities to contribute through membership dues, attendance fees for the Spring Awards Dinner and Show, and ticket purchases for the Country Dinner Weekend held each fall.
We take immense pride in our annual contributions to a plethora of civic, charitable, and educational initiatives. Recent beneficiaries include The Law Herrington Senior Living Center, The Montrose Center, Seniors Preparing for Rainbow Years (SPRY), Avenue360, HATCH Youth formerly (Houston Area Teen Coalition of Homosexuals), Open Gate Homeless Ministries, Pet Patrol, University of Houston Library, The Charles Botts Memorial Archives and Library (BOTTS), Out for Education, and the University of Houston's LGBTQ Resource Center.
As we look to the future, our assistance remains steadfastly dedicated to areas in dire need, particularly health services, social services, and educational/cultural pursuits.
