In the 1980s, two gay dads began an AOL listserv to enable families to connect while a group of lesbian moms met to share parenting resources. In time, they merged, and today Rainbow Families has over 1,000 members (6,000 connected via email) and is the region’s only nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ families with trusted resources and compassionate services. It offers parenting classes, an Annual LGBTQ+ Family Conference (declared ‘Rainbow Families Day’ by the DC Mayor’s office), and support groups on adoption, new parenting, sober parenting, transgender parenting, and more. There are also opportunities for LGBTQ+ families to connect at picnics, dances, and camp weekends — spaces where children (and parents) can socialize with families like theirs in a safe, positive, celebratory way; no explaining, no "code shifting." Annual membership dues are nominal and waivers are available — because all are welcome.

Information coming soon

Awards & Recognition

n/a

Press

  • No stories found

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • The current budget for Rainbow Families is: Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Each year 150+ community advocates review applicants on the basis of governance, equity, and impact. Each featured nonprofit has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. Spur Local charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $57 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

If you like Rainbow Families you might also like