• In 1996 the Center incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
• In 1997 the site was selected, the land purchased and an architectural competition held to select the design of the building.
• By 1999 over $11 million had been raised--including $1,000 pledges from over 1,000 individuals--and construction began. In March 2002 we opened the first LGBT center built from the ground up: a 35,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility among the largest centers in the world.

Our mission is to provide space and programs that welcome the LGBT community and its allies; unite the San Francisco LGBT community across lines of age, race, gender and economics; give visibility to the history, culture, and diversity of our LGBT community; organize and plan the political and cultural future for our LGBT community; and nurture new organizations and programs to meet emerging community needs.

Our vision is a LGBT community united by common values, while respecting each of our unique individual experiences. By strategically connecting individuals and institutions we empower those most impacted by discrimination. By developing broad leadership we inspire our community to reach its full potential. By celebrating our history we help insure a better future for all people.

The agency's history has not been without its challenges, which is understandable considering the breadth of mission and the diversity of the community served. However, the sheer number of people who utilize the Center speaks to the value received. All services are researched through community assessments and forums to clearly identify needs. New programs, some built directly by the community, are thriving.

Programs and Services

Direct programming is designed to serve those community members most in need, including youth, job seekers, children and families, city newcomers, women and the transgender community. We have successfully piloted ground-breaking programs in economic development, health and wellness, and youth services. These services help ensure the survival of many members of the LGBT community, including those least able to find acceptance in mainstream culture. Programs areas include:

• Economic Development
  We pioneered programs to support sustainable employment and business practices for LGBT individuals and small businesses
  
• Health and Wellness
  In addition to HIV/AIDS prevention and city newcomer programs, we provide over 10,000 information referrals each year, connecting individuals to over 500 regional LGBT services
  
• Children, Youth and Family
  We provide childcare services to LGBT families six days a week. Over 300 youth annually receive leadership development, job training, queer youth prom, and for marginally housed youth, free meals
  
• Community and Policy Initiatives
  We support several community-led initiatives, such as Center Women Present. We facilitate and lead local organizing around civic issues, such as marriage equality and employment protection
  
• Arts and Culture
  8 annual visual and performing arts showcases, as well as collaborations designed to increase the visibility of LGBT artists and public access cultural activities
  
• Building Facilities
  Open six days a week, events range from 12-step meetings to town halls to readings and lectures. The Cyber Center provides free access to computer programs and the Internet. We are home to 13 LGBT nonprofits. Rental spaces serve groups ranging from 10 to 400 in size
  

The Center plays an important role as physical and spiritual home for LGBT culture and is vital to the ultimate survival of our identity as a community.

• "The Center inspires me. It's the place I belong, you belong, we all belong. How could I not be part of that?"
• "I became a member of the Center because it is important for me to be a part of the community. What better way than to volunteer? We now have a place to meet, use as a source of entertainment and culture, just call our own."
• "The Center has given me a different perspective on being gay in San Francisco. I was disappointed with most of what I had experienced as community in San Francisco until I started volunteering at The Center."

Leadership

In March 2008, Rebecca Rolfe was hired as Executive Director, before which she served as the Center's Deputy Director for four years. She spent eight years prior to that as San Francisco Women Against Rape's Executive Director. Rebecca fills leadership positions on several statewide policy committees and task forces, including the Violence Against Women STOP Task Force and the State Advisory Committee of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The team she has constructed reflects our community's diversity, including people of color and transgender individuals. They have a solid track record of professional management, financial control, fundraising leadership and program success. Her fresh leadership is inspiring a new vision for the Center's future.

Finances

Your Support

The Center is more than a building, more than a collection of programs and people. It is a symbol that represents a belief in civil rights, freedom of expression, and an inclusive community for all people. These are fundamental San Francisco values, and we believe fundamental American values. Your donation is an investment in making this shared dream for a better future true today. To learn more about individual donor, corporate sponsorship, foundation funding or volunteer opportunities contact our Development Director Gayle Roberts at gayler@sfcenter.org or (415) 824-5524.

Financial Forms and Reports
Annual Report FY 2007/08
2007/08 IRS 990s (download .pdf file)
2006/07 IRS 990s (download .pdf file)
2005/06 IRS 990s (download .pdf file)

2004/05 IRS 990s (download .pdf file)
2003/04 IRS 990s (download .pdf file)
2002/03 IRS 990s (download .pdf file)