Stonewall Foundation Awards $35,000 Grant to HEAT Program at Revel 2025 Celebration

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Stonewall Community Foundation celebrated its 35th anniversary with Revel 2025, an unforgettable evening of pride, purpose, and philanthropy in New York City. The night’s highlight was the announcement of a $35,000 grant to the HEAT Program, a Brooklyn-based organization providing lifesaving, culturally competent healthcare to queer and trans youth.

According to Stonewall’s official announcement:

“Together with our community, we blasted past our fundraising goal and marked our 35th anniversary by awarding a $35,000 to @heatprogram, an incredible organization providing lifesaving, culturally-competent healthcare to queer and trans youth.”

Why This Moment Matters

Revel 2025 wasn’t just a gala—it was a milestone for community power. In its 35th year, the Stonewall Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to uplifting organizations that champion LGBTQAI+ lives and equity.

• The Celebration: Held at Industry Bar NYC, Revel 2025 brought together artists, advocates, and allies to celebrate Stonewall’s legacy of giving and impact.

• The Recipient: The HEAT Program (Health & Education Alternatives for Teens), part of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, serves queer, trans, and gender-expansive youth ages 13–29 with compassionate medical, mental health, and HIV prevention services.

• The Need: As LGBTQAI+ youth programs face growing funding challenges, this grant sends a clear message—affirming care for queer and trans youth is essential and deserves sustained investment.

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About the HEAT Program

Founded in 1992 by Dr. Jeff Birnbaum, the HEAT Program has become a national model for youth-focused, inclusive healthcare. Located in Central Brooklyn, it provides:

• A full-service, one-stop clinic offering medical care, mental health support, transgender health services, PrEP/PEP access, and case management.

• Community outreach through initiatives like Brooklyn is PrEP’d, The Goddess Project, and Project Harmony, promoting HIV prevention and sexual health education.

• Safe, affirming spaces where queer and trans youth—particularly youth of color—can access care without stigma or fear.

The program’s mission reflects a deep belief in health equity, empowerment, and inclusion—values that align directly with Stonewall’s philanthropic vision.

What the $35K Grant Will Support

This transformative gift will help HEAT:

• Expand outreach to connect more youth with affirming healthcare and prevention resources.

• Enhance programming focused on gender-affirming services, mental health, and HIV prevention education.

• Strengthen youth leadership by supporting peer navigators and ambassador initiatives.

• Increase visibility of youth-driven healthcare models that work to eliminate stigma and improve health outcomes.

A Night of Celebration & Community

Performances by @mkxmusic electrified the evening, while the crowd cheered as HEAT representatives accepted the $35,000 check on stage. The moment captured everything Stonewall’s 35-year mission represents—joy, resilience, and the power of community giving back to community.

As shared on social media, the HEAT Program expressed gratitude:

“Thank you @stonewallfoundation for your incredible support! Your $35K grant helps us keep providing lifesaving, affirming care for queer & trans youth. 🙏🏽🌈 #HEATProgram #CommunityCare”

Looking Ahead

This partnership between Stonewall and HEAT represents more than a grant—it’s an investment in a future where every young person, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can access compassionate, affirming care.

“We are deeply honored,” said the HEAT Program team. “This grant strengthens our ability to meet youth where they are—with respect, dignity, and care.”

For more about HEAT’s ongoing initiatives, visit www.heatprogram.org.To learn about Stonewall Foundation’s mission, visit www.stonewallfoundation.org.