Building a Permanent Resource for Today and Generations to Come
The Great Lakes Bay LGBTQ+ Community Fund was established to create a permanent philanthropic resource that supports LGBTQ+ individuals and families throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Created by Michael Mirto and Paul Hayes through the Bay Area Community Foundation, the endowed fund will help strengthen opportunities for belonging, connection, visibility, and support while responding to the evolving needs of the LGBTQ+ community for generations to come.
A Vision Rooted in Community
When Michael Mirto and Paul Hayes relocated to the Great Lakes Bay Region in 2019, they wanted to find a meaningful way to give back to the community they now call home.
Inspired by their previous involvement with LGBTQ+ philanthropy in Southeast Michigan, they established the Great Lakes Bay LGBTQ+ Community Fund to create a lasting resource that will continue serving the community long into the future.
“Visibility matters. When communities see themselves reflected in philanthropy, it sends a message that they belong here and that their experiences matter.”
Today, the fund serves as a permanent investment in the future of the Great Lakes Bay Region and the people who call it home.
Pride Month Matching Opportunity
During Pride Month in 2026, the Great Lakes Bay LGBTQ+ Community Fund launched with an incredible show of community support. Thanks to a special dollar-for-dollar matching opportunity, generous donors came together to help us reach our full $10,000 matching goal, doubling the impact of every gift made throughout the campaign.
Together, we established a strong foundation for the future of this endowed fund, one that will continue to grow and provide lasting support for LGBTQ+ individuals and families across the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Although the Pride Month matching campaign has concluded, the opportunity to make a lasting impact continues. Gifts to the Great Lakes Bay LGBTQ+ Community Fund are accepted year-found and will help grow this permanent endowment, ensuring support for LGBTQ+ individuals and families well into the future.
What Your Gift Supports
“Endowments are powerful because they allow a gift to work forever, creating impact year after year while adapting to the evolving needs of the community.” — Michael Mirto
Join Us in Building a More Inclusive Future
Support the Great Lakes Bay LGBTQ+ Community Fund and help create a lasting legacy of belonging, generosity, and opportunity throughout our region.
I am proud to serve my community through my role at BACF. As a Program Officer, I collaborate with nonprofit, government, church, and school partners in Bay and Arenac counties to navigate our grant opportunities and find the right funding alignment. From project conception to post-award, I am your main contact for all things grants. Connecting organizations and donors who share the same vision and passion is at the heart of my work.
