FLoatarama Awards $150K to 12 LGBTQ Youth Organizations in South Florida

FLoatarama, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ youth in South Florida, has announced a significant philanthropic initiative distributing $150,000 in grants through its FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund. The funding will support 12 extraordinary nonprofit organizations serving the region's LGBTQ youth population at a celebratory awards party on Thursday, October 23 at 6 p.m. at Hunters Wilton Manors. The event, hosted by Alex Miranda, FLoatarama's 2025 Grand Marshal and beloved Deco Drive personality, will feature the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as presenting partner and include dazzling performances from the Hard Rock Dancers and TP Lords, bringing together an anticipated 250 attendees for an evening celebrating philanthropy and community unity.

The grant recipients represent a diverse range of vital services for LGBTQ youth, including mental health support through organizations like Alliance for LGBTQ Youth and Jewish Community Services of South Florida, mentorship programs through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, arts and humanities through Brévo Theatre, abuse prevention via The Humanity Project, education and leadership development with National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment, HIV and STI prevention through PRISM Florida and Safe Schools South Florida, musical education via South Florida Pride Bands, comprehensive support services from SunServe, homelessness assistance through Sunshine Cathedral's Sunshine Pride House, and educational support from Trans Ed. These grants fund life-changing, and sometimes life-saving, programs for the one-in-five youth who identify as LGBTQ in South Florida.

This year's grant distribution comes at a critical moment when federal and state funding for inclusive initiatives has been drastically reduced, creating unprecedented challenges for organizations serving vulnerable populations. FLoatarama's President Scott Schramm emphasized that the LGBTQ Youth Fund matters now more than ever, with the organization's Grant Review Committee evaluating a record 25 applications reflecting both the growing need and incredible work being done across South Florida. Since its founding five years ago, FLoatarama has awarded more than $400,000 through its LGBTQ Youth Fund, managed in partnership with The Our Fund Foundation, while maintaining its signature Pride-on-Water celebration and operating under the mantra #HaveFunDoGood to combine philanthropy with celebration and enhance Greater Fort Lauderdale's reputation as a safe, welcoming LGBTQ destination.