Who we are

Fund for Equality is a partnership between the Fund for the Public Interest and Human Rights Campaign.

We’ve made historic progress for equal rights, passing better legislation against hate crimes, and protecting marriage equality—but the LGBTQ community still isn’t protected. In 28 states across the country, it’s still legal to fire someone for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

And with President Trump in the White House, it seems the forces of reaction and opponents of progress have gotten bolder, stronger and more entrenched. They aren’t just standing in the way of meaningful progress—they’re looking to roll back many of the important victories we’ve fought so hard to win.

Overcoming these forces means not only getting people on our side, but getting thousands or even millions of people involved, united and ready to speak out with one voice, calling on decision-makers to do what’s right.

In other words, if we want to see real change happen, it will take people power. That’s what Fund for Equality is all about—being leaders in building people power to bring about real and lasting change in our country.

Think about when change does happen—whether it’s to move the ball forward or holding the line for equal rights. You might see the president, a governor or the courts in the headlines, like when the Defense of Marriage Act was repealed.

But the real story often takes place behind the scenes, when thousands or even millions of people make their voices heard through petitions, emails, small donations and face-to-face meetings to hold decision-makers accountable to equal rights for the LGBTQ community.

That’s people power. That’s what it takes to win real change, and that's what you’ll help deliver with Fund for Equality.

Things to know when you apply

We believe that a clear vision, common-sense ideas, a fact-driven case for action, and the power of bringing people together are the necessary ingredients to any successful effort to solve society's problems. We have a set of core values and a strategic approach to making positive change. Click here for things you should know about our organization when you apply.

Our team

Whether you’re a canvass director or canvasser, you’re an integral part of a group committed to building strong campaigns to win on real challenges and problems we face.

Photo: Kimball Nelson

Bethany Bauck
Associate Director

Bethany started with Fund for Equality as an assistant canvass director in Chicago in 2012, after graduating from Wheaton College. As assistant canvass director, she worked to pass employment protections for the LGBTQ community. She then went on to run canvass offices in Cambridge, Mass., and Washington D.C., before becoming a regional director in 2014 and then associate director in 2017. In her current role, Bethany helps oversee our efforts to build membership and resources for the Human Rights Campaign.

Photo: Kimball Nelson

Ab Weeks
Regional Director

Ab serves as a regional director for the Fund for Equality, contributing to our efforts to fundraise and build membership on behalf of the Human Rights Campaign. Ab oversees the Denver, Miami and Chicago offices for the Human Rights Campaign, and has helped to raise more than $2.5 million in donations to support our campaigns.