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JPride Baltimore helps to create safe spaces and equality for LGBTQ individuals and their families within the Jewish community through support, education and advocacy. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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We are a volunteer team of experienced community lay leaders, parents, and educators. Please read more about our story below, then head to our Projects page when you're done.

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WHAT DRIVES US

ROLES

Today, JPride functions with a voluntary advisory board and a grants committee/taskforce. We distribute micro grants, build community, and most practically, advise constituents across the Baltimore Metro Area how to create representative and affirming programs. In this, our role is to consult with Jewish partner charitable organizations: how to seek and accept gifts, grants, legacies and contributions, so they can authentically advocate with and intentionally support LGBTQ+ persons.

Our challenge today is two-fold: how to signal LGBTQ+ need to unsolicited foundations so we can increase our fund, and how to activate Jewish LGBTQ+ programming across congregations and cultural organizations.

WAYS TO SUPPORT

Join a work group like for our Seed Grant, Needs Assessment, or Community Engagement (a weeknight evening once or twice a month)
Swag sharing and community boards
Attend a community board meeting (annual open meeting)
Give advice
Donate
Help Distribute our Brochure! </aside>

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HISTORY

JPride Baltimore began in 2012 (originally as JQ Baltimore) and has evolved through leadership transitions and community partnerships to keep LGBTQ+ Jewish life visible, supported, and celebrated in Baltimore.

Today, we steward a donor-advised fund under The Associated and convene volunteers and partners to translate care into real-world programs and support.

Read the full story:

History

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MISSION

JPride Baltimore helps to create safe spaces and equality for LGBTQ individuals and their families within the Jewish community through support, education and advocacy.

We work to create a welcoming and inclusive model Jewish community for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) individuals, families and allies. In accomplishing this mission, Baltimore area LGBTQ+ Jewish individuals and their families will have rich and meaningful opportunities to fully participate in Jewish living and learning.

We envision...

Baltimore’s Jewish community will be welcoming and inclusive for LGBTQ individuals, families and allies.
JPride will be considered a vital and integral part of the Jewish community’s organizational life.
JPride will be funded at a level that enables the organization to support the needs of all LGBTQ people and their families.
LGBTQ individuals, rather than feeling ostracized in the Baltimore Jewish community, will be equal and celebrated members of the community.

You can read our bylaws here.

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VALUES

כבוד הבריות

צדקה

תשובה

תפילה

Each value links to its own section for the longer explanation. Open the full values statement doc

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WHO WE ARE

JPride Board 2026

Justin Fair (Board Chair) – Officer, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development; Board Member, Jewish Museum of Maryland; Soulstrong Podcast and Artist; Graduate of Na’aleh Accelerate Leadership Program 2022; Advisor to Jews of Color Mishpacha Project; former Board Member, Unmatched Athlete
Jody Harburger (Board Treasurer) – Board Member of The Good People Fund; Board Member and past Co-Chair of the Na'aleh Marketing Committee; retired after 47 years as a Jewish community professional executive, serving in Jewish Federations, Israel Bonds, American Jewish Committee, JCC, and Jewish Foundation for Group Homes.
Liz Minkin Friedman (Chair Emeritus) – Former Coordinator of Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership Kesher Connections Program with The Associated; Board Member, Adamah.
Megan Brantley – Director of Community Relations of Baltimore Jewish Council; LGBTQ+ Connector with the Macks Jewish Connection Network of Baltimore.
Timoth Copney – Board Member of the Baltimore Playwrights Festival; Fellow of Na’aleh Leadership Program; Arts Columnist, contributor to Bmore Art Magazine; Board Member of Bolton Street Synagogue; theatre reviewer/interviewer with BroadwayWorld.com
Adam Leah Harvey
Rebecca Mark
Alaine Jolicouer
Seats Open! Looking for a Secretary!

Grants Taskforce Committee 2025

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Our Thanks To

Core Funders and Supporters

Our fund is supported by an anonymous donor and by generous donations from organizations, families and individuals like you.

Donors and Supporters of JPride

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