Here’s how you can still donate, support and give back to those affected by Pulse

In the lead-up to the one-year anniversary of the June 12, 2016, mass shooting at the gay nightclub Pulse, here are a few local organizations that still need donations to keep supporting the survivors, victims’ families, and first responders. OnePULSE Foundation is a nonprofit incorporated by the owners of Pulse Nightclub. While Pulse Nightclub has served as an informal memorial, OnePULSE is raising funds to turn the legacy of Pulse into different methods of supporting the community. These include: constructing and maintaining a memorial, providing grants to care for those most affected by Pulse, and funding educational programs and endowed scholarships in honor of the 49 victims. OnePULSE’s long-term vision is to create a museum to showcase the artifacts and stories from the event.

Equality Florida’s mission is to create a world for the LGBT community free of harassment and violence. The nonprofit hosts community events and leadership workshops and builds coalitions that have helped get pro-equality laws passed. Through their website, you can make a general donation or donate in honor of a loved one.

Equality Florida is also running the #HonorThemWithAction GoFundMe campaign. The movement calls upon people to share stories about their local efforts to combat hatred and to make a donation to create large-scale projects and events with partner organizations to create lasting change.

OneBlood is hosting blood drives in honor of Pulse. CBS Radio Orlando has partnered with OneBlood to host a blood drive Wednesday, June 7, at CBS studios in Maitland and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Donors will receive a “Still Strong, Still United, Still One” T-shirt. The event remembers those killed at Pulse.

Mental Health Association of Central Florida provides free counseling services to Pulse survivors, victims’ families, and others. The staff seeks to increase state funding for mental health services to make sure these services do not have to end from lack of funds. To support the cause, you can become a member of the association for a fee that supports free counseling for those affected by Pulse.

The GLBT Community Center of Central Florida has been a resource center of education, advocacy, and support for the gay community in Florida for the past 38 years. The Center offers free counseling five days a week, clinical services, and awards the 49 Fund Scholarship to LGBT students who make a positive impact. Consider donating to the scholarship or becoming a member to support the Center’s community programs.

Proyecto Somos Orlando offers assistance counseling and support with bilingual professionals for families impacted by the tragedy that occurred at Pulse Nightclub. Immigration counseling and legal assistance is also offered. To support Somos Orlando’s mission, donate here.

Contigo Fund is a philanthropic group providing financial resources to nonprofits and grassroots efforts that support communities affected by the Pulse tragedy. The fund is part of an effort to help advance local Latinx and LGBTQ causes and build connections across the diverse communities in Central Florida with the goal of raising awareness about homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia, racism, and other forms of bigotry. To support Contigo Fund’s mission, you can donate here.

If you’d like us to mention your Pulse-related event or fundraisers, please email us at feedback@orlandoweekly.com and we’ll add it!

This article appears in May 31 – Jun 6, 2017.