The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection

What The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection does

The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community center founded in 2004 and headquartered at 230 Sixth Street South, La Crosse, Wisconsin, serving LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies across a tri-state Seven Rivers Region spanning parts of Wisconsin (Buffalo, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau, Vernon counties), Minnesota (Fillmore, Houston, Winona counties), and Iowa (Allamakee, Winneshiek counties). The organization delivers a diversified portfolio of programs (Galaxy youth group, Queer Corner, Rainbow Reflections for LGBTQ+ seniors 45+, Trans Forum, Carabiner for women-loving-women, Rainbow Guardians for caregivers, Raising Rainbows for families), direct services (Drag Closet, Gender Affirming Closet, library, Rainbow Lounge drop-in space, therapy referrals, free STI testing in partnership with Vivent Health), and signature annual events (Pride in the Park in September, the La Crosse Pride Pageant, Trans Day of Remembrance). The technology footprint is minimal — no proprietary platforms, APIs, or AI systems; operations run on a Squarespace-hosted website, email newsletter, Facebook/Instagram presence, and a Threadless merchandise storefront.

The business model is a hybrid nonprofit funding stack: small recurring individual donations (pitched at $25/month), tiered business sponsorships from $75 to $25,000 annually (with perks ranging from directory listing to permanent facility recognition), event revenue concentrated in the La Crosse Pride Pageant and Pride in the Park (vendor fees, sponsorships, ticket sales), and partner-driven service delivery (free STI testing with Vivent Health; senior programming with SAGE). Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, leveraging volunteers, university interns, and a network of 17+ local institutional partners including Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse Community Foundation, regional libraries, and the Parenting Place. The Center reached its 20-year anniversary in 2024 but underwent a significant restructuring in November 2023 — including staff reductions driven by financial constraints and the resignation of long-tenured Executive Director Alesha Schandelmeier — and continues to operate under new Executive Director Shannon Kummerow with events scheduled into 2026.

Name

The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection

Legal name

The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection

Website

https://7riverslgbtq.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community center founded in 2004 serving LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa through support groups, education, advocacy, health services, and an annual Pride festival.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

LGBTQ+ Community Services and Advocacy

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

LGBTQ+ Rights & Advocacy Organizations (BPAGAFAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL), Health & Support Communities (BPAMABAL)

Keywords

• LGBTQ community center
• Support groups
• Community advocacy
• Pride events
• Youth services

Headquarters

HQ city

La Crosse

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donations constitute primary funding, with messaging emphasizing that $25/month keeps the center open one more day. Fundraising campaigns highlight political challenges affecting organizational stability.
2. Business Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships at tiered levels from $75 (Member) to $25,000 (Benefactor). Higher tiers include vendor space at Pride events, social media recognition, logo placement in marketing materials, website homepage recognition, and permanent recognition at facility.
3. Event Revenue: Pride in the Park generates vendor fees, sponsorship revenue, and merchandise sales. La Crosse Pride Pageant is described as the organization's biggest fundraiser with ticket sales supporting operations.
4. Pride Event Merchandise: Official Pride merchandise sold through Threadless online store with partial proceeds supporting The Center.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community center that provides free LGBTQ+ support groups, identity-affirming programs, drop-in services, educational outreach, advocacy, and annual Pride events to LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies across the tri-state Seven Rivers Region (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa). It operates a physical community space, on-site resources such as clothing closets and a library, free STI testing, mental health referrals, and year-round community programming for all age groups.

Product overview

The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection is a community nonprofit organization offering a diverse portfolio of programs, services, events, and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies in the Seven Rivers Region (spanning parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa). The organization operates community center-based programs including youth groups (Galaxy, Queer Corner), identity-specific support groups (Carabiner for wlw, Trans Forum, Rainbow Reflections for seniors 45+), family programs (Raising Rainbows, Rainbow Guardians), creative/social groups (LGBTQ Game Night, Queer Crafting Collective, Out in Print book club, Driftless Pride Choir), and outdoor activities (Out & Adventurous). Service offerings include clothing resources (Drag Closet, Gender Affirming Closet), mental health referrals (Therapy Services), health services (Free STI Testing in partnership with Vivent Health), educational programs (Speaking and Panel Discussions, Consent Education), and crisis support. The organization hosts major annual events including Pride in the Park, La Crosse Pride Pageant, and Trans Day of Remembrance. Resource services include an LGBTQ Business Connection Directory, Know Your Rights information for three states, and Crisis Resources. The Center also provides a drop-in space (Rainbow Lounge), library, volunteer opportunities, and business sponsorship programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Galaxy A peer support group for LGBTQ middle and high school youth, meeting 1st and 3rd Fridays, 4pm-5:30pm, at The Center in La Crosse.
• Queer Corner A community space for LGBTQ+ adults aged 18+ offering regular meetings including coffee hours and Winona-based gatherings.
• Trans Forum A support group for transgender, transsexual, non-binary, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming persons aged 18+, including those questioning gender identity. Meets 3rd Wednesdays with hybrid option.
• Rainbow Reflections A welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals aged 45+ to connect, share experiences, and build friendships. Meets 1st Thursday monthly in-person and hybrid format.
• Carabiner A support group for wlw (women who love women) individuals aged 18+, including those who identify as lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, or any wlw identity. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursday monthly.
• Raising Rainbows An inclusive playgroup for LGBTQIA+ families featuring storytime, crafts, and outdoor activities at Cameron Park. Best for ages 3-7.
• Rainbow Guardians A support group for parents, caregivers, and guardians of LGBTQ+ loved ones to share experiences and support each other.
• Rainbow Lounge A drop-in space for LGBTQ+ community members offering a welcoming environment, basic assistance, and connection to resources at The Center's physical location.
• Free STI Testing Free and confidential STI testing services including HIV, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis testing with immediate results, provided in partnership with Vivent Health at The Center.
• Drag Closet A clothing resource providing drag attire, accessories, and related items for LGBTQ+ community members at The Center.
• Gender Affirming Closet A clothing closet offering gender-affirming clothing and items for transgender and non-binary individuals at The Center.
• Library A resource library offering books, educational materials, and resources related to LGBTQ+ topics and identities, available at The Center.
• Therapy Services Mental health and counseling referrals and services connecting LGBTQ+ individuals with affirming therapists and counselors in the area.
• Speaking and Panel Discussions Educational presentations and panel discussions on LGBTQIA+ identities and issues, provided by trained volunteers and staff for schools, businesses, and community organizations.
• Pride in the Park The largest annual pride celebration in La Crosse, hosted at Riverside Park. Features family-friendly entertainment, vendors, food, programs, and drag performances. Annual event held in September.
• La Crosse Pride Pageant An annual drag pageant highlighting new and upcoming performers competing for the La Crosse Pride royalty title. The Center's biggest annual fundraiser.
• Trans Day of Remembrance Annual memorial event honoring transgender individuals who have lost their lives to transphobic violence, featuring a roll call of lives lost and moment of silence.
• LGBTQ Business Connection Directory A comprehensive online directory of LGBTQ+-owned, servicing, or welcoming businesses in the Seven Rivers Region, with categorized listings including Arts, Food & Drink, Healthcare, Non-Profits, Religious & Spiritual, Services, and Things To Do.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20 years of continuous service to the LGBTQ+ community since 2004
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• Vivant HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides free and confidential S.T.I. testing with immediate results for HIV, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis at The Center. Partnership enables direct sexual health services to the LGBTQ+ community.
• SAGE (Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ+ Elders)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization operating at intersection of LGBTQ+ and aging experiences. Partnership supports Rainbow Reflections senior program and connects local seniors to national advocacy and services.
• La Crosse Public LibrarysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Raising Rainbows program for LGBTQ+ families. Library provides space for some programming and book resources for the community.
• La Crescent Public LibrarysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Raising Rainbows program for LGBTQ+ families in the region, providing programming support and resources.
• The Parenting PlacesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in Raising Rainbows LGBTQ+ family program, collaborating on family-friendly activities and resources.
• Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.)secondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-organizer of Not Hot Ones fundraiser event. Intersectional partnership supporting both LGBTQ+ and Black community organizations.
• Pearl Street BookssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Out in Print LGBTQ+ book club. Local bookstore hosts monthly discussions on LGBTQ+ literature and media.
• St. Clare Health MissionsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on sexual health education, providing information on safe sex practices and HIV testing resources for the LGBTQ+ community.
• New Horizons Shelter & Outreach CenterssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on consent education programming. Joint webinar on consent in LGBTQ+ relationships offered to community.
• Railroad Avenue Community Kiln (RACK)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerQueer and trans-owned partner hosting Creature Comforts event featuring Transmissions quilt project for transgender community.
• Weber Center for the Performing ArtssecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue partner for Dungeons & Drag Kings fundraiser event. Provides ticketing infrastructure and physical venue for drag performances.
• La Crosse Community TheatersecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue partner for La Crosse Pride Pageant. Provides theater space and ticketing for the organization's biggest annual fundraiser.
• Trans LifelinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferral resource for transgender peer support. Listed prominently on crisis page and supported through Pride merchandise sales (partial proceeds).
• The Trevor ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferral resource for crisis support. Supported through Pride merchandise sales (partial proceeds from June Pride collection).
• Equality MotorsportsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRacecar driver Bentley Knaack's team with rainbow and trans pride flag branding featuring The Center's logo. Spreads inclusion message at La Crosse Speedway.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Fair Wisconsin: Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ advocacy organization focused on legislative and political advocacy; comparable as a regional Wisconsin counterpart to The Center but emphasizes policy work rather than direct service delivery.

Direct peers

• San Francisco LGBT Center: Major LGBTQ+ community center providing programming, youth services, senior services, and health referrals; directly comparable community-center operating model to The Center.
• Center on Halsted: Chicago-based LGBTQ+ community center offering programming, support groups, health services, and arts programming; directly comparable physical community-center model with similar lifespan-spanning program mix to The Center.
• The Center (NYC) — Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center: The flagship LGBTQ+ community center model in NYC, offering programming, support groups, health services, and cultural events; directly comparable in mission and operational structure despite much larger scale.
• One Iowa: Iowa's statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization; directly comparable as a regional advocacy-and-community-services nonprofit serving the third state in The Center's tri-state catchment.
• Los Angeles LGBT Center: Largest LGBTQ+ community center in the world; directly comparable in mission, lifespan programming, and event-based fundraising, though at much greater scale than The Center.
• OutFront Minnesota: Minnesota-based LGBTQ+ advocacy and community services organization serving the broader state; directly comparable as a regional LGBTQ+ support/advocacy nonprofit serving overlapping tri-state geography with The Center.

Emerging players

• PFLAG National: National LGBTQ+ family and ally support organization with local chapters; comparable because The Center's Rainbow Guardians and Raising Rainbows programs overlap with PFLAG's family/caregiver focus, even though PFLAG does not operate physical community centers.
• SAGE (Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ+ Elders): National organization supporting LGBTQ+ aging through advocacy and services; already an active referral partner for The Center's Rainbow Reflections senior program and therefore a comparable (and connected) peer in the seniors segment.

Others

• Pride Foundation: Regional LGBTQ+ foundation operating across the Pacific Northwest (and selectively beyond) that funds LGBTQ+ nonprofits and scholars; comparable as an LGBTQ+ ecosystem funder that could be a peer funding source for The Center.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/7riversLGBTQ
• Xx.com/7riverslgbtq
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lgbt-resource-center-for-the-7-rivers-region-inc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection