QUEERSPACE collective

What QUEERSPACE collective does

QUEERSPACE collective is a Minneapolis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 86-3249777) founded in 2020 by Nicki Hangsleben that delivers mentorship, group programming, a dedicated youth center, and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusivity training for queer youth, young adults, and their families. Its core service lines are a 1:1 youth mentorship program matching 2SLGBTQIA+ mentees (ages 13-17) with adult mentors for year-long engagements; the QS Youth Center, a physical drop-in facility in Minneapolis opened November 2024 that is the only dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ youth center in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in more than a decade; group youth workshops (STEM, arts, sports, theatre, DJing) co-hosted with local partners serving up to 16 youth over 3-8 week cohorts; 18-24 year-old programming; St. Cloud-area workshops; and a Training & Consulting Institute offering 60-90 minute 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusivity sessions to schools, nonprofits, and businesses.

The organization is building QS App, a mobile and web platform slated for 2026 launch on iOS, Android, and web browsers, designed to deliver virtual mentorship matching, affirming resource directories, caregiver support spaces, and one-stop programming registration, with rollout sequenced from current Twin Cities and St. Cloud participants to rural Minnesota, the broader Midwest, and eventually the U.S.

Its business model is donation- and grant-driven rather than commercial: youth programming is free, with operations sustained by individual donations (one-time and monthly recurring), corporate matching, foundation grants (notably the 2025-2027 Born This Way Foundation Kindness in Community Fund alongside Pivotal, Cotton On Foundation, Sephora, and Haus Labs), an online branded merchandise store (t-shirts, hoodies, hats, bags, mugs, blankets priced $15-$65), a recurring Pride Month partnership program with local businesses (Flip Phone Events, Hotel Emery, W Hotel, BLNCD Naturals, Twins Baseball, Twin Cities Pride), peer-to-peer fundraising via GiveMN and a Twin Cities Marathon charity team, and paid 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusivity training engagements with external organizations.

Name

QUEERSPACE collective

Legal name

QUEERSPACE collective

Website

https://queerspacecollective.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

QUEERSPACE collective is a Minneapolis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing 1:1 mentorship, a dedicated youth center, group workshops, and inclusivity training for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, young adults, and families, with a virtual mentorship app launching in 2026.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth and Community Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Child and Youth Services (624110), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Educational Support Services (611710), Human Rights Organizations (813311)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK), Peer-to-Peer & Student Mentor Tutoring Platforms (EDANAGAK), Mentoring, Coaching, Alumni Networking & Peer Support Platforms (EDAFAMAN), Youth-to-Adult Transition & Life Skills (Independent Living, Soft Skills) (EDAAAFAN)

Keywords

• Youth mentorship programs
• Community youth centers
• Inclusivity training services
• Nonprofit youth services
• Lgbtq community support

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Grants: Primary revenue stream from individual donations (one-time and monthly recurring), corporate matching, and foundation grants. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with EIN 86-3249777. Fundraising events include annual Birthday Bash (raised $70,000+ in 2026) and peer-to-peer campaigns.
2. Merchandise Sales: Online merchandise store selling branded apparel and accessories including t-shirts, hoodies, hats, bags, mugs, and blankets. All merch sales are final. Free shipping on orders over $100.
3. Pride Month Partnerships: Community partnerships during Pride Month where local businesses donate portions of sales or host fundraising events benefiting QUEERSPACE collective.
4. Training and Consulting Services: 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusivity training services provided to organizations, schools, and businesses. Training sessions are 60-90 minutes and can be facilitated in-person or remotely.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

QUEERSPACE collective provides free 1:1 mentorship matching for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth ages 13-17 with adult mentors, group youth workshops covering topics such as STEM, arts, sports, and DJing, and operates the QS Youth Center, the only dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ youth center in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in over a decade. The organization also delivers paid 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusivity training and consulting to schools, businesses, and community organizations, and sells branded merchandise to support fundraising. A virtual mentorship app (QS App) is in development for 2026 launch on iOS, Android, and web to expand reach to rural and underserved communities.

Product overview

QUEERSPACE collective is a nonprofit organization offering holistic programming for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, consisting of four interconnected core service areas: (1) 1:1 Youth Mentorship Program matching youth with adult mentors, (2) QS Youth Center providing a dedicated physical space in Minneapolis, (3) Group Youth Workshops offering skill-building and community connection, and (4) 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusivity Training Services for external organizations. The organization is developing a Virtual Mentorship App (QS App) for launch in 2026 to extend reach beyond the Twin Cities and St. Cloud service areas to rural communities and eventually nationally. Additional programming includes specialized tracks for young adults (18-24) and St. Cloud area services. The organization also sells branded merchandise as a fundraising channel.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 1:1 Youth Mentorship Program Individual mentorship matching 2SLGBTQIA+ youth (ages 13-17) with adult 2SLGBTQIA+ mentors based on youth voice, youth choice, and shared interests. Mentors and mentees meet 2-3 times per month for a year to build resilience through meaningful engagement.
• QS Youth Center A dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ youth center in Minneapolis providing drop-in programming, resources, and community space. Since opening in November 2024, it has engaged more than 100 young people, fostering belonging, self-confidence, and friendship.
• Group Youth Workshops Group-based mentorship experience centered on building skills, community, and intergenerational connection. Workshops cover STEM, sports, DJing, theatre, arts and crafts, and more, co-hosted with local community partners. Each workshop includes a facilitator, 2-3 adult mentors, and up to 16 youth participants for 3-8 weeks.
• 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusivity Training Services Training and consulting services providing organizations with tools and language to create more affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and colleagues. Topics include Intro to 2SLGBTQIA+ Identities, Creating Inclusive Youth Spaces, Supporting Trans & Non-Binary Folx, Recognizing Intersectionality, and 2SLGBTQIA+ History & Impacts of Systemic Oppression. Sessions are 60-90 minutes, delivered in-person or remotely.
• QS App (Virtual Mentorship Platform) A planned secure, affirming digital space where youth, caregivers, and community members can connect to vital support, mentorship, and resources. Set to launch 2026 for iOS, Android, and web browsers, with first rollout to current participants in Twin Cities and St. Cloud, followed by expansion across Minnesota, the Midwest, and the U.S.
• 18-24 Year-Old Programming Specialized programming for young adults ages 18-24 within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, providing age-appropriate support and resources for this demographic through drop-in center hours and group hangouts.
• St. Cloud Programming Youth mentorship and workshop programming specifically serving the St. Cloud, Minnesota area, extending QUEERSPACE services beyond the Twin Cities metro.
• QUEERSPACE Merchandise Branded merchandise including t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, bags, hats, mugs, and blankets sold to support the organization. Products include Unisex T-Shirts ($25), Youth T-Shirts ($25), Unisex Hoodies ($50), Fleece Pullovers ($45), Sherpa Blankets ($65), Travel Mugs ($35), Tote Bags ($25), Fanny Packs ($35), and various headwear. Free shipping on orders over $100.

Quantifiable outcome

• Suicide risk for trans and non-binary youth reduced by 40% with a caring adult in their life
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Flip Phone EventscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026Weekly Drag Brunches hosted by Flip Phone benefit QUEERSPACE collective. Multiple Pride Month brunch events (Prince Drag Brunch, Bad Bunny + Latin Divas, Wicked Sing-Along) also support the organization.
• Hotel EmerycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026Pride Month partnership including Travel with Pride package ($10/night donated), Pride beverage donations at Giulia and Spyhouse Coffee, Love is Love t-shirt sales ($5/item), and Wall of Pride installation.
• BLNCD NaturalsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026Pride Month partnership selling Love x Cannabis Pride cropped tee for $20 with all proceeds benefiting QUEERSPACE collective.
• W Hotel MinneapolisminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026Purple Rain cocktail available June 1 - August 31 at Living Room bar with $1 from each drink directly benefiting QUEERSPACE collective.
• Twin Cities PridecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Annual participation in Twin Cities Pride Festival and Parade. QUEERSPACE marches in the parade and participates in Youth Night event for Queer youth ages 10-20.
• Various Pride Month Business PartnersminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026Multiple local businesses support during Pride Month including: A Bar of Their Own (drink donations), AC Hotel (Pride menu), Bogart's Doughnut Co (rainbow products), Greenway Yoga (Queer Liberation Flow), MoonStone MPLS (20% of sales), Wedge Co-op (Rainbowl donations), and others.
• Twins BaseballminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026Twins x Thrivent At Bat For Impact initiative celebrating QUEERSPACE and three other organizations building community. Community voting to unlock donation dollars.
• Twin Cities In MotioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership enables QUEERSPACE charity team at the annual Twin Cities Marathon Weekend. Participants can choose the marathon or 10-mile race and are asked to fundraise for the organization.
• MintedminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cards partnership through Minted. Customers receive 20% off stationery and custom gifts, and Minted donates 15% of each purchase back to QUEERSPACE using code FUNDRAISEQUEERSPACE.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@queerspacecollective/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/queerspacecollective
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/queerspace-collective
• Instagraminstagram.com/queerspacecollective
• TikToktiktok.com/@queerspacecollective

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 QUEERSPACE collective