What Stonewall Columbus does

Stonewall Columbus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1981 in Columbus, Ohio, serving as Central Ohio's primary LGBTQ+ community resource organization. The organization operates The Center, a 12,000 sq. ft. owned and renovated community hub in the Short North Arts District (purchased in 2005, renovated 2017-2018), which functions as the physical anchor for year-round programming organized around four pillars: Economic Empowerment, Family Expansion, Identity Enrichment, and Personal Wellness. Its programming portfolio includes counseling services (via North Central Mental Health), the Trailblazers program for LGBTQ+ adults 55+, Family Pride Network (merged in 2021) for prospective parents, Camp Lilac for trans and gender-diverse youth, Red Space HIV/STI wellness services, Between the Walls art gallery, Lambda Literary Pride book clubs, Adventure Pride outdoor activities, support groups (Men's Coming Out, W.O.N., Trans Talk Tuesday), and Q-JOBS job board. The organization serves approximately 30,000-35,000 individuals annually through these programs and an additional 750,000+ attendees at the flagship Columbus Pride Festival & March.

The organization's revenue model is diversified across seven streams: individual donations and sustaining memberships (Stonewall Thrives annual campaign, Pride Champions, Pride Circle recurring programs); corporate partnerships through the Pride 365 initiative with 60+ companies across tiered sponsorship levels (Presenting, Premier, Partner, Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Media, Ally, Friend); Pride event revenue from 200+ vendor registration fees, 21,000+ marcher participation fees, and Pride Guide advertising; facility and space rentals at The Center; Cornerstone Consulting LGBTQ+ education and training services priced at $500-$5,000 per session across corporate, higher education, nonprofit/K-12, and government audiences; federal and local government grants (Franklin County awarded $703,843 across 2025-2026); and merchandise sales through Shop with Pride partnerships with Queerencia, Columbus Pride Store, and Homage. Technology infrastructure is limited to standard nonprofit SaaS tools (neonCRM, Eventeny, Planning Pod) with no proprietary platform.

Stonewall Columbus employs approximately 15 staff members across Business Operations, Community Programs & Learning, and Annual Giving functions, governed by a Board of Trustees with 19+ members led by President K Terry Smith. A significant leadership transition is underway: Executive Director Densil Porteous, who led the organization for over six years and expanded Pride attendance to 750,000+, will depart July 1, 2026 to accept a national leadership role at the Human Rights Campaign, with the Board actively conducting an executive search.

Name

Stonewall Columbus

Legal name

Stonewall Columbus, Inc.

Website

https://stonewallcolumbus.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Stonewall Columbus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1981 serving LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in Central Ohio through year-round programs, advocacy, counseling, and the annual Columbus Pride Festival & March at its 12,000 sq. ft. community hub.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

LGBTQ+ Community Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Community Food Services (62421)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

LGBTQ+ Rights & Advocacy Organizations (BPAGAFAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

Keywords

• LGBTQ+ community services
• Pride festival events
• Nonprofit community programs
• LGBTQ+ education training
• Advocacy and wellness

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Donations and Membership: Individual donations through the Stonewall Thrives annual campaign, sustaining membership donations, Pride Champions, and Pride Circle recurring donor programs. Community members contribute at various levels to support LGBTQ+ community programs and operations.
2. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: Pride 365 corporate partnership program featuring tiered sponsorship levels (Presenting, Premier, Partner, Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Media, Ally, Friend). Partners provide financial support, in-kind donations, and employee engagement opportunities.
3. Pride Event Revenue: The annual Pride Festival and March generates revenue through vendor registration fees, march participant fees, Pride Guide advertising, vendor tent rentals, and ticket sales for events like Pride Brunch. Pride events are described as the organization's largest annual fundraiser supporting programs and operations year-round.
4. Facility and Space Rentals: The Stonewall Columbus Community Center generates revenue through rental of event spaces including multi-functional gathering rooms, board room, and terrace spaces. Rental fees vary by space size and include discounts for nonprofit organizations and Stonewall Columbus members. Expedited booking fees apply for short-notice reservations.
5. Training and Consulting Services: Cornerstone Consulting provides LGBTQ+ education, training, and consulting services to businesses, schools, faith communities, and healthcare providers. Fees are structured by audience type (Corporate/Commercial, Higher Ed, Nonprofit/K-12, Government) and engagement level (100-Level, 200-Level, 300-Level sessions).
6. Government Grants: Federal and local government funding including Franklin County grants ($427,562 awarded in 2026 for workforce development, $276,281 in 2025), and other public investment supporting LGBTQ+ services and community programs.
7. Merchandise Sales: Pride merchandise including Shop with Pride partnerships with Queerencia, Columbus Pride Store, and Homage Stonewall Collection. Proceeds support Stonewall programs and services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Stonewall Columbus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating The Center, a 12,000 sq. ft. community facility in Columbus's Short North Arts District, and the annual Columbus Pride Festival & March. It delivers year-round LGBTQ+ programs across four pillars — Economic Empowerment, Family Expansion, Identity Enrichment, and Personal Wellness — including counseling, support groups, arts programming, HIV/STI wellness, senior services, family-building resources, outdoor recreation, a job board, and tiered corporate LGBTQ+ education and training through Cornerstone Consulting.

Product overview

Stonewall Columbus is a nonprofit LGBTQ+ community organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs and services organized around four pillars: Economic Empowerment, Family Expansion, Identity Enrichment, and Personal Wellness. The flagship offering is the annual Columbus Pride Festival & March, which serves as the primary fundraiser supporting all operations. Core programming centers on The Center (a 12,000 sq. ft. community facility), C.A.R.E.S. Navigation for resource connection, and Cornerstone Consulting for LGBTQ+ training and education services. Additional programs include counseling and support groups, Trailblazers (55+ seniors), Family Pride Network, Adventure Pride outdoor activities, Between the Walls art gallery, Lambda Literary Pride book clubs, Red [Space] HIV wellness, and Q-JOBS job board. The organization also operates Lavender Listings (business directory), event space rentals, and a Partners in Residence capacity-building program for LGBTQ-serving organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cornerstone Consulting: LGBTQ+ education, training, and consulting program for businesses, schools, faith communities, healthcare providers, and other organizations.
• Pride 365
• Lavender Listings
• Family Pride Network (FPN)
• Red Space
• Between the Walls

Products and services

• Columbus Pride Festival & March Annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebration featuring a festival with 200+ vendors, entertainment, and community resources, plus a Pride March with 21,000+ marchers. The event attracts over 750,000 visitors annually and serves as Stonewall's largest annual fundraiser, supporting year-round programs and operations.
• The Center (Stonewall Columbus Community Center) 12,000 sq. ft. community hub in the Short North Arts District of Columbus serving as the physical home for year-round programs, services, counseling, support groups, cultural events, wellness activities, and rental gatherings. Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm.
• Cornerstone Consulting LGBTQ+ education, training, and consulting program for businesses, schools, faith communities, and healthcare providers. Offers LGBTQ+ 101, Transgender & Gender-Expansive Identities, Allyship 365, and policy/strategy consulting services delivered in-person or virtually across 100, 200, and 300 levels with tiered pricing by audience type.
• Event & Space Rentals Rental program offering multi-functional gathering rooms, board room, and terrace spaces at The Center for meetings, celebrations, weddings, and workshops, with discounted rates for nonprofits and Stonewall Columbus members and an expedited booking fee for short-notice reservations.
• Counseling Services In-house LGBTQ+ counseling services supported by North Central Mental Health Services, offering individual, couples, family, and youth therapy, a Transgender Therapy Group, and the True Colors substance use recovery support group. Subsidized by Franklin County ADAMH Board funding.
• Trailblazers Program for LGBTQ+ adults ages 55+ featuring social gatherings, educational talks, cultural experiences, and community events. Roughly 20% of The Center's visitors participate, with programs supported by Franklin County Office on Aging.
• Family Pride Network Program connecting LGBTQ+ people creating and maintaining families through social events, educational programs, and professional resources including the annual Pathways to Parenthood symposium.
• Adventure Pride Outdoor activity program featuring regularly scheduled hikes, walks, and excursions at varying skill levels with accessibility information and pet policies.
• Between the Walls Nonprofit community art gallery in the Short North Arts District showcasing LGBTQ+ artists through rotating exhibitions featuring various mediums, backgrounds, and experience levels.
• Lambda Literary Pride Literature and book club program featuring Men's Book Club, Women's Book Club, and The Read Out List celebrating LGBTQ+ authors and voices year-round.
• Red [Space] HIV/STI wellness, education, and community space focused on underserved communities including BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV, offering rapid testing, resource navigation, and educational programming in partnership with Columbus Department of Public Health.
• Classes Educational and recreational classes including Ballroom Dancing (6-week sessions covering Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Rumba, Swing), Open LGBTQ+ Education Sessions, and Queer Yoga mindfulness program, with sliding-scale fees and financial waivers.
• Q-JOBS LGBTQ-focused job board connecting job seekers with LGBTQ-affirming employers who have achieved at least 75% on HRC's Corporate Equality Index.
• Lavender Listings LGBTQ+ business directory compiled by Stonewall Columbus (lavenderlistings.com) connecting community members with LGBTQ-friendly local products and services.
• Partners in Residence Capacity-building support program offering office space, conference room access, and resource sharing to LGBTQ-serving organizations including Black Transmen Inc., Diversity Chamber of Central Ohio, Central Outreach Wellness, Stonewall Sports Columbus, Little Gay Bookstore, Plexus, LOVEboldly, and JustChoice.

Quantifiable outcome

• 750,000+ annual Pride attendees, 200+ vendors, 21,000 marchers
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• BattellecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier partner supporting Pride 365 initiative. Major corporate sponsor providing financial and technical support for LGBTQ+ community programs.
• HondacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiamond-level corporate partner in Pride 365 program. Major sponsor of LGBTQ+ community initiatives.
• CareSourcecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiamond-level partner with Pride logo, supporting LGBTQ+ community through Pride 365 initiative.
• Huntington BankmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum-level partner in Pride 365 program supporting annual Pride events and organizational operations.
• Columbia GasmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum-level corporate partner supporting Pride events and LGBTQ+ community programs.
• OhioHealthmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSilver-level partner providing healthcare-focused support for LGBTQ+ community wellness initiatives.
• Cardinal HealthmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold-level corporate partner supporting Pride events and organizational programs.
• North Central Mental Health ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides in-house counseling services at Stonewall Columbus including individual, couples, family therapy, youth counseling, and transgender therapy group. Subsidized by Franklin County ADAMH Board funding.
• NBC4i (WCMH-TV)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner and official home for Stonewall Columbus Pride Celebration. Provides media coverage and promotional support for Pride events.
• QueerenciaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPride store partner hosting Stonewall Columbus Pride 2026 merchandise collection.
• HomageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner for Stonewall Columbus Pride merchandise collection.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)minorOthersCDC resources referenced in HIV wellness education through Red Space program.
• Black Transmen, Inc. (BTM Ohio)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Residence accessing Stonewall resources including office space, capacity-building support, and programming collaboration at The Center.
• Diversity Chamber of Central OhiominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Residence serving LGBTQ+ business community through chamber programming and Stonewall collaboration.
• Central Outreach WellnessmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Residence providing Trans Talk Tuesday programming and LGBTQ+ health services collaboration. Operates Stonewall After Dark weekly events.
• Little Gay BookstoreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Residence in collaboration with Stonewall Cafe, providing literary and community resources.
• Stonewall Sports ColumbusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Residence providing LGBTQ+ sports and recreational programming through Stonewall sports leagues.
• Grange InsurancemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner-level corporate sponsor of Pride 365 initiative.
• JPMorgan ChasemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner-level corporate sponsor of Pride 365 initiative.
• Greater Columbus Convention CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner-level venue for Pride events and programming.
• Human Rights CampaigncoreOthersNational LGBTQ+ advocacy organization where Executive Director Densil Porteous accepted a national leadership position effective July 2026.
• CenterLinkminorOthersNational LGBTQ+ center network providing resources, best practices, and peer support for community centers.
• Demmer AV SolutionsminorOthersFacility partner providing AV services for building operations and events.
• PlexusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Residence providing LGBTQ+ professional networking and business development support.
• LOVEboldlyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Residence hosting Pride Interfaith Prayer Service and faith-based LGBTQ+ community programming.
• JustChoiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Residence providing legal aid and advocacy services for LGBTQ+ community.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Strengths1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/stonewallcmh
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCelS-RinKFCPd-wCcaaP76g
• Facebookfacebook.com/stonewallcolumbus
• Instagraminstagram.com/stonewallcolumbus
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stonewall-columbus-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Stonewall Columbus