named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Advocacy and Leadership Activities
Initiatives that empower members to engage in civic action and leadership development, including a Civic Engagement/Leadership Working Group
Arts and Culture Events
Cultural celebrations and creative programming that honor racial and ethnic traditions of members
Buddy-to-Buddy Working Group
Intergenerational companionship program pairing queer and trans people of color for mutual support and connection
Health & Wellness Programs
Programs focused on physical and mental well-being, including wellness calls and health-focused workshops
Special Events
Annual events such as the 29th Anniversary Celebration, Holiday Parties, and Pride BBQs that build community and visibility
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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LGBTQ+ Aging Support Programs 3 activities
- Communal meals program to reduce food insecurity and social isolationOperates a communal meals program that addresses food insecurity and fosters social connection among LGBTQ+ elders of color, particularly Black, African-American, and Caribbean-American individuals over 50.
- Peer Caregiver Program for outreach and support to isolated eldersProvides outreach and regular check-in services to isolated or homebound LGBTQ+ elders of color through one-to-one peer support including home visits, hospital accompaniment, assistance with errands, social outings, and phone contact; also includes monthly wellness checks and spa days for enrolled participants.
- Weekly and monthly support groups for LGBTQ+ elders of colorHosts a weekly Men's Sexual Health Program for men over 50 focusing on mental health, relationships, and self-care; a weekly Women's Support Group for women over 50 emphasizing self-esteem and leadership; and a monthly Trans Social group for transgender and gender non-conforming older adults over 50.
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Senior Advocacy and Civic Engagement 1 activity
- Advocacy for equity in aging, health, housing, and social policyRuns advocacy programs that amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ elders of color and advance equity in aging, health, housing, and social policy.
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Senior Social & Enrichment Programming 1 activity
- Core psychosocial, educational, and recreational programmingOffers ongoing programs including wood carving classes, book club, nutrition education, health management workshops, self-defense classes, beautification projects, and public outings to support the mental, physical, and social wellness of LGBTQ+ elders of color.
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LGBTQ+ Community Events and Celebrations 1 activity
- Cultural celebrations and community events for LGBTQ+ eldersHosts seasonal gatherings, Pride events, milestone celebrations, holiday parties, cultural outings, and an annual anniversary reception—such as the 29th Anniversary Celebration in Brooklyn—to foster unity, joy, visibility, and community engagement for LGBTQ+ elders of color.
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Community Resource Navigation and Support Services 1 activity
- Information and referral services for community resourcesProvides information and referrals to help LGBTQ+ elders of color locate essential neighborhood resources such as food pantries.
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Leadership Development Programs 1 activity
- Leadership development and capacity building for peer caregiversOffers reflective supervision, integrative trainings, and fellowship support groups to develop leadership skills and professional competencies among peer caregivers serving LGBTQ+ elders of color.
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Intergenerational Connection Programs 1 activity
- Volunteer engagement and intergenerational companionship programsOffers individual volunteer roles including intergenerational buddy companionship, workshop facilitation, data entry, outreach and canvassing, phone outreach, event support, and social media communications to engage community members in supporting LGBTQ+ elders.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$559K
Contributions & grants$559K100%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$426K
Program expenses70%
Admin / overhead16%
Fundraising14%
Salaries & benefits$243K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$487K
Cash$297K
Investments$0
Liabilities$44K
Net assets$443K
Liquid reserves8.4 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +1.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUNDARAY GUESS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $100K |
board members · 11
- AMANDA LUGG — CO-CHAIR
- ANDRE AEKINS — DIRECTOR
- ANDRIENE JOHNSON — CO-CHAIR
- ANN CAMMET — DIRECTOR
- EILEEN RODRIGUEZ — SECRETARY
- EISHELL TILLERY — DIRECTOR
- FELICIA HOLLEY — DIRECTOR
- JAY PASTRANA PHD — DIRECTOR
- JOSE ALBINO — EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- MARK FOWLER — DIRECTOR
- POOJA GEHI — DIRECTOR
relationships · 40
Who they work with
- 100+ brands Partner — Collaborates with over 100 brands through corporate giving, sponsorship, and workplace giving to support programming.
- Arthur Fitting Partner — Member of the Board of Directors
- Aundaray Guess Partner — Volunteer Coordinator at GRIOT Circle responsible for managing volunteer applications and conducting phone interviews.
- Barbara Turk Partner — Treasury of the Board of Directors
- Benevity Partner — Workplace giving platform through which employees can donate to GRIOT Circle.
- Broadway Cares Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund Funder — Funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- Brooklyn Borough's Office- Antonio Reynoso Government — Government funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- Brooklyn Community Pride Center, Inc Funder — Funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- Brooklyn.org Funder — Foundation funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- Buddy-to-Buddy Peer Caregiver Program Partner — Peer caregiving program providing companionship and support services to isolated elders and individuals with chronic illnesses.
- Cara Page Partner — Recognized with the Changemaker Award, indicating a collaborative or honored partnership.
- City Council Member Chris Banks Government — Government funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- City Council Member Crystal Hudson Government — Government funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- Con Edison Funder — Corporate funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- CyberGrants Partner — Workplace giving platform through which employees can donate to GRIOT Circle.
- Eileen Rodriguez Partner — Secretary of the Board of Directors
- Felicia Holley Partner — Member of the Board of Directors
- Guitar Center Foundation Funder — Foundation funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- Home Depot Funder — Corporate funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- Horizons Foundation Funder — Foundation funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- Hyde and Watson Funder — Foundation funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- Kalima McKenzie-Simms Partner — Member of the Board of Directors
- Kolibri Foundation Funder — Foundation funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- Laura B. Vogler Foundation Funder — Foundation funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- NYC Department of Health’s Health Bucks Program Government — Government program funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- New York Cares Funder — Foundation funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- New York Presbyterian Funder — Corporate funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- New York State Senator Jabari Brisport Government — Government funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- Omomuki Foundation Funder — Foundation funder supporting GRIOT Circle's programs and operations
- Pooja Gehi Partner — Member of the Board of Directors
+ 10 more
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Driven Representation and Governancemethodology: community-representative governanceBy ensuring organizational leadership reflects the community’s racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity, the organization increases responsiveness and trust, because representative governance enables authentic advocacy and program relevance.
- Culturally Centered and Legacy-Based Caremethodology: cultural_pride_and_legacyBy grounding programs in the cultural pride, lived experiences, and ancestral traditions of LGBTQ+ elders of color, the organization promotes liberation and well-being, because honoring legacy strengthens identity resilience and communal healing.
- Peer-Powered Community Leadership and Caremethodology: peer_companionship_for_isolation_reductionBy training and empowering peer caregivers as leaders and companions, the organization reduces isolation and builds advocacy capacity, because shared identity and lived experience foster deeper trust and more sustainable support networks.
- Safe and Affirming Environment Modelmethodology: safe-space_modelBy creating physically and emotionally safe spaces specifically for LGBTQ+ elders of color, the organization fosters well-being, belonging, and engagement, because safety is foundational to identity affirmation and community trust.
- Whole-Person, Holistic Aging Supportmethodology: whole-person_careBy addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs together, the organization supports vibrant aging, because holistic care acknowledges the full complexity of identity and life experience among LGBTQ+ elders of color.