Celebrating Pride Month + Best LGBTQ+ Charities to donate to in 2026 ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
- Virtue
- May 8
- 8 min read
Every June, Pride Month creates an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities, reflect on progress, and support organisations making a real difference year-round. Across the UK and Canada, charities are providing vital services including mental health support, youth housing, advocacy, healthcare access, community programmes, and crisis support for LGBTQ+ people.
Pride also matters because representation and inclusion still have a measurable impact on people’s lives. In the UK, nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ employees say they still hide their identity at work, according to recent research from Stonewall UK. UK government data also shows LGBTQ+ adults face significantly higher risks of suicide and self-harm compared with heterosexual adults.
At the same time, younger generations are reshaping culture and expectations. More than 1 in 10 people aged 16–24 in the UK now identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In Canada, support for LGBTQ+ inclusion remains among the strongest globally, with younger consumers increasingly expecting brands and businesses to support equality and belonging actively
.
If you’re looking to support meaningful causes this Pride Month, here are some impactful charities and organisations worth considering.
In this article:
Brand X Pride Campaigns We Love
Best LGBTQ+ Charities to donate to in UK, CA, US
Ways to Celebrate
FAQs on running a giving campaign
Support great Causes from sales with store and checkout donations. Virtue Shopify App is an easy-to-set-up fundraising app for eCommerce brands built on Shopify & Shopify POS
Brand X Pride Campaigns We Love 🌈
Levi’s Pride Campaigns — “Meet You in the Park” (2025)
One of the strongest recent examples of authentic Pride marketing, Levi’s 2025 campaign focused on queer history, safe community spaces, and LGBTQ+ self-expression. The collection drew inspiration from historic queer meeting spaces and partnered with LGBTQ+ creatives and archives. Levi’s also continued annual donations supporting LGBTQ+ organisations.
Why it worked:
Connected to LGBTQ+ history and culture
Long-term commitment, not one-off rainbow branding
Included financial support and partnerships
LEGO’s “Everyone is Awesome” became one of the most widely recognised inclusive campaigns in recent years. The campaign centred around diversity, inclusion, and representation through a dedicated rainbow-themed LEGO set with gender-neutral figures.
Why it worked:
Positive, family-friendly inclusion
Clear symbolic representation
Extended beyond June into a broader brand identity
Happy Socks - 10 per cent of the profit from each pair sold goes to Inter Pride.
Savage x Fenty collection in celebration of Pride Month featuring thigh-high stockings, crop tops, bralettes and boxers, the latest drop hopes to champion a range of body types, shapes, and identities. The brand has pledged to donate $250,000 from sales of the collection to a range of LGBT+ organizations, including CLAAD, The Caribbean Equality Project and the Trans Wellness Center (2021).
Best LGBTQ+ Charities to donate to in 2026
UK LGBTQ+ Charities
Stonewall
Stonewall was founded back in 1989 by activists protesting a law called section 28, which banned the promotion of homosexuality in UK schools. Today they are working to empower the community and lobby to create a world where LGBTQ+ people can live openly without fear of discrimination.
Stonewall has helped to train over 6000 workplaces on LGBTQ+ inclusion, as well as supporting legal protections for LGBTQ+ people in areas such as marriage and adoption.
Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT)
The Albert Kennedy Trust supports homeless LGBTQ+ youth who are homeless or are facing homelessness. The charity was also founded in 1989 and offers a number of services including housing, advocacy, and mentoring.
The charity was named after Albert Kennedy who was a 16 year old homeless youth who was rejected by his family because of his sexuality. To date, they have helped over 6000 LGBTQ+ individuals in need with their services.
Check out some other causes to donate to
Switchboard
Switchboard is a helpline supporting LGBTQ+ individuals founded back in 1974. Today they offer a number of confidential services including their helpline (0800 0119 100) and online chat services located directly on their website.
Each year Switchboard receives over 20,000 contacts per year from people looking for support.
LGBT Foundation
The LGBT Foundation was founded in 1975 and provides a range of services including advocacy, health and wellbeing support, and community events. They also offer support for people experiencing domestic abuse, hate crime, and discrimination.
The LGBT Foundation has provided over 35,000 free sexual health kits in the past year.
MindOut
MindOut is a mental health-focused organisation founded in 1999. The charity offers a range of services including counselling and support groups. In the last year, they have provided over 5,000 hours of counselling and peer support.
Gendered Intelligence
Gendered Intelligence is a charity focused on supporting the trans community. Working through a number of services including entering training and advocacy, their goal is to to increase understanding of gender diversity and to support trans and non-binary young people.
In the past year, they have supported over 1,000 young people through their services.
Black Beetle Health
Black Beetle Health is a group that works to improve the health and lives of LGBTQ+ people of colour. They focus on bringing attention to the unequal health problems these communities face, both in the UK and globally.
Check out some other causes to donate to
Canadian LGBTQ+ Charities
Rainbow Railroad
Rainbow Railroad was founded in 2006 and focuses on helping people to escape persecution and violence in their home countries by assisting with travel, legal support, and resettlement.
Rainbow Railroad has helped facilitate the relocation of over 1,000 LGBTQ+ individuals relocate to safer countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, and the US.
Egale Canada Human Rights Trust
Egale Canada, founded in 1995, is a highly regarded national nonprofit committed to enhancing the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in Canada and worldwide. Their efforts include conducting research, and educational initiatives, advocating for public policies, and engaging communities. Egale Canada has been instrumental in promoting LGBTQ+ rights in Canada, notably advocating for same-sex marriage rights. Their influential work contributes to positive change and the advancement of equality for LGBTQ+ communities.
The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD)
The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) is a national organization founded in 1975 with a mission to combat discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities and advocate for sexual and gender diversity through educational initiatives and programming. The CCGSD provides valuable resources and training programs covering a range of LGBTQ+ topics, serving as an important resource for educators, workplaces, and communities seeking to promote inclusivity and understanding.
pflag Canada
PFLAG Canada, established in 1987, serves as the national chapter of the international PFLAG organization. Their mission is to provide support to LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and allies. Through peer support groups, educational programs, and resources, PFLAG Canada works to foster a more inclusive and compassionate society for LGBTQ+ individuals. Their local chapters across Canada offer safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones.
Check out some other causes to donate to
US LGBTQ+ Charities
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), established in 1980, is a leading national organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ equality through lobbying, public education, and corporate activism. HRC is a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights across various issues such as workplace equality, non-discrimination laws, and marriage equality. Recognized as a significant voice for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, HRC plays a crucial role in promoting and defending equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
Centerlink
CenterLink, founded in 1992, is a national organization dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of LGBTQ+ community centers throughout the United States. They achieve this by offering training, resources, and networking opportunities to empower these local centers to deliver vital services and programs to LGBTQ+ individuals within their communities. CenterLink plays a crucial role in strengthening the support network and impact of LGBTQ+ community centers across the nation.
NCTE
Established in 2003, the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) has emerged as a prominent advocate for transgender rights in the United States. Their mission is straightforward: to foster a society where transgender individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and have equitable access to opportunities. NCTE is dedicated to advancing equality and improving the lives of transgender people through advocacy, education, and policy initiatives.
Check out some other causes to donate to
🌈 More ways to celebrate Pride Month 🎉
Party! Get to an LGBTQ+ bar near you and have a great time
Join the Pride Parade - if dressing up and crowds are your thing, add this one to your calendar
Support LGBTQ+ artists - there are tones of great LGBTQ+ playlists on Spotify + movie directors, actors and writers to check out
Contribute to an amazing cause / charity by giving your time, money or/and sharing about their work with your network
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best charities to support during Pride Month?
Some of the most impactful LGBTQ+ charities support mental health, youth homelessness, advocacy, community programmes, healthcare access, and crisis support. Popular organisations in the UK and Canada include Stonewall, akt, Rainbow Railroad, and Egale Canada.
Why is Pride Month important?
Pride Month celebrates LGBTQ+ communities while also raising awareness around equality, inclusion, mental health, safety, and representation. Many LGBTQ+ charities continue to provide vital support services year-round, including housing support, youth programmes, advocacy, and crisis assistance.
How can businesses support Pride Month authentically?
The most effective Pride campaigns go beyond rainbow branding. Businesses can support Pride Month authentically by:
partnering with LGBTQ+ charities
donating a portion of sales
running customer giving campaigns
supporting LGBTQ+ employees
sharing real community stories
committing to inclusion year-round
Can Shopify stores raise donations for LGBTQ+ charities?
Yes. Shopify stores can use donation apps such as Virtue Shopify Charity Donations App to add customer donations, checkout giving, roundups, and fundraising campaigns supporting LGBTQ+ charities during Pride Month and beyond.
What are some examples of successful Pride campaigns by brands?
Brands including Levi’s, Converse, Nike, and LEGO have created notable Pride campaigns in recent years through charity partnerships, storytelling, LGBTQ+ creator collaborations, and community fundraising initiatives.
What recent LGBTQ+ statistics are important for Pride Month?
Recent studies show:
Around 9% of US adults identify as LGBTQ+
Nearly 1 in 4 Gen Z Americans identify as LGBTQ+
More than 1 in 10 UK adults aged 16–24 identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual
Nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ employees in the UK still hide their identity at work
These trends highlight why visibility, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ support organisations remain important.
How can e-commerce brands run Pride fundraising campaigns?
E-commerce brands can support Pride Month through:
donation-at-checkout campaigns
percentage-of-sales giving
roundup donations
charity product collaborations
impact storytelling
loyalty point donations
customer matching campaigns
Many brands now use Pride campaigns to combine fundraising with meaningful customer engagement and community impact.
Support Causes from sales with store and checkout donations. Virtue is an easy to set up fundraising app for eCommerce brands built on Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento. Choose from over 60,000 Causes!
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