FLoatarama

FLoatarama is an all-volunteer South Florida nonprofit that puts the fun in fundraising for LGBTQ+ youth. Its signature summer event, the nation's largest LGBTQ+ Pride-on-Water fundraiser, fills the 130-foot yacht Catalina for a brunch cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, then moves to a waterfront tea dance at Bokamper's in Fort Lauderdale, with DJs, a grand marshal, drag performers and live music from the South Florida Pride Jazz Band.

Funds raised benefit the FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund, managed by philanthropy partner The Our Fund Foundation and directed by FLoatarama. Each year an open request for proposals invites South Florida agencies to apply, an independent Grant Review Committee makes recommendations, and awards are presented at a fall Youth Fund Awards party at Hunters in Wilton Manors. Recent grants have supported SunServe's youth center, Sunshine Pride House, the Pride Youth Band, Big Brothers Big Sisters' Big Pride mentoring, Safe Schools South Florida, TransEd, PRISM, The Alliance for LGBTQ Youth and bullying prevention programs.

FLoatarama received the Next Generation of Philanthropy Award from The Our Fund Foundation. Its Founder's Club, with levels from Commander to Admiral, sustains the organization and gathers for quarterly member events, and philanthropic travel such as a Bahamas cruise sends a portion of every booking to the fund.

To take part, buy tickets for FLoatarama each June, join the Founder's Club, book a benefit cruise, or apply for a grant when the annual RFP opens.