Philanthropy has a valued place in our society since the days of Andrew Carnegie.
Within the LGBTQ community, donations from wealthy individuals or groups have become necessary at a time when nonprofits can no longer rely on federal or state governments.
In South Florida, philanthropist Peter Zimmer and his late husband Jim Stepp have been two of our most generous benefactors. Since Jim's passing two years ago, grants from the James Stepp and Peter Zimmer Donor Advised Fund at Our Fund have doubled to $250,000 per year. Zimmer also hosted an event at John Knox Village to encourage residents to support local LGBTQ groups.
Zimmer’s husband Stepp was a founding board member of the Our Fund Foundation, which since its inception in 2011 has led philanthropic efforts in South Florida. According to David Jobin, President and CEO of Our Fund, Zimmer and Stepp “were the inaugural recipients of The Our Fund Foundation’s highest honor: Philanthropist of the Year. Together, they embodied the spirit of giving, believing deeply that ‘those who have done well can do good.’ Their generosity has touched countless lives and helped shape the culture of LGBTQ philanthropy. Since Jim’s passing, Peter has carried their legacy forward with heart and purpose. His dedication is not only impactful, it’s deeply inspiring to me and to so many others.”
In addition to Our Fund, Zimmer and Stepp made a major donation to the Stonewall National Museum and Archives and were Platinum Level members of the Pride Center’s Founder Circle and Equality Florida’s Legacy of Equality Society.
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