Equality Virginia is a statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. Our mission is to advocate and organize across Virginia to build a future where LGBTQ+ people thrive.

For over 25 years, the Equality Gala (FKA Commonwealth Dinner) has been our signature event — a night to celebrate community, resilience, and progress, while also raising nearly one-third of Equality Virginia’s annual operating budget.

This year, after thoughtful discussion and with heavy hearts, our Board of Directors made the difficult decision to cancel the 2025 Gala. Dwindling corporate sponsorship made hosting the event impossible.

The impact? We're looking to fill a $40,000 gap — funding that is critical to sustaining our advocacy, community engagement, and education programs across the Commonwealth.

But our work cannot pause. Not now.

That’s why we’re launching Beyond the Gala: Equality in Action.

Through this campaign, you can:
🌈 Make a donation to help close the $40,000 gap.
🌈 Form a “virtual team” and rally your friends, family, or colleagues to give alongside you.

Every dollar raised will directly support Equality Virginia’s efforts to:

Protect and defend LGBTQ+ Virginians at the state and local level.
Build Strong LGBTQIA+ Leadership and Community Power
Ensure LGBTQ+ voices are heard in every corner of the Commonwealth.
Listen Deeply and Co-Develop Advocacy Strategies That Meet Community Needs

🌈 Top three fundraisers will receive prizes from our Silent Auction.

The Gala may be on pause this year, but our mission is not. Together, we can go Beyond the Gala — turning this moment of challenge into one of action.

👉 Join us today by donating or starting a virtual team. Let’s close the gap, together.

👉 When you donate to this campaign, you'll be removed from all communications during our End of Year Campaign.