March 4, 2019 (New York, NY) – The Jim Collins Foundation (JCF), a national nonprofit organization with a mission to fund gender-affirming surgeries, is pleased to announce that we are awarding five grants for 2019. This is the second year in-a-row that we have been able to award our highest number of grant recipients in our eleven-years of the organization’s existence.
This year, JCF awarded three founders’ fund grants and two matching fund grants. Our Founders’ Fund Grant covers 100% of the surgical fees associated with gender-affirming surgery. Our Krysallis Anne Hembrough Legacy Fund covers 50% of the surgical fees associated with gender-affirming surgery; the recipient provides the other 50% using their own financial resources.
Our 2019 Founders’ Fund Grant recipients include Xander Rice, Caleb Bannister, and Marshall [Last name withheld at the direction of the grant recipient]. Our Hembrough Grant recipients include Alanna Thomas and Bridge Rousseuax St. Germain. Please go to our website to read their amazing stories.
“Awarding a record number of five grants for a second year in-a-row would not have been possible without the generous donations we receive through our website, online and community fundraisers, and legacies,” said Ryan Sallans, JCF vice president. “In addition to our donors, these grants would not have been possible without the commitment to serving the transgender and/or gender non-binary community by this year’s participating surgeons. We are very thankful for the pro bono services of Dr. Christine McGinn (Papillon Center, New Hope, PA), and the generosity of Dr. Daniel Medalie (Cleveland Plastic Surgery, Cleveland, OH), Dr. Steven Robinson (Plastic Surgery Group, Cincinnati, OH), and Dr. J. Howell Tiller (Pensacola Cosmetic Surgery, Pensacola, FL).”
More than 450 people applied for this year’s grants, demonstrating the continued urgency and financial need. With the addition of this year’s grantees, the Jim Collins Foundation has awarded a total of 25 grants since 2011. With many of these grants covering 100% of the surgical fees, JCF continues to be a leader in nonprofits providing financial assistance to transgender individuals who would otherwise not have the financial means to access these life-changing surgeries.
“The Jim Collins Foundation has literally changed my life. Not only have they helped me get life changing surgery, but they have also added the light, love, acceptance, understanding and pure kindness that is found in each one of its members. I will be forever grateful,” said Xander Rice, a 2019 Founders’ Grant recipient.
“Thanks to the Jim Collin’s Foundation, I can finally get the surgery I’ve needed for so long. This is absolutely life changing—like I have a whole new world in front of me to explore, now that I can finally have my surgery date in my hands and know that I’m finally going to be comfortable in my own body. I wish I could give every last board member a hug! Now, this sunflower can really shine in full bloom!” said Bridge St. Germain, a 2019 Hembrough grant recipient.
“I was thrilled to learn that my story moved the Jim Collins Foundation, and I will receive funding for such a pivotal moment in my transition. Thanks to their mission to serve the trans community, my voice was heard, and my dream answered,” said Caleb Bannister, a 2019 Founders’ grant recipient.
“I cannot express the gratitude I have for the foundation in making me a grant recipient. Jody and Ryan are amazing role models that have restored my faith in humanity. I only hope that I can give back to society the way they have given to me. The Jim Collins Foundation has given me a new life, and most of all what I always wanted, which is to be comfortable in my own skin,” said Marshall, a 2019 Founders’ grant recipient.
“After the Jim Collins Foundation contacted me with the great news, I was filled with complete happiness and relief. They are helping me accomplish my greatest personal goal and I will be forever thankful for their help,” said Alanna Thomas, a 2019 Hembrough grant recipient.
Our 2020 grant cycle opens May 15, 2019. We will continue accepting applications through August 1, 2019.
For press inquiries and interviews, contact info@jimcollinsfoundation.org. For more information on The Jim Collins Foundation, grantees and ways to support this work, visit jimcollinsfoundation.org.