Drew Lodi, the first recipient of a Jim Collins Foundation grant, wanted to share his story and give back to the organization that helped him. To do that, he made this moving video  about his life, his struggles with not having the money for his medically necessary surgery, and how instead of giving up hope he began to collect cans to save money towards the cost for surgery. In the video, he describes how receiving a Jim Collins Foundation grant changed his life and inspired him to give back. Drew began a fundraising campaign called "Passing the Hope," where he set out to complete the Spartan … [Read more...]

This past year, the foundation received over 300 applicants, most of whom were desperate for assistance. A nation-wide selection committee comprised of anonymous transgender individuals chose the 2012 grantees based on financial need. After the grantees were selected, the foundation contacted the surgeons that the grantees selected as part of their application. One of those surgeons - Dr. Christine McGinn at the Papillon Center in New Hope, Pennsylvania - agreed to assist the foundation. Usually, the foundation provides funding for a grantee's surgery, hospital fees, and anesthesia costs. … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone, My name is Drew. I received the first grant from the Jim Collins Foundation in 2011. I am having a fundraiser from now until Aug. 12, 2012. I have made this video in hopes that sharing my journey and choosing a challenging race will bring in more pledges. … [Read more...]

(North Branford , CT ) May 3, 2012 - The Jim Collins Foundation has received an unprecedented grant from the Atlantic Philanthropies Director/Employee Designated Gift Fund in the amount of $20,000. The donation will go directly to providing gender-confirming surgeries to transgender individuals who need, but cannot afford, potentially life-saving medical procedures. "We are thrilled to receive this level of support” said Stephanie Houle, treasurer and board member for The Jim Collins Foundation. "We have been running on the generosity of individual donations and fundraising dollar by dollar … [Read more...]

Last year, the Jim Collins Foundation gave away its first grant to Drew Lodi, a transgender man on Medicaid who lacked the ability to pay for surgery out-of-pocket. Drew was so determined to obtain the treatment he needed that he saved literally every nickel he could by collecting cans towards his surgery expense. A year later, Drew is back on his feet and is currently training for the Spartan Sprint to raise money and pass on the hope that the Jim Collins Foundation gave him. "The freedom I find in post surgery is a place I didn't know existed," says Lodi. "I am comfortable now in my body … [Read more...]

An Afternoon with Kate Bornstein and Friends Thanks to everyone for being part of a successful NYC kick-off event and fundraiser- thanks to Kate Bornstein, Good Asian Drivers, and Murray Hill for a great performance!       … [Read more...]

Coping with major changes can flummox a workplace, but you can protect your bottom line and your employees by promoting tolerance and respect. (Fortune Small Business) -- Tony Ferraiolo will never forget his first day back at work after surgery. The 46-year-old supervisor's knees trembled as he entered the windowless headquarters of Madison Co., a switch and sensor manufacturer in Branford, Conn... Read Full Article … [Read more...]