OUTshine received matching grant from the Warten Foundation

OUTshine was born in a moment like this.

A time when queer people were under attack. When visibility felt dangerous. When creating space for LGBTQ+ stories wasn’t just bold—it was necessary.

Today, that moment is back.

We’re facing growing political pressure. Attacks on our crosswalks. Grant funding is shrinking. Cultural spaces like ours are being silenced. And yet—we’re still here. Telling stories. Creating safe space. Lighting up dark theaters with truth, laughter, tears, and pride.

But to keep going, we need your help.

The future is full of uncertainty. Your support will help protect OUTshine, so no matter what happens, we never have to cancel or go dark when our community needs us most.

21 years ago, thanks to the incredible generosity of Patrick Ward, OUTshine launched a matching campaign that raised $150,000 and saved the Festival, allowing us to thrive for over two decades. 

Now, thanks to a new matching grant from the Warten Foundation, we have the chance to raise $100,000 to sustain OUTshine into the future. There has never been a more important time to JOIN OUTshine as a new member or UPGRADE your membership.

When you join, everyone wins:

• You support our mission and our community.
• We deliver unforgettable films you won’t see anywhere else.
• You gain opportunities to connect, celebrate, and shine with old friends and new.

There are two powerful ways you can make a difference: 

• JOIN OR UPGRADE by September 30  — a portion will be covered by the Warten Foundation. (see details below)
• Donate generously — every single dollar will be matched. 

 MAJOR INCENTIVES TO JOIN AND HELP KEEP OUR FESTIVAL SHINING! 

NEW PRODUCER CIRCLE MEMBERS

• Director $1,250 → Pay $850 (Warten covers $400)
• Producer $2,500 → Pay $2,000 (Warten covers $500)
• Executive Producer $5,000 → Pay $4,000 (Warten covers $1,000)
• Studio Head $10,000 → Pay $7,500 (Warten covers $2,500)

UPGRADES ONLY

• Member → PC Director $1,250 → Pay $750 (Warten covers $500)
• Director → Producer $2,500 → Pay $2,000 (Warten covers $500)
• Producer → Executive Producer $5,000 → Pay $3,900 (Warten covers $1,100)
• Executive Producer → Studio Head $10,000 → Pay $7,500 (Warten covers $2,500)

 Join today: outshinememberships.eventive.org/memberships/buy

(New members and upgrades only)

Donations are doubled! $100 = $200, $500 = $1,000, etc.

 Together, we will ensure that LGBTQ+ stories continue to be told, that our filmmakers have screens to showcase their work, and that our community keeps coming together — strong, proud, and shining brighter than ever.