GENERAL INFORMATION
Ernest Otho “Ernie” Reaugh, 1923-1991, was extremely active in the gay rights movement as well as the battle against AIDS at the national and state levels.  He was a graduate of Northwestern University and served his country as a World War II bomber pilot.  

Described as colorful and at times controversial, Ernie gained public attention in 1970 when, as an employee of the New York State Department of Commerce, he testified at a hearing on a  gay rights bill, prefacing his remarks by saying he feared he would lose his job because of his sexuality.  He went on to have a lustrous career, however, serving as an advisor to the Democratic Conference in the New York State Senate (Senate Minority Leader Manfred Ohrenstein) for 16 years, where he acted as a liaison with the State’s gay and lesbian community. Ernie was the first in the nation to serve in such a capacity for a state-level, elected official. He also served on the State’s AIDS Advisory Council from its inception.  

Ernie, known for thinking up ideas and leaving the details to others, was founding member and president of the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club, considered to be a potent political force that made its impact felt in Albany.   He was a founding member of what is now known as the Pride Center of the Capital Region, and he played a key role in lobbying for passage of revisions to the Albany City human rights law and expanded State civil rights law protections.  He was a founding member of the Mohawk-Hudson Business and Professional Association and delivered sensitivity training to police recruits in Albany, to whom he was able to present the concerns of the LGBTQ community.

Reaugh once told a reporter the highlight of his political career came in 1989 when he helped Keith St. John get elected to the Albany Common Council.  St. John is believed to be the country’s first openly gay African American to win election to public office.

The Ernest O. Reaugh Advised Fund for LGBTQIA+ Advocacy will accept proposals from organizations that advocate for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

To be eligible for this grant opportunity, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a nonprofit organization OR operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a qualifying nonprofit organization;
• Serve LGBTQIA+ residents of Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady and/or Rensselaer Counties.

FUNDING PRIORITIES
Not intended for general operating support, The Ernest O. Reaugh Advised Fund for LGBTQIA+ Advocacy will accept proposals for projects and programs that advocate for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

GRANT SIZE & DURATION
Grants from this fund range between $500 and $2,500.

SCHEDULE
Application Questionnaire is due April 17, 2025
Grant decisions announced June 2025