The International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO) is dedicated to making a positive impact in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond through various charitable programs. Our initiatives include:
- Charitable Contributions: IGBO donates to numerous LGBTQ+ and community organizations, supporting their vital work.
- Scholarships and Grants: We provide scholarships and grants to help individuals pursue education and fund community projects.
- Fundraising Events: IGBO organizes events to raise funds for charitable causes, bringing our community together for a greater good.
- Get Involved: Learn how you can contribute or participate in our charitable activities and help us make a difference.
Join us in our mission to give back and support those in need!
Below are more details on our current programs designed to give back to our community and beyond:
The IGBO Presidential Scholarship
This scholarship is being created to honor all past and future presidents of IGBO.
IGBO is an international organization that strives for equal representation for all LGBTQIA+ individuals in the sport of bowling.
This scholarship is a one-time $1000 scholarship provided to any LGBTQIA+ athlete who wishes to further their bowling career into Collegiate bowling, the requirements to be eligible are as follows:
- You are between the ages of 16-21. Gender is not a factor.
- You must have maintained a minimum of a “B” or 3.0 average, throughout your education.
- You must provide proof and references of your bowling career in high school/college.
- You must be an active member of the LGBTQIA+ community with volunteer references.
The application process is completed online. The deadline for applications for 2024 is June 30, 2025
The Michael O’Brien Sponsorship Program
This sponsorship is made possible by the generosity of Michael O’Brien, a former IGBO Fellowship Award winner. Anyone who knew Michael was aware of his love and devotion to IGBO. Although he did not specify how to use the money he bequeathed to IGBO, after speaking with several people about Michael, we believe we have come up with an idea he would appreciate.
This sponsorship will benefit two individuals who are current IGBO league members and are attending their first IGBO Annual Tournament and Conference. The sponsorship includes $500, an IGBO shirt, and free entry to the next IGBO Annual Tournament and Conference. Winners will be chosen at the Banquet in Reno.
This is an ongoing yearly award and an open-ended sponsorship fund, always accepting donations to help bring new bowlers to our annual national event. If you would like to contribute to this endeavor, please contact the IGBO treasurer for more details.
IGBO Donations
IGBO has a proven history of donating money to different charities through out the years. As we grow, we wanted to do more and that’s when the IGBO gives back campaign started. We make it our mission that when we choose a city to host our annual event that we can help give back to that community physically and monetarily.
Our local committee works with local charities to come up with ideas that allows our members to physically help support, whether it’s working with Food Pantries, Park cleanups, animal shelter help. We work with local people to make sure that this endeavor is successful and that we can hit the ground running when we get there. The response we have had from our members has incredible.
Some of our most recent recipients:
- Rochester Food Bank
- Pride Foundation
- West Seattle Food Bank
- New Haven Pride Center
- National AIDS Memorial
- Fostering Forward Michigan
- Colorado Gives
- Pet Alliance
- The Center for Youth
- AIDS Food Store
- SMYAL
- Frontline Response
- OUT Alliance
- AIDS Vancouver
Honoring IGBO Tournaments
IGBO honors tournaments who have reached significant milestones by making a contribution to the tournament’s charity of choice once they reach 20 years, and then every 5 years after that. Please contact us to let us know about your tournament’s anniversary.
Local IGBO Member Leagues and Tournaments
Each year local IGBO leagues and tournaments raise money and donate to their local communities. If you would like IGBO to highlight your donations, please email us so you can be added to our next newsletter! We would love to share your generosity with our members.