The David Bohnett Foundation awards $500,000 to LGBT computer centers

Paul Moore, program manager, David Bohnett Foundation and Lorri Jean, CEO, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center; photo by Patricia Williams.

Beverly Hills, CA, Feb. 4, 2010 – The David Bohnett Foundation announced yesterday grants totaling $500,000 to 24 David Bohnett CyberCenters nationwide.

The centers give LGBT communities a place to access technology for professional, educational and recreational activities.  “The Centers provide a safe environment for members of the LGBT community — from youth who may find themselves without a support system—to seniors, who may have little or no familiarity with computers," says Michael Fleming, executive director for the Bohnett Foundation.

The very first David Bohnett CyberCenter opened at the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center in 1998. It has since served as a model for similar computer centers. There are now 63 David Bohnett CyberCenters in the United States. In 2004 the foundation launched its “refresh” program to help each CyberCenter acquire new equipment every three to four years. 

"In today’s increasingly Internet-driven world, the David Bohnett CyberCenters have proven to be a lifeline for people of all ages,” says Fleming. “We are happy to provide regular ‘refresh’ grants enabling groups to keep pace with the many advances in computer hardware and software.”

Technology entrepreneur and philanthropist David Bohnett’s established the foundation in 1999 to help improve society through social activism. It provides funding, state-of-the-art technology and technical support to innovative organizations and institutions. Grants total over $35 million to date.