Who We Are
Richard Russo and his husband, Luis Lifschitz, founded the Richard Russo & Luis Lifschitz Stonewall Fund at select universities to provide financial support to LGBTQ+ students who face intolerance or discrimination from their families.
The first fund was established at Russo’s alma mater, Alfred University, and the second at the University of California, Berkeley, where Russo has spent more than half of his three-decade career in higher education.
Lifschitz graduated from the accelerated second bachelor's program at USF's College of Nursing. In 2022, the University of South Florida proudly became the third home of the Richard Russo & Luis Lifschitz Stonewall Fund.
What We Do
The Richard Russo & Luis Lifschitz Stonewall Fund will provide financial support to USF students at all campuses who are estranged from their families due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
This scholarship will make higher education more accessible and provide needed support for LGBTQ+ youth.
The Impact
Young LGBTQ+ people frequently lack funds for necessities such as food, medicine and housing. According to the Trevor Project, 28 percent of LGBTQ+ youth reported experiencing homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives. Many of these youth face additional barriers when applying for student loans due to a lack of communication with their parents and families.
These challenges can mean delaying attending college or university, crucial spaces of inclusivity and mentorship for LGBTQ+ youth who are alienated from their families.
What Your Generosity Will Do
Your gifts will help create a lifeline to uplift vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth by alleviating financial burdens and providing an inclusive and welcoming network for recipients of the scholarship.
Appreciation
Thank you for supporting the lives of LGBTQ+ youth at USF! Please take a moment to share this giving opportunity with your networks!
Use the links at the top of the page to share the Stonewall Fund.
Need help? Try this message:
Help support vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth at USF with a gift to the Richard Russo & Luis Lifschitz Stonewall Fund! Give here: usf.to/USFPride #LGBTQPride #GoBulls
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