Funding Challenges for Puerto Rico’s Leading LGBTQ Organization

Puerto Rico's top LGBTQ group tackles funding challenges head-on

Waves Ahead, Puerto Rico's leading LGBTQ advocacy organization, has hit a rough patch with some major funding challenges lately. With key federal funding sources drying up, this group has had no choice butto cut back on some essential services that are so vital across them selves.

Earlier this year, Waves Ahead took a big financial hit when they lost over $200,000 in funding aimed at their restorative justice program. This program, funded by a three-year Justice Department grant, was a pillar in their support network. To make matters worse, HUD pulled a critical $170,000 annual grant that kept Soraya's House going—a transitional housing project in Cabo Rojo, one part-time community centers Waves Ahead operates across Puerto Rico.

Things got even tighter when OPM, Puerto Rico's Women's Advocate Office, turned down their applicationsfor additional funding combat anti-LGBTQ violence. OPM, who distributes those important federal STOP funds, handles vital support on island.

During a recent chat, Executive Director Wilfred Labiosa didn't sugarcoat his concerns about these funding cuts. Sure, Waves Ahead did get over $110,000 from OPM between October 2023 and January 2025, but it just wasn't enoughcomparedto whatthey usedto have.

Labiosa shared that they've lost a whopping 60%oftheir budget overall, forcing them shut down their community center in Loíza,abt20miles from San Juan. This closure really hurtmany folks who relied on its resources.

Despite these hurdles, Waves Ahead still runs community centers in San Juan, Cabo Rojo, Mauno, and Isabela. These centers are lifelines, continuing support and resourcesforLGBTQ people.

Labiosa summed it up best: "People were learning valuable skills and really engaged were our programs. Losing that Justice Department grant felt like ripping off a band-aid."

Confusion only grew with HUD's mixed messages. Despite being listed eligible, Waves Ahead was left hanging without needed award letters—adding stress and uncertainty. Efforts fix situation resulted unclear responses from HUD, making things worse.

To tackle these issues, Waves Ahead has tweaked its promotional materials and how it presents itself online, aimingto increase its odds find new funding. They're facing an uphill battle with how they're perceived by both local and federal funders.

Labiosa explained, "We've shifted our language not knowing if funders are on our side or have conservative viewsagainst us. People know about our work—it's now about how terms, titles scrutinized."

To combat funding woes, Waves Ahead's reached outto Puerto Rican diaspora in mainland US private., and local businesses organizations have also stepped up with financial support. Even with these setbacks, they're pushing on—evidenced by raising $2,778 on Giving Tuesday, showing strong community support.

Labiosa remains hopeful, saying, "We continue active progress. Community support both here abroad makes all difference as we face these challenging times."