San Francisco supervisors revise charity campaign to exclude anti-LGBT groups

The San Francisco County Board of Supervisors convened on July 4, 2025, to address several key agenda items, beginning with a resolution concerning the annual joint fundraising drive for city employees.

The first item discussed was a resolution aimed at updating the designations of agencies qualified to participate in the 2022 Combined Charities Drive. Supervisor Mandelmann, the sponsor of the item, explained that this annual initiative allows city employees to contribute to charities of their choice through bi-weekly payroll deductions. The program is designed to streamline charitable giving and reduce the need for direct solicitation by charities.

However, concerns arose when it was discovered that some of the charities associated with the federations participating in the campaign were identified as anti-LGBTQ groups. This issue was highlighted by city staff, who expressed alarm over the potential use of city resources to support such organizations. In response to these concerns, the city administrator's office paused the campaign to evaluate the situation.

The proposed resolution seeks to relaunch the campaign with a revised list of participating charities, focusing specifically on Bay Area-based service providers. While employees will still have the option to donate to any 501(c)(3) nonprofit of their choice, the official list will be more selective and targeted.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to ensuring that city resources align with the values of inclusivity and support for the community. Further discussions and decisions regarding the campaign's implementation are expected in the coming weeks.