Zbur Honors Out Athlete Fund as the 51st Assembly District's 2026 Nonprofit of the Year

SACRAMENTO, CA - Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) announced Out Athlete Fund as the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year for California's 51st Assembly District. The organization was recognized during the State Assembly's annual California Nonprofits Day celebration, with CEO Michael Ferrera, and legendary Olympic figure skater and Out Athlete Fund ambassador Randy Gardner representing the organization in Sacramento.

Out Athlete Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ athletes through financial assistance, educational outreach, advocacy, and event programming. The organization works to expand visibility and opportunity for LGBTQ+ athletes while promoting inclusion across all levels of sport, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, or physical ability.

"Out Athlete Fund is helping create a world where LGBTQ+ athletes are seen, supported, and empowered to compete at the highest levels," said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. "At a time when LGBTQ+ athletes - especially transgender athletes - continue to face discrimination and political attacks, organizations like Out Athlete Fund play a critical role in ensuring sports remain spaces of opportunity, inclusion, and community. I'm proud to recognize their work and honor them as our 2026 Nonprofit of the Year."

Through its Athlete Program, Out Athlete Fund provides direct financial support to LGBTQ+ athletes pursuing elite competition opportunities, including training, travel, and qualification for future Olympic Games. The organization also works to build a network of LGBTQ+ athlete ambassadors and allies who advance visibility and advocacy in sports. Out Athlete Fund is also leading efforts to organize Pride House Los Angeles - West Hollywood for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games - an inclusive gathering space celebrating LGBTQ+ athletes, fans, and allies from around the world.

"It's truly a privilege to be elevating the visibility of out athletes and providing safe and truly inclusive spaces through Pride House LA/West Hollywood for athletes and fans alike," said Michael Ferrera, CEO, Out Athlete Fund. "Our support levels the playing field and lets out athletes know they have their community behind them as they courageously compete on the world stage. During the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Pride House LA/West Hollywood will be the largest LGBTQ+ celebration ever, spanning the full 17 days of the games and offering our athletes and fans a place to gather together and tell the stories of 100 years of LGBTQ+ participation in elite competition.

"The support that the Out Athlete Fund gives to the athletes in the LGBTQ+ community is essential for the next generation of athletes that are on their national and international sports journey and for their quest to qualify for Team USA at the Olympic Games," said Randy Gardner, Olympic Figure Skater and Out Athlete Fund Ambassador. "The financial support given will enable these athletes to thrive, get the necessary training and coaching required, and help with the travel costs associated with going to the competitions where they will take part."

For interview opportunities or high-resolution photos, please contact Vienna Montague, Communications Director for Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur.

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.

CONTACT: Vienna Montague, (916) 319-2051, [email protected]