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Rich and J.D. also hold political/charitable events at their San Francisco home:
ESTABLISH 501-C3 CHARITABLE FUND
FOR CHARITABLE GIVING AND GRANTS
Inspiration. Activism. Communication. Engagement.
“Don’t accept what is. Instead, design a new paradigm and work to make it happen.”
- Rich Weissman
"So stand up. Speak out. When hatred shouts, silence constitutes endorsement."
- J.D. Horn
In fall 2017, Rich and J.D. established a charitable fund. All contributions are and will be exclusively from Rich and J.D. and they are not looking for others to contribute. This vehicle operates as a 501-C3, without overhead. 100% of all funds go directly to the supported organizations and programs.
The mission of The Richard Norris Weissman Charitable Fund is to engage in activities that actively fight anti-Semitism and bigotry towards Israel, and actively support gay rights and empowerment, and in supporting organizations that focus on these issues. As an additional component, the fund's charitable giving supports environmental issues, animal rights and rescue, including endangered species.
In addition to the Richard Norris Weissman Charitable Fund, Rich and J.D. actively support various political groups and candidates who are in alignment with the goals stated above. These political activities and donations are typically outside of the 501-C3 charitable fund, and donations are made personally from Rich and J.D. and not through the fund.
In July, 2023, Rich formed a new organization, Ibis Group Institute, a think-tank/center of excellence to help Democratic LGBT candidates win elections by embracing a new paradigm for political campaigns that is strategy-focused and data-driven (www.ibisgroupinstitute.com). Ibis is the ancient Egyptian symbol (the bird) of wisdom, knowledge, and communication. The Institute provides strategic guidance to candidates to connect them with experts from corporate, academic, and related backgrounds at no cost (all members of the Institute are volunteers). The Institute is working with the Equality PAC, the political arm of the Congressional Equality Caucus (the LGBTQ+ Congressional caucus in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate). The Institute’s works with a handful of vetted candidates running for Congressional office during the 2024 election cycle, expanding its capacity to support more candidates over time. Rich sits on the Ibis Group Institute Leadership Team.
Rich and J.D. host many events at their homes. Here are a few selected recent events with of Rich and J.D. or with Rich and J.D. as co-hosts:
January 2024 - Palm Springs Fundraiser for Equality PAC with LGBT Congressional candidates and the national LGBT Congressional Caucus leaders, consisting of 180+ people attending the event to support the LGBTQ Congressional Caucus.
Here is a clip of the event at Rich and J.D.'s Palm Springs home ...
September, 2022 - Annual Palm Springs Dinner at the home of Rich and J.D. for the national LGBT Congressional Caucus, with private meeting with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and event speakers Congresspeople Hakeem Jeffries, Maxine Waters, and others, with LGBTQ Congresspeople from throughout the nation, LGBTQ candidates nationally, and national supporters/major donors, consisting of 200+ people attending the dinner to support the LGBTQ Congressional Caucus.
Special fundraisers at the homes of Rich and J.D. in Palm Springs and in San Francisco for Jewish Supporters of Will Rollins for Congress, San Francisco for Pete (Buttigieg) for Will Rollins for Congress, and other groups.
PHOTOS OF SELECTED EVENTS HOSTED/CO-HOSTED BY RICH AND J.D.