Why This Matters
Imagine a world where youth and their families lack the vital support and care they deserve. Where critical conversations about belonging and communication simply don’t happen. Without organizations like YES Institute, this isn’t just a probability; it would be a stark reality for many.
For 30 years, YES Institute has courageously tackled the root causes of self-harm, stigma, and shame – while transforming lives and fostering safe and welcoming communities. We believe everyone deserves to live authentically and thrive. Your support of our Uplift Fund doesn’t just fund programs. It ensures a critical and vital lifeline continues to exist. If we weren’t here, who would be initiating courageous conversations, centering youth experiences, and providing educational opportunities for families and institutions to care for and serve everyone? Together, we intend is to raise $1 million by December 31, 2026, to significantly expand our reach and impact.
Our goal is to raise $1,000,000 by the end of 2026.
Donate Now
A Legacy of Impact: 30 Years of Purpose in Action
YES Institute stands on a foundation of three decades of unparalleled experience, delivering unique, life-saving programs that empower youth, parents, educators, and community leaders. Our demonstrated and reality-tested methods build bridges of understanding, turning conflict into dialogue and fear into workable solution-finding.
Our unwavering commitment to this mission was recently recognized with the prestigious Florida Blue Foundation Sapphire Award, a testament to the profound and lasting difference we make. This award celebrates our innovative approach and the tangible results we achieve year after year.
Our Impact Over the Years:
- More than 100,000 individuals reached through our workshops, dialogues, and educational initiatives.
- Reduced incidences of bullying and harassment in schools and communities where our programs have been implemented.
- Empowered scores of youth with gender and orientation rejection experiences to embrace their whole self and discover leadership and vital purposes for living and thriving.
- Fostered stronger, more welcoming families through open communication and learning opportunities.
Voices of Uplift:
Read Their Stories
Over the last 30 years, our work has touched countless hearts and minds. Here’s what some members of our community have shared:
Before YES Institute, I felt completely alone. Their youth empowerment program gave me the confidence to be myself and connected me with people who truly understood. They saved my life. — Sarah M., Program Participant
As a parent, I struggled to connect with my child after they came out. YES Institute provided the tools and understanding I needed to build a stronger, more loving relationship. It changed everything for our family. — David L., Parent & Ally
Please join these committed partners today!
Donate Now
Contributions made since April 2025 of $50 or
more to the Uplift General Operating Fund.
The Joseph H. & Florence A. Roblee Foundation The Batchelor Foundation
Michael Guttman Fund Isa Fernandez & Steve Bowen Gutierrez Madariaga, CPA P.A. Gene Sulzberger
Rusty Collins Jacqueline Maginat Howard Greenfield Charitable Foundation Jeff Shearer
Tim Bush & Zavier Boyaval The Jonathan D + Mark C. Lewis Foundation Trae Williamson & José Luis Peré Antonio Lombardi
Sam Dietz Retta Logan Jose Alonso Paula Morabito & Maria Yip
The Our Fund Foundation Howard Kurzweil The Miami Foundation Craig Jensen
Clark Fischer Alper JCC Miami Joan Schaeffer & Roberta Goodman Baptist Health South Florida
Leesfield Family Foundation Gruen Tolman Family Fund Carol & Ed Williamson Roxy Sora
Deanna Saunders Tim Wagoner Family Memorial Education Fund Martha Fugate Admire Family Foundations
Laura White Tracy Koço Bill Dewald Mofsky-McLean Family
Belkis Moreno Esperanza Lopez Maria Gabriela Contreras Connie Barden
Transgender Medical Consortium Margaret & R. Parks Williams Charitable Foundation Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Tracy Koço
Tammy Ezrol Lisa Jimenez Richard Milstein Colleen Horton
Joseph Zolobczuk Jorge Velazquez Denise & John Gordon Tara Moreno
Lee Schrager & Southern Glazer's Miami-Dade LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce Gulfstream Philanthropic Foundation Coral Gables Community Foundation - Tristarr fund
Tim & Meredith Birrittella TD Bank Riviera Presbyterian Church Dr. Carol Clark
William R. Watts Foundation Dr. Steven Santiago Patricia Verbeeck Sam Blum
Henry & Renee Lujan Scott Huizenga Anonymous Buxani Counseling Care
NxtEdge by DiningEdge Samuel Spencer Blum Esq Emilio Vazquez Williamson Automotive Group
Deli Lane Cafe & Tavern Sofia & Heather Rose TJ Johnson Barbara Gray
Greg Baldwin & Jose Castro Anonymous The Raymond Bravo Foundation Claire Barone
The Brothers Jackson Huizenga Family Foundation Bonnie Gruen Russell Corbett
Dan Heininger John Martin Sky Guilbaud Kevin Veilleux
Osaic Foundation Miami Beach EDITION Hotel Lynn Leverett & Lane Park Roxy Sora
Barry Long Bill Ross Alyssa Lozano Mofsky-McLean Family
Juan Carlos Botero Dr. Karen Raben Tic Tax & Business Services Docurapid Corp.
Larry Hyer Joe Kraus Nina Dours EC Packaging Corp. Inc.
Mark and Cynthia Srour family Bob Medina & Hector Zuazo Key Biscayne Community Foundation Sports Grill Restaurants
Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation Allegany Franciscan Ministries - TAU grant Michael Kokozos & Rodolfo Alvarez Grove Bank & Trust
Howard Levine Russell Corbett Olga & Ignacio del Valle Titan Repro, Inc.
Make a difference.
Donate Now
View Donor Testimonials:
Return to previous information
Building Trust Through Transparency
We are deeply committed to the responsible stewardship of every donation. Your trust is paramount to us, which is why we proudly provide full financial transparency. We invite you to review our last 10 years of IRS 990 forms, demonstrating our dedication to ethical practices and impactful resource allocation. View Our Financial Records
Your Support Matters
The need for our work has never been greater. We have set an ambitious but achievable goal to raise $1 million by December 31, 2026, to significantly expand our life-saving programs and reach even more individuals and communities. Your generous contribution to our Uplift Fund directly fuels this crucial effort, allowing us to deepen our impact in schools, homes, and communities across Florida and beyond.
Your support helps us continue creating a world where youth are valued, welcomed, and uplifted. Every dollar brings us closer to our $1M goal and closer to a future where understanding triumphs.
Also, supporting YES Institute with your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is simple and impactful. You can recommend a grant directly from your fund to help us continue creating safe, inclusive communities where every person is free to be themselves. Your generosity fuels education and dialogue that changes lives.
When making a recommendation, please use the following information:
Legal Name: Project Y.E.S., Inc. dba YES Institute
Tax ID (EIN): 65-0646667
Mailing Address: YES Institute, 5275 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL 33143
Donate Now
YES INSTITUTE IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA UNDER THE SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS ACT, 1991. A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-495-7352. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2001, THE SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS ACT, CHAPTER 496, FLORIDA STATUTES, REQUIRES US TO STATE OUR FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES REGISTRATION NUMBER CH-6983, THE PERCENTAGE OF EACH CONTRIBUTION RETAINED BY ANY PROFESSIONAL SOLICITOR IS ZERO, AND THE PERCENTAGE OF EACH CONTRIBUTION RECEIVED BY YES INSTITUTE IS 100%.