About Us

In the past, many mid-Missouri residents expressed a desire for a community/resource center for the LGBTQQA community. In May, 2003 several individuals got together to form "The Center Project" (TCP) and started working towards the goal of establishing a community center. They sought out representation from all local queer groups, such as youth, and a "working group" was formed.

In the fall of 2003, TCP distributed a survey to find out what mid-Missourians wanted from their LGBTQQA community center. TCP members also visited other community centers to learn about their development experience and to see what those centers offered to their communities.

A listserve, groups.yahoo.com/group/thecenterproject, was set up in 2003 so anyone in the community can receive updates on the progress of The Center Project.

In 2004, TCP members developed a mission statement, became incorporated in the state of Missouri, and held numerous fund raising events.

In 2005, TCP members wrote the organizational by-laws and business plan and applied for non-profit status. In addition, the first Board of Directors was elected. TCP members also held many fund raising events.

Also in 2005, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia became the first temporary home of The Center Project. TCP's goal is to have a permanent center in downtown Columbia, MO in June 2008.

In April, 2006 we received our official notification from the IRS granting us non-profit status effective back to 2/19/2004.

In June, 2006, we held our first annual community fundraising event: our Atomic Dance Party and raffle. It was a huge success and brought us closer to opening our LGBTQQA community center.

Download our annual meeting report for details of our past 2005-2006 fiscal year.

During the past 2006-2007 fiscal year we had some fantastic fundraisers and raised over $8000 cash and over $15,000 from in-kind donations. Nearly 300 people attended our 2nd Annual Atomic Dance Party held on June 9, 2007. We also started building our resource library and had over 400 items by June 2007. We started a volunteer program and enlisted the help of over 50 volunteers over the past fiscal year. On June 27, 2007 we held our 2nd annual meeting with over 50 people in attendance.

Download our annual meeting report for details of our past 2006-2007 fiscal year.