Support the Work. Fuel the Change.
Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound (DAPS) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to community-led mutual aid, safety, and advocacy across Washington State.
There are many ways to support DAPS — whether you’re donating once, giving monthly, or launching your own fundraiser, you’re helping us build a world where all of us are safe, seen, and supported.
Your gift is tax-deductible, and every dollar goes directly back into the community — not overhead or salaries.
🔗 Direct Donations
You can contribute to DAPS using:
- PayPal – Donate via PayPal
- CashApp –
$SOOPsecurity - Square– Donation Page
🎯 Choose a Campaign
Target your impact by supporting a campaign that aligns with your values:
🔥 Fund the Movement, Fuel the Change
This year’s core campaign directly powers our community safety, mutual aid, and policy advocacy. Your support funds:
- SOOP’s life-saving medical and security teams
- HRT kit distribution
- Food and hygiene support
- Legislative wins protecting LGBTQIA+ and worker rights
This is how we stay resourced to show up year-round — on the frontlines, not just at parades.
🛡️ SOOP: Securing Our Own People
Community-led safety and care. No cops. No compromise.
SOOP (Securing Our Own People) is a trans-led, BIPOC-centered security and medical team that provides non-police safety services at community events, protests, and Pride festivals across Washington State.
Built in response to the violence marginalized communities face from law enforcement, SOOP replaces harmful systems with trauma-informed, abolitionist care rooted in trust and accountability.
Our trained volunteers offer:
- On-site de-escalation & harm reduction
- Basic medical & mental health first aid
- Crisis support without involving police
- Accessibility & mobility assistance
Since 2018, SOOP has supported over 200,000 people. We honor the legacy of Pride as a protest against police brutality — and we show up to keep our people safe, on our terms.
Donations power this work. Help us train teams, maintain gear, and expand safe zones statewide.
Because no one keeps us safe like community does.
FUNDRAISERS
Fundraiser Partner: Nerdwax Candle Co.
🕯️ Fandom Flames for a Cause – Nerdwax Candle Co. x DAPS
Light a candle, light up lives. This summer, we’re teaming up with Nerdwax Candle Co.—a queer- and Asian-owned small business based in Seattle—for a fundraiser that’s all heart and all heat. 15% of every candle sale goes directly to DAPS, fueling mutual aid and trans-led care across Washington State.
🧑🔬 Meet the Maker
Michel Paves, the “Chief Nerd” behind Nerdwax Candle Co., hand-pours every candle with nostalgia, humor, and high-quality soy wax. Their candles are inspired by retro media, queer memories, and cozy geek culture—perfect for your altar, nightstand, or Netflix binge zone.
🕯️ Pick Your Flame
📺 TV Glow Duo
Two 10oz candles glowing with late-night vibes and soft-screen scent stories.
👉 nerdwaxcandle.com/shop/TV-Glow-Duo
🎶 The Pink Opaque / Hot Plastic / Sweet Vinyl / A Clean Flannel
Four 10oz scent choices. Think indie records, thrift finds, and clean cotton.
👉 nerdwaxcandle.com/shop/Pink-Opaque
🌌 Escape the Midnight Realm
Soda pop, otherworldly smoke, and vetiver—like a glam rock DnD campaign.
👉 nerdwaxcandle.com/shop/Midnight-Realm
💸 Why It Matters
- 15% of each purchase goes to DAPS (Diversity Alliance of Puget Sound)
- Supports mutual aid and gender-affirming community care
- Elevates queer- and Asian-owned small biz with every scent you spark
⏳ Limited Run — Restocking in September!
These limited-edition candles are nearly sold out. Restocks drop in September—just in time for the fall cozy season.
Fundraiser Partner: Noble Studio
🏳️⚧️Gender-Affirming Haircuts for a Cause
This November, Noble Studio is supporting Trans Awareness Month by donating proceeds from gender-affirming haircuts to Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound, a trans-led nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and empowering our local trans community.
This is care funding care — directly, locally, with no barriers to access.
✂️ About Noble Studio
Noble Studio is a local salon and creative studio located in downtown Tacoma inside Court House Square. Their work centers craft, expression, and respect — offering hair care in a space meant to feel grounding and welcoming.
💗 How the Fundraiser Works
Every gender-affirming haircut this month helps give back —
All proceeds will be donated to the Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound to support our local trans community.
There are no codes, no disclosures, and no additional steps required.
Just book your appointment the way you normally would — Noble handles the donation on their end.
✅ How to Participate
- Click the link below
- Select “Gender Affirming Haircut”
- Choose your date & time
- Show up & be cared for
Book here:
https://noblewolfhair.square.site
Come get pampered, feel seen, and make an impact — every cut helps create change.
💸 Want to Support Without a Haircut?
You can also donate directly using our Fundraiser specific LINK.
Every contribution — small or large — strengthens trans-led safety, medical support, and mutual aid in our region.
🤝 Partner With Us — Pride and Beyond
Our Pride Season runs June through September, with major program focus in:
- Pierce County in July
- Redmond in August (including full support for Redmond Pride through SOOP)
But our work doesn’t stop when the summer ends.
We partner year-round with organizations, businesses, and mutual aid collectives.
Some of our biggest collaboration months are:
- November, for Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR)
- March, for Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) and spring safety activations
Whether you’re looking to co-table, donate proceeds, or create something together, we’re here for it — and our team is ready to build with you.
Let’s make impact in real time.
Contact our board
📧 info@diversityallianceofthepugetsound.org