Paul Marengo (2021)
“Life is more about experiences than stuff.”
“People are more inclined to give here than in most other cities because I think that is just the culture; I think we have a philanthropic culture more than any other city has.”
“I like to produce events that are not only social but educational.”
Paul Marengo has dedicated over 25 years to uplifting Washington, D.C.'s LGBTQ+ community through nonprofit development, event planning, and advocacy. His work has empowered various organizations and events, from Reel Affirmations and The Cherry Fund to Pride celebrations that uplift youth, Latino, Black, and Transgender communities.
Growing up, Paul’s parents instilled in him the values of generosity, fairness, and compassion. Paul’s father was a business owner who paid employees a living wage way before it was “hip” to do so. He also ensured that his employees were fed breakfast and lunch while on the job. Paul’s mother, a lunch lady, ensured no student went hungry, even if they couldn’t afford a lunch. These early lessons shaped his belief in fostering community and prioritizing meaningful experiences over material wealth, a philosophy summed up in his words: “Life is more about experiences than stuff.”
Paul moved to D.C. in 1998, initially pursuing work on the Hill. After the intensity of the 2000 election, Paul shifted his focus to nonprofit work, where his passion for community-building and collaboration grew. Paul joined the local organization one-n-ten, which hosted Reel Affirmations: Washington D.C.’s International LGBTQ+ Film Festival. Paul formed strong community ties and lasting friendships through his work there, collaborating with organizations such as the Whitman-Walker Clinic and Capital Pride. He also became active in the Delta Lambda Phi fraternity, which has since grown from a community-based group into a national fraternity with campus chapters. Founded by Gay men for all men, the mission of Delta Lambda Phi is “to enhance the quality of life among men irrespective of sexual orientation or gender expression.” Paul still hangs out with his brothers from Delta Lambda Phi to this day.
Paul Marengo's work has centered around youth empowerment, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and community event leadership. As a leader in the Youth Pride Alliance, he organized events offering social opportunities and essential services like HIV/AIDS education and testing. He chaired youth and LGBTQ+ Pride initiatives, including Black, Trans, and Latinx Pride. He has managed volunteers and theater operations for festivals such as the Washington Jewish Film Festival and the D.C. Underground Film Festival. Paul has also curated film series for Youth Pride Alliance, DC Independent Film Festival, and D.C. Shorts.
Paul founded Promethean Fundraising in 1998 to help small nonprofits thrive in D.C.'s competitive landscape. He mentors nonprofits, helping them build sustainable fundraising strategies. His approach focuses on resourcefulness, strategic action, and cultivating meaningful relationships and community. Paul Marengo's philanthropic nature is also evident in his role as board president of the Cherry Fund (2005-2024), where he expanded fundraising efforts beyond the circuit party scene, ultimately raising over a million dollars for nonprofits such as Whitman-Walker Health, La Clinica Del Pueblo, AIDS Action Baltimore, and Capital Pride. Paul now works solely on development for the Cherry Fund. From 2020-2021, Paul was Board President of the BHT Foundation (Brother Help Thyself), a volunteer-run nonprofit supporting grassroots organizations in the DMV. BHT was founded in 1978 by four gay motorcycle clubs. The BHT Foundation is also one of the first organizations in the United States to provide funding for LGBTQ/SGL health, cultural, and social services. Throughout these varied leadership roles, Paul has remained steadfast in helping smaller nonprofits blossom and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to make a lasting impact in their communities.
Though COVID-19 disrupted key events like Capital Pride, Paul is working to restore unity in D.C.'s LGBTQ+ community. Looking towards the future, Paul is excited about his work with the ReelAbilities Film Festival, the world’s largest festival dedicated to films created by and about individuals with disabilities. While reflecting on D.C., Paul says, "People are more inclined to give here than in most other cities because I think that is just the culture; I think we have a philanthropic culture more than any other city has." Driven by this philosophy, Paul has been playing a crucial role in fostering an environment where giving is encouraged and integral to community-building.
Works Cited
“About Our CEO.” Promethean Fundraising, 28 June 2019, prometheanfundraising.blog/about/about-our-ceo/.
Chibbaro, Lou. “Cherry Fund to Give $100,000 to LGBT, AIDS Groups.” Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News, 26 Sept. 2019, www.washingtonblade.com/2019/09/26/cherry-fund-to-give-100000-to-lgbt-aids-groups/.
“Comings & Goings.” PDR & Associates, 3 Dec. 2021, prosenstein.com/2021/12/03/comings-goings-6/.
“Paul Marengo.” TheatreWashington, theatrewashington.org/job-profiles/paul-marengo. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.
“Paul Marengo: Speaker: Winter Film Festival 2021 Education Week.” Winter Film Festival, 4 Jan. 2024, winterfilmawards.com/performer/paul-marengo/.
“Rising Stars: Meet Paul Marengo.” VoyageBaltimore, 9 Sept. 2021, voyagebaltimore.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-paul-marengo-of-baltimore/.