Haverhill Pride Formalizes Nonprofit Status Following Year of Rapid Community Growth
Haverhill Pride Articles of Organization paperwork
HAVERHILL, MA – One year after its inception, Haverhill Pride is moving to become a permanent fixture in the city’s cultural landscape. President Nathan Phillips announced today that the organization has officially filed its Articles of Organization with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the first major step toward achieving formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
This legal move transitions Haverhill Pride from a grassroots committee into a formal organization, allowing it to scale its year-round programming and expand its support for the local LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.
"We submitted our articles of organization in the same year we planned our first-ever parade, which is a direct reflection of the energy this city has for queer visibility," said Nathan Phillips, President of Haverhill Pride. "Haverhill has always been home to strong queer people. Our mission is to build the permanent, year-round infrastructure that builds community and keeps those people connected. Formalizing our status as a nonprofit ensures we have the longevity to do that."
President Nathan Phillips holding Haverhill Pride’s Articles of Organization paperwork at the office of the secretary of the commonwealth of massachusetts
Since hosting an inaugural parade that drew over 1,200 attendees with only four months of planning, the organization has demonstrated consistent momentum:
Speed Friending: A recent event at Barrio raised over $1,400 while creating a low-pressure environment for residents to meet.
Giving Tuesday: A peer-to-peer fundraising campaign brought in over $2,000 in a single day.
Community Demand: Social media following and volunteer sign-ups have grown steadily month-over-month since June 2025.
The organization’s next event, "Dungeons in Drag," takes place on Saturday, February 14, at Creatorpult Games. The event offers a "no-pressure" alternative to traditional Valentine's Day plans, inviting attendees to play tabletop games alongside local drag performers.
"We aren't just a once-a-year celebration," Phillips added. "Whether it’s a parade down Main Street or a board game tournament at a local shop, we are focused on making sure everyone in Haverhill has a seat at the table."
For more information on upcoming events or to view the 2026 sponsorship opportunities, visit haverhillpride.org.
About Haverhill Pride
Haverhill Pride is a community-led organization dedicated to creating safe spaces and fostering a sense of belonging for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies in Haverhill, MA. Through its annual parade and year-round programming, Haverhill Pride works to ensure that queer residents are visible, connected, and supported.