Protecting a legacy: Tom of Finland Foundation expands efforts to preserve Queer erotic art

As Tom of Finland Foundation enters a new phase of growth, its mission to protect, preserve, and promote Queer erotic art remains more vital than ever. Helping advance that work is P Tyrone Smith, whose decades of experience supporting Queer and progressive organizations informs his approach. Through his consulting firm, Do Good Stuff, Smith strengthens fundraising, systems, and community connections—bringing that expertise to the Foundation at a pivotal moment.

Can you share the story behind founding Do Good Stuff and what inspired you to focus your work on supporting nonprofit organizations?

I began my journey as a Queer activist in Las Vegas during my first year at UNLV, organizing the campus’s first Queer demonstration. For years, I volunteered—cofounding organizations and helping raise millions through events—before transitioning into professional fundraising in San Francisco, where I scaled initiatives like the Bare Chest Calendar into major revenue drivers. After roles at organizations like AIDS Emergency Fund and NatureBridge, I launched Do Good Stuff in 2015 to expand my impact, partnering with Queer and progressive nonprofits to strengthen fundraising, build community, and move their missions forward.

What core beliefs guide your work with nonprofits, and how do those values shape the kind of impact you strive to make through Do Good Stuff?

My work is grounded in collaboration, accountability, and a deep commitment to results. I partner with changemakers who are serious about impact, bringing a mix of strategic thinking, technical knowledge, and hands-on execution to every project. Over four decades, that approach has helped me raise more than $16 million, but more importantly, it’s built lasting partnerships rooted in trust, shared purpose, and a willingness to do the work it takes to create meaningful change.

How has your experience in the nonprofit world shaped the way you support organizations today, and what kinds of challenges do you help them navigate?

Years in the field have shaped a practical, human-centered approach to helping organizations grow. Through Do Good Stuff, I support clients with high-impact events, donor-focused fundraising strategies, and the adoption of technology that enables scale. Much of the work involves guiding organizations through growth—aligning stakeholders, modernizing systems, and refining how they engage their communities—so they can operate more effectively and turn ambitious ideas into sustainable outcomes.

What first drew you to Tom of Finland Foundation, and what is it about the Foundation’s mission and work that continues to inspire and resonate with you?

I’m driven by a belief that Queer communities deserve freedom, and that cultural expression is a vital part of protecting it. Tom of Finland Foundation plays a critical role in preserving and championing erotic art, particularly within the Queer Leather and Fetish communities, while supporting artists across identities. At a time when Queer expression is increasingly challenged, the Foundation’s work feels urgent and necessary—and with new leadership embracing growth and transformation, it’s an especially meaningful moment to contribute.

As a partner in this moment of growth, what are you hoping to help Tom of Finland Foundation achieve—and what’s your long-term vision for the Foundation once your work is complete?

My focus is on building the infrastructure that will support the Foundation’s long-term success—implementing stronger systems, improving data and communications, and aligning leadership around clear goals. Beyond that, it’s about helping the organization tell its story more effectively and deepen relationships with its community. Long-term, I want the Foundation to thrive with a strong operational backbone, an engaged supporter base, and a reputation not just for preserving Queer erotic art, but for setting the standard as a bold, sustainable cultural institution.

Do Good Stuff collaborates to transform lofty objectives into tangible outcomes through thoughtful partnerships, detailed planning, and deliberate execution.  

Published: 1st June 2026

Categorised in: News