MOST RECENT
The Ford Foundation’s BUILD Initiative continues to provide substantial, flexible funding and capacity building support for social justice organizations. UltraViolet, which promotes gender justice, is the most recent grantee.
Jason Franklin is founder of Ktisis Capital, a progressive philanthropic advisor serving individuals and foundations. Here, Franklin talks about the firm’s approach to social change — and the importance of standing on solid ground.
Transgender Law Center is the the largest national trans-led organization. Shelby Chestnut talks about leading the group, how their upbringing informed their career, and what groups like TLC need from philanthropy.
During this year’s National Estate Planning Awareness Week, guest author Katie Hultquist makes the case for planned giving as a deep and largely untapped well of support for LGBTIQ communities.
Drawing on past bad experiences with donors, guest author Jackson Cooper argues that organizations need to make sure they support their LGBTQ+ fundraisers, especially during a time of increased anti-LGBTQ+ animus.
Dawn Wolfe offers three reasons (actually four) why funders backing direct social services need to include and prioritize LGBTQ+ nonprofits in their portfolios, and why failing to do so may perpetuate harm.
An effort in Ohio to raise the vote threshold needed for a state constitutional amendment failed, despite a big push from a wealthy conservative donor. It’s yet another reminder of the inescapable influence of wealthy donors.
Funders for LGBTQ Issues is currently housing two collaborative efforts to support trans communities — one to fund immediate support and another to recruit dedicated allies. Both are drawing some big names.
Across the country, conservative groups are working to ban books. The American Library Association is standing up to these challenges, with a big boost from Solidarity Giving, founded by billionaires Brian and Tegan Acton.
While foundations’ LGBTQ funding was still rising as of 2021, it mostly isn’t making it to those in greatest need. That includes Black and trans groups, and those in states where a raft of anti-LGBTQ laws are being passed.
Keith Haring remains a powerful force in contemporary art, long after his passing in 1990. He was also an influential activist and philanthropist. A new exhibit in Los Angeles explores Haring’s art and lasting impact.
Launched alongside the #MeToo movement, the pooled fund provided rapid-response grants as gender-based violence surged during COVID. Now, it’s pivoting to multiyear support.
In 2021, this foundation working to advance LGBTQI human rights globally welcomed Joy Chia as executive director. We spoke with Chia about how she’s adjusted to the job, how to fund at the intersection of multiple issues, and more.
More Jewish donors are supporting LGBTQ communities, but there’s still much room for growth. Three philanthropists formed the Jewish LGBTQ Donor Network to increase giving, educate and build connections.
Claims of underfunding in the LGBTQ space aren’t wrong, but it’s also notoriously difficult to get a read on how much money is being moved and how much is needed. Ultimately, some of this handwringing may be unnecessary.
Roger Doughty recently celebrated 20 years as president of Horizons Foundation, which has been funding LGBTQ issues for over four decades. We spoke with Doughty about the state of funding in the field and much more.
The Black Trans Travel Fund shows how a resilient community can care for itself through philanthropy. It also offers an example for mainstream funders looking to support transgender people in a meaningful way.
An iconic LGBTQ community funder, the Bay Area-based Horizons Foundation has spent decades building up the grassroots. Today, though it’s still modest in size, its impact extends to the national and international stage.
MacKenzie Scott has backed LGBTQ groups since she first got started in 2022, but her latest round took that support to the next level, including funding for trans rights and intersectional groups, big and small.
Founded by Jon Stryker, the Arcus Foundation funds in two seemingly disparate arenas: LGBTQ issues and the conservation of great apes and gibbons. As the foundation hones its strategy, social justice is a big theme.
Even as the people it serves face a daunting list of threats, the Black Trans Fund focuses on joy, resilience and liberation. Program Officer Bré Rivera explains how the fund works and what it backs.
Since its launch, Grantmakers United for Trans Communities has seen an overwhelming response. Part of that growth is a backlash to right-wing attacks, but organizers also made some key strategic moves.
Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation focuses on youth and mental health, backed by Gaga herself, funding partners, and ticket sales. Executive Director Maya Enista Smith explains how its work has evolved over the years.
Trans and gender-nonconforming people are facing a rise in physical and legislative violence. Overall, philanthropy continues to dedicate mere pennies to the problem, but there are some signs of an uptick in funding.
Funding for U.S.-based nonprofits focused on LGBTQ+ communities is on the rise, yet this sector still receives only a tiny fraction of overall giving. Here’s an overview of the space, with plenty of links to our coverage on the topic.
Last February, Amoretta Morris took the helm of the progressive grantmaking intermediary Borealis Philanthropy. We caught up with her to discuss the new role, why she’s optimistic about the state of philanthropy, and more.
Amid a barrage of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the country, here are some of the top philanthropic funders supporting ground-level movement groups working to resist the trend.
A new book edited by Peter L.W. Osnos examines the many facets of the life of George Soros, including a chapter on his philanthropy written by Ford’s Darren Walker. It’s an insightful look at what makes Soros so unique as a donor.
Legislatures across the nation are stripping away trans rights and legalizing discriminatory practices. Aldita Gallardo of the Fund for Trans Generations urges action, encouraging funders to listen to—and fund—trans communities.
The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund has been a leading backer of LGBTQ causes. Now, the foundation is winding down its program. How is the move being received? And who will step up to meet ongoing, pressing challenges?