The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice is the only philanthropic organization working exclusively to advance LGBTQI human rights around the globe. They support brilliant and brave grantee partners in the U.S. and internationally who challenge oppression and seed change. They work for racial, economic, social, and gender justice, because they all deserve to live their lives freely, without fear, and with dignity.
In pursuing their mission, they raise and disburse funds to programs and initiatives that directly benefit or serve their diverse constituencies; expand the community of individuals and institutions that support lesbian and trans issues; promote community-building, capacity building, and movement-building; and educate individuals about money, philanthropic giving, and the role of grantmaking in achieving common goals.
Their mission is based is on an enduring commitment to feminism, progressive social change and an end to all forms of exploitation and discrimination. They support programs and policies that strive to eliminate oppression based on race, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic exploitation, physical and mental ability, anti-Semitism, and other such factors. Only through action will they build a world of peace and justice for lesbians, and for society as a whole.
What they do:
For over 35 years, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice has been the only philanthropic organization working exclusively to advance LGBTQI human rights globally, with a focus on reinforcing the political leadership of lesbians, women, transgender people and people of color.
One among the top ten LGBTQ grantmakers in the US and in the Global South and East, Astraea is fueling social change and cultural transformation, reinforcing the political leadership of lesbians, women, transgender people and people of color. At Astraea, grantmaking is paired with a deep commitment to active philanthropic education, advocacy and collaboration. Deeply nestled in a rich network of change-makers, connecting communities, on-the-ground activists and artists inspiring change, Astraea's impact is historical, profound and far-reaching.
Grantmaking
Astraea is often among the first—if not the first—funder of emerging, cutting-edge LGBTQI organizations and activists who are fueling a powerful grassroots movement across the globe.
They provide flexible, general support grants that enable their grantee partners to pursue their own visions, and they commit to long-term partnerships because they know social change doesn’t happen overnight. Their grants instigate change in a range of political climates using innovative, culturally appropriate strategies, tools, networks, and technology.
They prioritize support for those sectors of their movement that have the least access to financial resources, including lesbian-led groups, groups led by trans* and intersex activists, groups led by LGBTQI people of color, and groups based in rural or other geographic areas where isolation and safety issues present barriers to visibility and community organizing.
Philanthropic Advocacy
Their reach extends beyond direct grantmaking. A core tenet of their work includes leveraging resources and opportunities where they are most needed to abolish the inequities LGBTQI people experience around the world. Astraea engages in education, advocacy and collaboration to build a strong, cohesive, well-informed community of grantees, donors and funders. They work to build relationships among social justice agents to increase their shared resources and knowledge.
