Mission: Funders for LGBTQ Issues works to increase the scale and impact of philanthropic resources aimed at enhancing the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities, promoting equity, and advancing racial, economic and gender justice.
Who They Are: Funders for LGBTQ Issues is a network of more than 75 foundations, corporations, and funding institutions that collectively award more than $1 billion annually, including approximately $100 million specifically devoted to LGBTQ issues.
What They Do:
Research: Funders for LGBTQ issues has a long history of reporting on LGBTQ grantmaking by both U.S. foundations and international institutions. They produce an annual tracking report and other special reports to monitor the character of LGBTQ funding and identify trends, gaps, and opportunities. Their reports on domestic and global LGBTQ funding are considered the field’s most reliable and useful source of data on resource flows to LGBTQ communities. Their reports have been cited by academic journals, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, newspapers, blogs, and other media.
Training and Support Services: Funders for LGBTQ Issues provides individualized training and advising for funders new to LGBTQ issues. They collaborate with funders to help them identify how LGBTQ issues intersect with a range of grantmaking priorities. They connect with allies in foundations not yet funding LGBTQ issues and support them in building institutions that are more inclusive and responsive to LGBTQ communities.
Convening and Collective Action: Funders for LGBTQ Issues regularly convenes grantmakers committed to LGBTQ issues so that they may connect with one another, learn from each other, coordinate their efforts, and maximize their impact. They host working groups and initiatives on specific topics to help funders shape funding strategies and leverage opportunities for new philanthropic partnerships. Through participation in other philanthropic conferences and partnerships with other funder networks, they also broaden their reach and ensure LGBTQ voices are present in vital funding conversations.
