LGBTQ
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Ten Questions for Saida Agostini-Bostic, President of Funders for LGBTQ Issues
Saida Agostini-Bostic has helmed the funder network since 2021. Here’s what she had to say about the challenges facing LGBTQ funders right now, how to support LGBTQ movements, myths in philanthropy, and more.
“We Can Still Be Hopeful.” Talking Trans Funding with Funders for LGBTQ Issues’ Alexander Lee
We connected with Funders for LGBTQ Issues Deputy Director Alexander Lee to discuss trans philanthropy, including funders’ response to right-wing attacks and the importance of funding intermediaries.
Six Questions for Morgan (Mo) Willis and MARS. Marshall, Co-Directors at Third Wave Fund
We connected with the dauntlessly progressive funding intermediary’s new co-directors to talk about their backgrounds, views on philanthropy, and why disempowered folks should seek to “presume their power.”
One Organization’s Quest to Forge a Civic Path Out of the Culture Wars, and Rally Funders
The Harwood Institute is working to help communities find common ground and avoid the political and cultural clashes that are dividing the country. It’s also seeking to bring more philanthropic funders to that work.
The Story Behind a Donor’s Million-Dollar-Plus Gift to Back the Fight for LGBTQ+ Civil Rights
Heather Steans, a former Illinois state politician and chair of her family’s foundation, gave $1.25 million to advocacy organization Lambda Legal alongside her family. Such support is vital as threats multiply.
Funders Must Step Up to Engage Pro-Equality Voters This Year
With LGBTQ+ rights under attack, mobilizing pro-equality voters will be crucial this year. Guest authors Fran Hutchins and Dani Martínez highlight ways funders can engage, including through a new donor organizing network.
The Gill Foundation, an LGBTQ Powerhouse, Dives Into Pro-Democracy Funding
One of the country’s largest LGBTQ funders is moving $4.3 million to democracy nonprofits in the lead-up to the 2024 election. It’s the latest example of a key cause-focused philanthropy embracing broader civic engagement work.
With a Big Commitment, Ford Looks to BUILD Gender and Reproductive Justice
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.
This Michigan-Based Donor Advisor is Building a Firm Foundation for the Progressive Movement
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.
Eight Questions for Shelby Chestnut, Executive Director of Transgender Law Center
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.
Why Estate Planning Matters for LGBTIQ Donors and Causes
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.
Queer Fundraisers Need You Now
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.
Social Service Funders Must Support LGBTQ+ Nonprofits to Advance Their Missions
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.
This Megadonor’s Attempt to Curtail Ohio Voters’ Rights Is a Symptom of Our Larger Problem
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.
These Two Philanthropic Initiatives Seek to Save Trans Lives Now and Build Support for the Future
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.
As Book Banning Campaigns Spread, this Funder is Defending the Right to Read
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.
Funders for LGBTQ Issues’ Latest Tracking Report: Some Good News, More Not So Good
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.
Art is for Everybody: Keith Haring’s Artistic and Philanthropic Legacy Lives on at the Broad
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.
The Collective Future Fund Is Expanding Its Long-Term Work to End Gender-Based Violence
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.
Six Questions for Joy Chia, Executive Director at Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice
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.
Seeing Progress and Potential, Jewish LGBTQ Donors Form a Network to Support Their Community
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.
The Data on Funding for LGBTQ Causes Is Seriously Incomplete. Here’s Why
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.
“We Are By No Means Home Free.” Six Questions for Horizons Foundation President Roger Doughty
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.
A Small, Focused Funder Demonstrates the Strength and Resilience of Transgender Communities
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.
At 42 and Counting, Horizons Foundation Punches Way Above Its Weight
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’s Latest Round Gives a Big Boost to LGBTQ Groups at a Critical Moment
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.
The Arcus Foundation’s Dual Mission: Protecting LGBTQ People and Humans’ Nearest Relations
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.
For Groundswell, Supporting Black Trans People Is all About “Joy and Resilience”
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.
How This “Gutsy” Group of Funders Came Together to Support Trans Rights
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.
Born This Way: How Lady Gaga’s Foundation Focuses on Kindness
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.
