Funders for LGBTQ Issues || Give Out Day 2020

Today is Give OUT Day, a national day of LGBTQ giving led by our member institution, Horizons Foundation. As an organization that for 35 years has been advocating to increase philanthropic support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities, we are thrilled to be a part of this day of support for our communities.

Since our founding in 1982, we’ve witnessed a marked increase in the scale and impact of philanthropy for LGBTQ issues.  In 2018, the last year for which we have data, funding for LGBTQ issues hit a record high of $209.2 million. Still, even at this new record, for every $100 awarded by U.S. foundations only 25 cents specifically support LGBTQ issues.    

While we are all trying to stay safe during the COVID-19 crisis and make sense of these current conditions, here’s what we can tell you: Funders for LGBTQ Issues is more committed than ever to increasing the scale and impact of philanthropic resources aimed at enhancing the well-being of LGBTQ communities, promoting equity, and advancing racial, economic and gender justice. 

As you consider your gifts for LGBTQ justice today, we hope that you will consider making a donation to Funder for LGBTQ Issues to help us galvanize more resources for our movement for the long term.

We also encourage you to make personal contributions to a range of LGBTQ organizations meeting the diverse needs of our communities. In particular, in this moment of resistance, the staff of Funders for LGBTQ Issues uplift donations to LGBTQ organizations by and for Black communities. ActBLUE and Bustle have compiled useful lists and resource guides of Black trans-led organizations around the country. We also encourage you to consider giving to these philanthropic funds led by and for Black trans communities:

• The Black Trans Fund at Groundswell Fund

• Trans Justice Funding Project

• All Black Lives Fund at Contigo Fund

• Black Trans Travel Fund

Your gift to Funders for LGBTQ Issues on Give OUT Day will support our work to ensure that LGBTQ organizations are well-resourced, not just today, but every day!