(New York, NY - August 8, 2013) Funders for LGBTQ Issues today released a new report that explores how funding for LGBTQ issues has grown over the past 10 years and offers some strategies for further expanding LGBTQ philanthropy at this crucial moment for the LGBTQ movement.
The report, The Physics of LGBTQ Funding (2013), is authored by Ben Francisco Maulbeck, who assumed the role of president of the organization eight months ago. In the report, he notes, "The current moment presents both a grave danger to and a grand opportunity for LGBTQ philanthropy."
The report indicates that LGBTQ funding has grown exponentially in the past decade -from $32 million in 2002 to $123 million in 2011. That's eight times as fast as the overall growth of philanthropy in the same period. But $123 million still only represents 0.25% of all philanthropic giving. And of the $123 million, 43 percent comes from LGBTQ foundations. Only a small number of mainstream funders have supported LGBTQ issues at a significant level.
The report outlines four strategies to connect with new funding partners and expand LGBTQ funding by an order of magnitude:
Ending the "Two Americas" patchwork - With the Defense of Marriage Act repealed, the U.S. is a patchwork of inequality for LGBTQ people. Working with community foundations and other local funders, we can help build up local grassroots leaders and organizations - especially in the South and Midwest - to bring full legal equality to LGBTQ people in all 50 states.
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Seizing the new majority opportunity - With rapidly shifting demographics, funders have an opportunity to strengthen LGBTQ organizations working intersectionally in underserved communities while supporting coalitions and broad progressive efforts. Working with a range of funders committed to social justice, we can build a powerful intersectional movement for social change.
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Transforming cultures and systems - Even once full legal equality is achieved, LGBTQ people will still face discrimination and cultural barriers in accessing a range of services. Working with funders concerned about children & youth, education, families, and health, we can strengthen LGBTQ community centers, HIV/AIDS organizations and other LGBTQ service providers while simultaneously transforming mainstream institutions to be more responsive to LGBTQ communities. In the process, we can assure that all LGBTQ people have the opportunity to live prosperous and fulfilling lives.
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Building a global movement - Same-sex activity and transgender identity are still criminalized in many parts of the world. Working with bilateral and multilateral agencies as well as other human rights funders, we can help strengthen LGBTQ NGOs and leaders ar
ound the world and support human rights organizations that are inclusive of LGBTQ issues. Together, we can promote a world were LGBTQ people can live safely and openly anywhere.
The report also includes an infographic that visually summarizes the findings and recommendations. Both the infographic and full report are now available for download at www.lgbtfunders.org .