Funders for LGBTQ Issues

What Funders for LGBTQ Issues does

Funders for LGBTQ Issues is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization founded in 1982 and headquartered in New York City at 45 West 36th Street, 8th Floor. It operates as the only national network specifically dedicated to organizing, educating, and mobilizing philanthropic institutions around LGBTQ issues, with a stated network of 100+ foundations, corporations, and funding institutions that collectively award more than $1 billion annually, of which approximately $258 million is directed specifically to LGBTQ communities.

The organization's core deliverable is research, centered on its annual Resource Tracking Report, now in its 22nd edition, and the interactive Resource Tracking Data Explorer launched in 2023 on the Flourish visualization platform. Programmatic offerings include Grantmakers United for Trans Communities (GUTC, launched 2017), the Out in the South regional initiative (launched 2013), the QTPIES affinity space for LGBTQ+ philanthropic professionals, and the Philanthropic Organizing working groups. Major convenings include the biennial Funding Forward conference (next scheduled for Minneapolis in 2027, 300+ attendees) and the biannual Pride in Philanthropy Awards. Multimedia assets include the Justice Ain't Cheap podcast, debuted in 2023.

Revenue derives from institutional membership dues on a sliding scale based on annual grantmaking budget ($500 for under $200K up to $15,000 for over $20 million), individual memberships ($150+ annually), industry partner memberships ($2,500 annually for advisory firms and PSOs), donations, event registration and sponsorship, and a $50 non-member job posting fee. The organization serves foundations with LGBTQ-specific funding priorities, foundations seeking to integrate LGBTQ issues into broader portfolios, philanthropic support organizations, and LGBTQ+ philanthropic professionals. Its go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, with a 2025-2026 Membership Tour extending regional engagement across Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle, and Washington DC.

Name

Funders for LGBTQ Issues

Legal name

Funders for LGBTQ Issues

Website

https://lgbtfunders.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Funders for LGBTQ Issues is a New York-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit network of 100+ foundations that conducts research, convenes funders, and runs programs to increase philanthropic support for LGBTQ communities across the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Philanthropic Network and Research Services

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132), Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Human Rights Organizations (813311), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Social Justice & Human Rights Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAN)

akta.pro secondary industry

LGBTQ+ Rights & Advocacy Organizations (BPAGAFAE)

Keywords

• Philanthropy research services
• Grantmaker network convening
• Foundation membership programs
• LGBTQ grantmaking data
• Nonprofit thought leadership

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues from foundations and philanthropic institutions, calculated on a sliding scale based on total annual grantmaking budget (from $500 for under $200K to $15,000 for over $20 million in grants). Individual membership available for $150+ annually. Industry partners (consulting firms, PSOs) pay $2,500 annually.
2. Donations and Contributions: Individual and organizational donations supporting specific programs including Out in the South, GUTC, research initiatives, and general operations. Non-member job posting fee of $50.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Funders for LGBTQ Issues is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit network that organizes, educates, and supports foundations and philanthropic institutions in increasing and improving their funding for LGBTQ communities. Its core offerings include annual Resource Tracking Reports with an interactive Data Explorer, biennial Funding Forward conferences, Pride in Philanthropy Awards, specialized programs (GUTC, Out in the South), the QTPIES affinity space, and the Justice Ain't Cheap podcast. Membership is the primary vehicle through which foundations access research, convenings, and peer learning.

Product overview

Funders for LGBTQ Issues operates as a network organization providing research, convenings, programs, and membership services for LGBTQ philanthropy. The core offering is the Resource Tracking Report series (now in its 22nd edition) analyzing LGBTQ grantmaking data, supported by an interactive Data Explorer visualization tool. Major programs include Grantmakers United for Trans Communities (GUTC) for trans-inclusive philanthropy, Out in the South for regional Southern LGBTQ funding, QTPIES for LGBTQ+ professional affinity space, and the Philanthropic Organizing working groups. The organization hosts biennial Funding Forward conferences and Pride in Philanthropy Awards. Additional offerings include the Justice Ain't Cheap podcast series, a philanthropy jobs board, and institutional/individual membership tiers with benefits including convenings, research access, and technical assistance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• QTPIES (Queer & Trans People in Emergent Space): An affinity space crafted for LGBTQ+ professionals in philanthropy, hosted by Funders for LGBTQ Issues.
• Grantmakers United for Trans Communities (GUTC)
• Out in the South (OTS)
• Philanthropic Organizing
• Funding Forward
• Pride in Philanthropy Awards
• Justice Ain't Cheap: A Queer Philanthropy Podcast

Products and services

• Resource Tracking Report Annual tracking report analyzing LGBTQ grantmaking data by U.S. foundations, documenting trends, gaps, and recommendations for funders. Now in its 22nd edition covering 2024 data. Targeted at foundations, researchers, media, and policymakers.
• Resource Tracking Data Explorer Interactive web-based tool displaying LGBTQ grantmaking data through visualizations including population breakdowns, geographic focus, anti-trans legislation correlation, and grant type analysis. Powered by Flourish.
• Funding Forward Conference Biennial conference gathering grantmakers committed to LGBTQ issues to connect, learn, coordinate efforts, and maximize impact. Includes sponsorship opportunities for visibility.
• Pride in Philanthropy Awards Biannual awards celebrating institutions and individuals who have made transformative impact on LGBTQ philanthropy, including the Reed Erickson Trailblazing Leadership Award and Paul Rapoport Award for Lifetime Achievement.
• Grantmakers United for Trans Communities (GUTC) Program aimed at inspiring philanthropic culture inclusive and supportive of trans people through grantmaking, decision-making, fellowship programs, and capacity-building for TGNC organizations.
• Out in the South (OTS) Initiative working to transform philanthropy in the U.S. South through a philanthropic collaborative supporting LGBTQ rights and racial justice, providing flexible grants, technical assistance, and networking to Southern LGBTQ organizations. Has awarded over $4.3 million since inception.
• QTPIES (Queer & Trans People in Emergent Space) Affinity space for LGBTQ+ professionals in philanthropy, offering virtual meetings, Slack workspace for ongoing connection, community-building gatherings, and professional development for grantmakers.
• LGBTQ Philanthropy Jobs Board Online job board focused on opportunities in the philanthropic sector. Free for members; $50 per posting fee for non-members.
• Justice Ain't Cheap: A Queer Philanthropy Podcast Podcast featuring conversations about the state of the LGBTQ movement and philanthropy's role. Includes the TRANScending Voices mini-series focusing on trans leaders in philanthropy.
• Philanthropic Organizing Program Program encompassing working groups and funder organizing tables providing space for funders to deepen LGBTQ grantmaking, including the Trans Future Funding Campaign and Funders United for Democracy & Trans Justice (DTJ) initiatives.
• Institutional Membership Program Sliding-scale membership for foundations and philanthropic institutions based on annual grantmaking budget, ranging from $500 (under $200K) to $15,000 (over $20M). Benefits include conference discounts, exclusive research access, QTPIES participation, job board access, and technical assistance.
• Individual Membership Individual membership available to staff, volunteers, and trustees of grantmaking institutions. Granted to those making donations of $150 or more annually, with monthly installment options.
• Industry Partner Membership Industry Partner Membership at $2,500 annually for consulting firms, PSOs, and other institutions offering advisory services for grantmakers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Member foundations collectively award over $1 billion annually, with $258 million specifically for LGBTQ issues
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature2 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• Global Philanthropy Project (GPP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing partnership to co-produce the biennial Global Resources Report, an international tracking report on LGBTQI grantmaking. Funders for LGBTQ Issues provides grant data that GPP uses to document global LGBTQ philanthropy trends.
• Saint Paul & Minnesota FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host partner for Funding Forward 2027 in Minneapolis, MN. Planning Committee Co-Chair from this foundation.
• Northwest Area FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlanning Committee Co-Chair for Funding Forward 2027, supporting conference planning.
• New Moon NetworkmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-Director of New Moon Network serves as Planning Committee Co-Chair for Funding Forward 2027.
• PFund FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSenior Director of Programs at PFund Foundation serves as Planning Committee Co-Chair for Funding Forward 2027.
• Liberty Hill FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsored the immigration and LGBTQ communities issue brief companion to the Justice Ain't Cheap podcast episode on Black migrant communities.
• Funders Committee for Civic Participation (FCCP)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsored Justice Ain't Cheap Episode 3 on legislators and organizers impacted by anti-trans legislation.
• National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsored Justice Ain't Cheap Episode 3 on legislators and organizers impacted by anti-trans legislation.
• Women's Funding Network (WFN)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsored Justice Ain't Cheap Episode 2 on intersections of reproductive rights and LGBTQ community attacks.
• Funders for Reproductive Equity (FRE)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsored Justice Ain't Cheap Episode 2 on intersections of reproductive rights and LGBTQ community attacks.
• California Wellness FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost partner for Membership Tour stop in Los Angeles, October 2025.
• Disability and Philanthropy ForumsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host partner for Membership Tour Oakland stop in May 2026.
• Horizons FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host partner for Membership Tour Oakland stop in May 2026.
• Kataly FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host partner for Membership Tour Oakland stop in May 2026.
• Northern California GrantmakerssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host partner for Membership Tour Oakland stop in May 2026.
• Pride FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host partner for Membership Tour Seattle stop in June 2026.
• Satterberg FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host partner for Membership Tour Seattle stop in June 2026.
• Inatai FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host partner for Membership Tour Seattle stop in June 2026.
• Philanthropy NorthwestsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host partner for Membership Tour Seattle stop in June 2026.
• Meyer FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating partner for Membership Tour Washington DC stop in June 2026.
• Borealis Philanthropy (Fund for Trans Generations)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGUTC Pledge signatories and partners in trans philanthropy. Borealis hosts the Fund for Trans Generations, a major initiative to direct resources to BIPOC trans-led organizations.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP): Research and advocacy organization promoting responsive and accountable philanthropy. Comparable as a field-builder that produces research, convenes funders, and pushes foundations toward equity-focused grantmaking.
• PEAK Grantmaking: Membership community of grantmakers advancing equitable and effective grantmaking practice. Comparable membership-based model organizing grantmakers around field-wide learning, capacity-building, and convenings.
• EDGE Funders Alliance: Affinity alliance of foundations and funders advancing LGBTQI+ rights and gender justice globally. Most direct peer, organizing funders around the same LGBTQI mission; membership-driven with research and convening model.
• Women's Funding Network: Global network of women's funds and foundations advancing gender justice. Comparable identity-focused funder organizing model; co-sponsorship partner and structurally similar convening/research approach.
• Asset Funders Network: Membership network of foundations advancing economic opportunity through asset-building. Comparable as a peer-learning funder affinity network with annual convenings, research, and sliding-scale membership model.
• Global Philanthropy Project: Collaboration of funders advancing LGBTQI+ rights globally, co-producing the Global Resources Report. Directly comparable as an LGBTQI funder-organizing effort with shared data methodology and foundation membership.
• Neighborhood Funders Group: Membership network of foundations advancing equitable, accountable, and transformative philanthropy in disinvested communities. Directly comparable as a funder-organizing model that convenes and educates grantmakers around a shared social-justice mandate.
• United Philanthropy Forum: Network of philanthropic-serving organizations that supports and strengthens the field of philanthropy. Directly comparable membership model connecting PSOs and funders around shared learning and field capacity-building.
• Borealis Philanthropy: Intermediary funder focused on racial justice and LGBTQ communities, hosting initiatives like the Fund for Trans Generations. Highly comparable as a funder-organizing entity with overlapping partner networks and shared GUTC-style programming.
• Funders for Reproductive Equity: Membership-based philanthropic organizing effort to increase resources for reproductive health, rights, and justice. Comparable as an identity-focused funder organizing model with shared co-sponsorship relationships (Justice Ain't Cheap podcast).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/lgbtfunders
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/funders-for-lgbtq-issues
• Instagraminstagram.com/lgbtfunders

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Funders for LGBTQ Issues