In 2019, Canada launched its LGBTQ2I International Assistance Program (IAP) with an initial commitment of CA$ 30 million over five years (2020-2025) and CA$ 10 million per year from 2025 onwards for LGBTI rights in ODA-recipient countries. 

The IAP has boosted Canada’s global LGBTI funding, with Canada ranking third in the two latest editions of the Global Resources Report (2019-2020 and 2021-2022). For the past years, GPP has engaged in a dialogue with Global Affairs Canada to explore how this initiative can best support the needs of LGBTI movements. A delegation of GPP members attended the Dignity Roundtable in May 2024 to share best practices from philanthropy and possible avenues for future Canadian engagement in the landscape of global LGBTI funding. These recommendations were notably shared with Ahmed Hussen, Canadian Minister for International Development. 

GPP, DNC and civil society with Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen during the Dignity Roundtable, May 2024

Global Philanthropy Project, together with partners Dignity Network Canada and Égides, published in July 2024 a report documenting existing efforts by the Government of Canada. Standing Up: Canada’s Leadership in Global LGBTI Funding provides targeted recommendations for Canada to renew and strengthen its commitment in a second phase of the IAP as well as throughout its international assistance.

The report was launched during the Festival Fierté (Pride) Montréal in August 2024, where GPP and its partners organized a networking brunch and a public symposium. On this occasion we shared three key recommendations with Global Affairs Canada, Members of Parliament, and civil society:

• Build on the success of the 2SLGBTQI+ International Assistance Program (IAP), launched by Canada in 2019 with three specific, dedicated funding windows.
• Expand Canada’s LGBTI funding to at least CA$20 million per year, so that funding for LGBTI movements is integrated across a number of Canadian international assistance key priorities.
• Institutionalize LGBTI issues within Global Affairs Canada, to strengthen LGBTI inclusion within the strategies, policies and practices in the long term

Egides, DNC and GPP with Members of the Parliament of Canada during Fierté Montréal, August 2024