Updates
Photo Credit: Evan Abramson for AJWS (2013)
As ethno-nationalist and fascist movements grow, feeding off social polarization and economic inequality, strange bedfellows are increasingly working together to roll back human rights and social justice gains and attack minorities and marginalized groups.
Global Philanthropy Project seeks two consultancies for the coming year! We would appreciate it if you can send either one of these calls to any consultants you feel meet the requirements detailed in the SOW. We hope to close both applications by February 4th. 2019 GPP Needs Assessment Scope of Work The first consultancy is a short-term contract (two months) to evaluate the needs for GPP’s organizational home. Originally housed at Arcus Foundation, in December 2011 GPP moved to become housed as a program of Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice. In early 2015, GPP brought on full-time staff and has expanded since then. As we approach the ten year anniversary of our founding, GPP membership has agreed to evaluate and assess our needs for an organizational home in this stage of our organizational development. GPP Seeks Consultant for Regional Taskforce Coordination The second consultancy is for a two-year full-time Regional Taskforce Coordinator. After broad consultation with member institutions and key stakeholders, GPP staff and leadership have developed clarity about the need for regionally-oriented groups as a key structure for our work moving forward. We are seeking a skilled organizer to help us manage these regional taskforces. This new regional structure is an opportunity to build the grantmaking community and unique region-specific strategies at the local level, driven by local priorities, local expertise, and locally-based or focused grantmaking institutions. As many of our members and partners are oriented towards regional grantmaking, this model increases the likelihood of more authentic institutional partnerships and richer relationships with key local and regional staff throughout GPP member institutions. Moreover, this enables a clearer and more sustained alignment of effort and shared priorities around the urgent matters impacting our communities.
Read about GPP events, publications, and other activities in 2018
GPP is proud to partner with our members Open Society Foundations and American Jewish World Services on the newly selected Opening Plenary at the upcoming 2018 FCAA AIDS Philanthropy Summit.
Building on UHAI EASHRI’s history as the continent’s first indigenous activist-led fund for and by sex workers and sexual and gender minorities, UHAI is looking for a radical and visionary leader.
New: Global Acceptance Index (GAI) reports; Developed by the Williams Institute (UCLA) for the LGBTI Global Development Partnership
[ENGLISH] [FRANÇAIS AU-DESSOUS] Dear colleagues, ISDAO, the first West African Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Activist-Led Fund dedicated to strengthening and supporting a West African movement for gender diversity and sexual rights, is delighted to launch the recruitment of an Executive Director! We are seeking a confident, innovative, West African self-starter, who is spirited and has a passion for the LGBTQ community, and who is fluent in both French and English, to lead this new, dynamic, and impactful organization. The Executive Director will be responsible for spearheading the overall formation and set-up involved in establishing a new philanthropic fund and will provide strategic leadership for all of the fund’s core functions: grant-making, resource mobilization, communication, capacity building, networking and alliance building, as well as for developing the fund’s internal operations. Reporting to the Interim Governing Body, the Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for ISDAO’s staff, programs, alliances, and partnerships. More information on the search is attached in French and English, and the details and application are also available online here. The deadline for applications is 27 March 2018. Please help us disseminate this exciting opportunity! The ISDAO Team [FRANÇAIS] Chères collègues, ISDAO, le premier fonds de l’Afrique de l’Ouest dirigé par les militant-e-s lesbiennes, gay, bisexual-le-s, transgenres et queer (LGBTQ) dédié à renforcer et appuyer un mouvement de l’Afrique de l’Ouest pour la diversité de genre et les droits sexuels, est ravi de lancer le recrutement d’un-e directeur-trice exécutif-ive ! Nous sommes à la recherche d’une personne motivée, innovante, ayant confiance en soi, autonome, et originaire de l’Afrique de l’Ouest, d’esprit et passionnée pour la communauté LGBTQ, et francophone/anglophone, pour diriger cette organisation nouvelle, dynamique, et percutante. Le-la directeur-trice exécutif-ive sera responsable de mener le processus général de la création d’un nouveau fonds philanthropique et assurera le leadership stratégique pour l’ensemble des fonctions de base du fonds : octroi de subventions, mobilisation des ressources, communication, renforcement des capacités, réseautage et construction d’alliances, aussi bien que le développement d’opérations internes du fonds. Répondant au Groupe de gouvernance intérimaire, le•la directeur•trice exécutif•ive aura une responsabilité globale stratégique et opérationnelle pour le personnel, les programmes, les alliances et les partenariats. Vous trouverez plus d’informations ci-jointes en français et en anglais, est les détails, ainsi qu’un formulaire à remplir pour les candidat-es intéressé-e-s, se trouvent ici. La date limite de soumission des candidatures est le 27 Mars 2018 à 9h. Merci de nous aider à disséminer cette grande opportunité !
FJS seeks a creative and dynamic person to serve as its first Director of Programs. Working in collaboration with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Program Team, the Director of Programs will play a critical role in developing, implementing, and articulating the vision and direction of FJS’ program and learning, monitoring, and evaluation strategies. The Director of Programs will provide strong leadership, strategic direction, and management for the Program Team in the areas of grantmaking and capacity building support. The Director of Programs also promotes innovation to respond to changing trends in the landscape of movements that advance the rights of women, girls, and LGBTQI people; develops strategic alliances with peers in philanthropy; and is a thought leader on human rights and feminist social change. The Director of Programs will also contribute to shaping and participating in activities related to FJS’ strategic communications and philanthropic advocacy strategies. The Director of Programs reports to the CEO and works closely with the CEO and the CFO on overall leadership of FJS. This position requires international and domestic travel for approximately 20% of the work schedule. This is a full-time position located in New York, NY. More info here.
The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice seeks a dedicated, passionate and collaborative Program Officer to sustain their international grantmaking and join their Program Team, developing and managing diverse international LGBTQI rights grantmaking portfolios in Africa and Asia. With specific focus areas determined based on the successful candidate’s background, the Program Officer develops country and thematic strategies, manages relationships with grantee partners, engages in capacity building and advocacy in philanthropy, and participates in learning and evaluation of Astraea’s programs. The Program Officer reports to Astraea’s Associate Director of Programs and may be based in their respective location or in Astraea’s New York office. Find out more or apply online. Applications due by Tuesday, January 30, 2018.
The International Trans Fund (ITF) seeks a committed, collaborative and organized person to join our team as a Program Associate. The Program Associate is a full-time position that will support the day-to-day activities of the ITF team. This includes supporting ITF’s annual grantmaking cycle, providing logistical support for international meetings and other activities, and ensuring overall smooth operations of the team. The position is based in the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice office in New York City. Organization Description The ITF is an activist and funder-led initiative that aims to increase the capacity of trans movements globally to self-organize and advocate for trans people’s rights, self-determination, and wellbeing. The ITF works to mobilize sustainable resources to help build strong, trans-led movements and collective action, and to address and eliminate funding gaps impacting trans groups across the globe. The ITF is hosted at Astraea. Responsibilities Support outreach to potential applicants during grantmaking cycles, including through webinars and social media in multiple languages. Conduct intake of grant applications, including data entry, file management and communication with applicants. Coordinate translation of applications, which are received in English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. Provide initial screening of applications to determine eligibility for ITF support. Prepare materials for the ITF’s Grant Making Panel, a body of trans activists who make the funding decisions. Communicate with applicants, including responding to inquiries and sending grant notifications. Prepare award packages for grantee partners via the grants management database. Confirm payment details with grantee partners and work with the Astraea Senior Grants Manager and Fiscal Department to prepare, process, and track grants payments. Coordinate Grant Making Panel and Steering Committee Meetings, including handling logistics (travel, venues, lodging, catering, AV) and producing/organizing meeting materials. Support programmatic learning and pilot evaluation. Aid with budget tracking. Respond to general organizational queries. Provide general administrative support to the Director and Program Officer. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned from time to time. Qualifications Minimum two years of programmatic experience in trans, LGBTQI, feminist, human rights and/or social justice movements. Commitment to and knowledge of issues facing global trans movements. Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage and meet multiple deadlines while maintaining consistent attention to detail. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven track record in developing creative solutions. High level of proficiency with computers, databases and other technology. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work and communicate with diverse audiences and stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills and a supportive team player. Proficiency in English required; proficiency in Spanish preferred. Intermediate to expert level experience is computer applications like MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access), emails, and must be internet/web savvy. Additional Considerations This position is based in Astraea’s NY office with an immediate start date, US work authorization is required. ITF is not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Trans people are encouraged to apply. Applicants born or who originate from a global south country are strongly encouraged to apply for this role. How to Apply Please send resume/CV, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@transfund.org in .pdf, doc, or .docx format by January 15, 2018. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only applicants being considered for interviews will be contacted. La descripción del trabajo en español está disponible aquí. The ITF is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, collaborative and sustainable work environment. For more information visit www.transfund.org.
The International Trans Fund (ITF) recently announced their second grantmaking cycle. ITF warmly welcome applications from trans-led groups with budgets below $150,000 USD based in any region of the world. The deadline to apply is February 12, 5pm (EST/New York time). This year ITF requires all groups to complete an application form. ITF strongly urges applicants to review their guidelines before submitting an application. If you have any questions, please contact info@transfund.org. More online, including application materials in Spanish, Chinese, French, and Russian.
About the Fund The Fund for Global Human Rights is a leading supporter of on-the-ground human rights groups around the world. Dedicated to finding and funding the most effective human rights organizations in countries from Africa to South East Asia to Latin America, the Fund for Global Human Rights offers grants and facilitates technical support to ensure the long-term effectiveness and viability of frontline groups working in challenging conditions with scant resources. As an employer, we are deeply committed to the overall wellbeing of our staff. We offer 100% employer paid health benefits, generous paid leave, and flexible working options designed to meet the diverse needs of our globally based team members. About this opportunity: The Fund is seeking dynamic leadership for our regional grant-making and programmatic work. We’re in search of a proven manager and facilitative leader who is deeply invested in the global human rights movement and takes pride and satisfaction in creating a work environment where each member of their team can achieve their own goals. The ideal candidate for this position will be a mid-career professional who has remote management experience and practical familiarity with the challenges facing frontline grassroots human rights organizations around the world. The primary function of this position is to manage and support the program officers who lead the Fund’s five regional grant-making programs (South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, North Africa, and the Great Lakes of Africa), all of whom work remotely, many from the region where their program is focused. The Director of Regional Programs will report to the Vice President for Programs, providing thought partnership and support. This position will liaise frequently with our development, operations, communications, and grants management teams and play a critical role in facilitating cross-departmental relationships and communications. Occasionally this person will also represent the Fund to funder and field audiences publicly. The Director of Regional Programs will serve on the Fund’s management team and will report to the Vice President for Programs. This position is based in Washington, DC. Primary Responsibilities: Where you’ll make the most impact Provide meaningful leadership and coaching to five regional program officers who lead grant-making strategies organized by geography in: South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, North Africa, and the Great Lakes of Africa. In total these programs operate currently in thirteen countries and last year made grants of over $5 million. Support program officers in developing and evolving grant-making strategy and capacity-building interventions. The Director of Regional Programs will support program officers in developing capacity-building and technical assistance interventions regularly. Play an active role in providing coaching, guidance, and editing as program officers prepare annual grants dockets for approval by senior staff. Act as the program team’s principal team builder; plan team time during bi-annual staff retreats, devise means for remote team building throughout the year, and jointly with the Vice President for Programs explore the possibility of launching an annual team retreat in the field. Facilitate a culture of learning across the team and throughout the organization around our regional grant-making strategies and tactics, impact of our grant-making, the context in each region, and the work of our grantees Support development staff in their work with program officers to fundraise for regional grant-making programs Keep a keen and consistent eye to all grant-making processes and work with our grants management team to consider possible improvements that make the Fund more flexible, nimble, and responsive to the field Travel up to 25 percent time both to the field and in the US and Europe for meetings and conferences Occasionally represent the Fund at meetings and conferences Act as the primary staff liaison for the program committee of the Board of Directors Qualifications: Candidates should demonstrate the following range of skills, experience, and qualities: A deep commitment to global human rights issues, and to a stronger, more effective human rights movement. An experienced manager who loves the day-to-day work of making teams hum. Bonus points for anyone who has managed a remote team, far-flung across the globe. A globalist, who sees the world as interconnected and can track meta-trends of global developments. Or, why do China, Russia, and Brazil matter to our work even though we don’t work in those countries specifically? Someone who will generate internal discussion and debate about world affairs because it makes us smarter and sharper in our work. Someone who has deep competency in working across and between many cultures. A grant-maker with enough experience to tell a story about how their work made a difference, and three major challenges their grantees faced that they helped them creatively overcome. An organizational development thinker who can see down the road and around the bend to what isn’t in place yet, and isn’t afraid to suggest a road map to get us there. Ten years’ relevant experience in philanthropy, human rights, or human rights/social justice philanthropy, especially if any of that experience is at an intermediary. A relevant training and education could substitute for some experience. Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, and to help others do so better all the time. Experience editing professional-style writing in standard American English (even better if the candidate has a history of editing for non-native English speakers). Effective communicator with internal and external audiences Fluency in English, professional proficiency in one or more of the following languages preferred: Hindi, Arabic, Thai, Burmese, Tagalog, Spanish, or French. Desired Qualities: Successful experience fundraising from institutional or individual donors Poised and professional, with a great sense of humor A team builder in the truest sense The ability to predict and prepare a team for needed next steps to achieve long range goals Deep understanding of human rights norms and practices, and extensive experience with grassroots organizations A grasp of the universe of human rights funders, and relationships to bring to bear in this role How to Apply: Please send (1) cover note including salary expectations and (2) resume to: jobs@globalhumanrights.org. Mention “Director of Regional Programs” in the subject line. No
Published on the AJWS Blog. Dave Scamell is the Director of International Advocacy at AJWS and co-chair of the GPP Trans* Funding Working Group.
American Jewish World Service (AJWS), Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice (Astraea) and Global Action for Trans Equality (GATE), 2017
Sharing a message from ISDAO: Greetings from the ISDAO Interim Governing Body! As we shared in our previous update, we are delighted to announce a public call for additional Interim Governing Body members to continue the work of establishing the first activist-led LGBTQ grantmaking organization in West Africa. To read an update about our progress in the last few months, please visit the News section of www.isdao.org in English or French. Our goal is to circulate ISDAO’s first call for grant proposals in August 2018, and the Interim Governing Body will play a critical role in helping ISDAO progress to the point where that first round of grantmaking can happen. You can find more information about the Interim Governing Body on ISDAO’s website in English here and in French here. The application for new members is attached below in French and English – please circulate to anyone who you think would be a good candidate for the Interim Governing Body!
From our members at Mama Cash: We are recruiting two new positions and we would love your support in helping us find the right candidates by sharing the announcement below with your networks. Mama Cash is hiring a Director of Research, Knowledge & Advocacy who will lead the development and implementation of the vision and strategic direction for Mama Cash’s thought leadership, knowledge building, and influencing work. The vacancy announcement is available at this link: https://www.mamacash.org/who-we-are/jobs-and-volunteering/vacancy-director-research-knowledge-advocacy/ We are also hiring a Programme Officer for Women’s Funds who carries out the grantmaking work within our Women’s Funds programme area at Mama Cash. The Programme Officer for Women’s Funds reviews, manages, and prioritises requests from women’s funds seeking funding from Mama Cash. The vacancy announcement is available at this link: https://www.mamacash.org/who-we-are/jobs-and-volunteering/vacancy-programme-officer-for-womens-funds/
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEWFoundation for a Just Society supports innovative, intersectional, grassroots strategies that meet immediate needs while igniting long-term, structural change in communities and regions that have been overlooked by philanthropy. We support the entire ecosystem of transformative movements — across issues and regions — by following the lead of marginalized women, girls, and LGBTQI people who catalyze change every day in their communities and countries. We share resources to strengthen the movements that create a world where all people are valued and lead self-determined lives. Through direct grantmaking, capacity building, strategic communications, and leadership in philanthropy, we advance the human rights of marginalized women, girls, and LGBTQI people globally. POSITION SUMMARY: US Southeast Consultant The Program Officer for the US Southeast, will serve as the key point of contact for organizations in the region, review grant requests, conduct due diligence, make grant recommendations, manage a diverse portfolio of grants, carry out and evaluate regional grantmaking strategies, and manage consultants. In addition, the Program Officer will contribute to the implementation of the other elements of FJS’ Theory of Change (capacity building, strategic communications, and leadership in philanthropy). The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, analytical, highly adaptive, technologically savvy, an independent problem solver, meticulous, collegial, and thrives in a dynamic environment. The candidate has strong working knowledge of relevant movements in the US Southeast. This position requires international and domestic travel and is based out of New York City. More information: Program Consultant, US Southeast POSITION SUMMARY: Central America Consultant The Program Officer for Central America, will serve as the key point of contact for organizations in Central America (priority countries are currently El Salvador and Guatemala), review grant requests, conduct due diligence, make grant recommendations, manage a diverse portfolio of grants, carry out and evaluate regional grantmaking strategies, and manage consultants. In addition, the Program Officer will contribute to the implementation of the other elements of FJS’ Theory of Change (capacity building, strategic communications, and leadership in philanthropy). The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, analytical, highly adaptive, technologically savvy, an independent problem solver, meticulous, collegial, and thrives in a dynamic environment. The candidate has strong working knowledge of relevant movements in Central America. This position requires international and domestic travel and is based out of New York City. More information: Program Consultant, Central America
GPP and our member fund UHAI EASHRI collaborated to organize a donor pre-conference in advance of the biennial gathering of African LGBTI and Sex Worker activists. Over 75 donor representatives from 35 grantmaking organizations attended the 1.5 day Africa Donors Meeting in Kenya. The 3-day CFCS conference then followed, bringing together nearly 150 activists from more than 30 African nations.
On June 8th, we co-sponsored a webinar on Digital Security in an Age of Hacking & Cyberthreats: What grantmakers should know along with Funders’ Committee for Civic Participation, Funders Concerned About AIDS, Funders for Reproductive Equity, Grantmakers Income Security Taskforce, Health and Environmental Funders Network, and International Human Rights Funders Group, and The Consultative Group for Biological Diversity. On May 17th, we held a webinar on Chechnya and Beyond – New Roles for Grantmakers in Times of Crisis, co-sponsored by IHRFG and the Russia Freedom Fund, Human Rights Watch Russia Program Director Tanya Lokshina, representatives of The Russian LGBT Network and the Oak Foundation’s International Human Rights Program. Speakers were from the Human Rights Watch Russia Program, the Russian LGBT Network, and the Oak Foundation’s International Human Rights Program. There were 35 attendees (restricted to grantmakers only). On March 15th, we held a webinar on Strategies for Sustaining LGBTI Movements in Closing/Closed Space Countries. We had 69 attendees, and shared the webinar recording with all attendees. The webinar was organized in collaboration with the Funders’ Initiative for Civil Society (FICS), UHAI EASHRI, Astraea, and the Fund for Global Human Rights.
The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany (LSVD), and GPP member Dreilinden hosted a 1.5 day meeting on Closing Space May 31-June 1, in Berlin. This meeting was organized in response to our Perfect Storm report on the closing space impacts for LGBTI communities, and GPP Director Matthew Hart presented on the Perfect Storm report in a conference session. That morning, GPP hosted a donor breakfast meeting in partnership with Foundation EVZ and member fund Dreilinden, attended by 25 representatives of 20 grantmaking organizations, of which only 5 are currently funding LGBTI movements. See more info at our event page here.
In this Rainbow Talk delivered at the 2016 ILGA World Conference, Matthew Hart of the Global Philanthropy Project talks about the importance of resources for the LGBTI movement, and presents data from the Global LGBTI Resources Report, the most comprehensive report to date on the state of foundation and government funding for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex issues.
June 3-4th, the Pulitzer Center will host a Gender Lens Conference in Washington, DC at the National Press Club. GPP Member Global Fund for Women’s Musimbi Kanyoro will deliver a keynote address, and the panelists include Caroline Kouassiaman, of American Jewish World Service on a panel about Global Health. GPP also celebrates the work of member Foundation for a Just Society, whose work to build bridges between journalists and activists has been so influential to these conversations. Click here to register.
Philanthropy Advancing Women’s Human Rights (PAWHR) Job announcement: Co-Director, Knowledge Building
At Funding Forward 2017, GPP hosted a breakfast meeting for grantmakers for a second year, with a great group of attendees. Thank you to the meeting’s speakers: Francisco Buchting (Horizons Foundation), Wanja Muguongo (UHAI EASHRI), and Addison Smith (Wellspring Advisors).
In this working paper for iNGOs, GPP Member Dreilinden presents essential demands of the 8th Rainbow Philanthropy Conference addressing LGBT* – and in some respects intersex – children in development cooperation.
Philanthropy Impact Magazine, Issue 15
Introduction: The Arcus Foundation periodically issues requests for proposals (RFPs) to ensure its program portfolios remain responsive to new and emerging opportunities within the geographic and thematic scope of its strategy. Presentation of this RFP in an open competition aims to attract new partners and ideas, in addition to soliciting proposals from existing partners, and enabling the collection and comparison of proposals at one time. Purpose: To solicit proposals from intermediary organizations for country-level work in Asia-Pacific, Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and/or the Middle East. Arcus will support the following three country-level goal areas: legal and policy changes for LGBT inclusion; socio-cultural shifts; and capacity strengthening of communities and organizations to advocate for the aforementioned goals. Proposal Deadline: May 15, 2017. Learn More on the Arcus site.
The Board and staff of Foundation for a Just Society welcome Nicky McIntyre as chief executive officer. She will be based in the New York offices of FJS, effective June 26, 2017. Nicky McIntyre joins FJS after ten years as the executive director of Mama Cash in the Netherlands, where she oversaw one of the world’s largest public funds that supports the rights of women, girls, and transgender people around the world and was a leader in philanthropic advocacy to ensure more and better resources for this field. Previously, Nicky served as the vice president of development and communications at the Global Fund for Women, a public foundation for gender equality that is based in the United States. In her early career as an activist and fundraiser, Nicky’s work focused on affordable and supportive housing. She is well-known to many as an inspiring and creative leader, a catalyst of strategic partnerships, and a tireless champion for the rights of women, girls and LGBTQI people. GPP looks forward to working with Nicky in this new role!
Three full time positions now open at GPP Member Wellspring Advisors: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Program Associate (NY) Wellspring Advisors, a private philanthropic consulting firm, seeks a Program Associate to join its Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Program (SOGI). The mission of the SOGI Program is to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. It is rooted in the belief that laws, policies and social norms must be changed in order to improve LGBTI people’s lives. The Program Associate provides both programmatic and administrative support for the team of four working on a diverse set of issues both domestically and internationally. In addition, the Program Associate will be tasked with managing some grantee relationships, which includes soliciting and reviewing proposals and monitoring grants. The application deadline is March 31, 2017. Plus: International Human Rights Program Officer (NY) Assistant Controller (NY)
The Open Society Foundations are seeking a director for the Health Law and Equality (HLE) Division of the Public Health Program (PHP). This position reports to the Director of PHP and will be based in New York. The PHP is a grant-making program at the intersection of health and rights, and the HLE Division is one of its five Divisions. The PHP as a whole aims both to advance the social inclusion of groups that are discriminated against in access to health care or on the basis of health status, and to increase transparency, accountability, and participation in health-related decision-making. Read more.
UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK PRESENTS The Perfect Storm: Closing Space for LGBT Civil Society in Kenya, Indonesia, Hungary and Kyrgyzstan Monday | 12 December 2016 | 6 PM Join us for a discussion with DR. MEG DAVIS, Visiting Scholar Center for Human Rights and Global Justice (NYU) More information & ticketing on the event page While the late 20th century saw a blossoming of civil society organizations, the beginning of the 21st century has been a period of upheaval. In response to both the threat of terrorism and to growing populist pressure for democracy, a rising wave of demagogues have used new laws and tactics to restrict freedom of association and freedom of expression. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) organizations have always faced such barriers, ranging from criminalization of same-sex sexuality, to refusal of the right to register organizations or hold public events, to the shutdown of websites. In recent years, some countries have also ratified new laws that explicitly prohibit groups engaged in “LGBT propaganda.” In other countries, politicians have mobilized resurgent nationalism by publicly scapegoating LGBT groups as representing “foreign values.” These overlapping trends have created a “perfect storm” for LGBT civil society organizations caught in simultaneous waves of political pressure. This evening’s presentation draws on a recent report for Global Philanthropy Project which examines how these forces are affecting LGBT groups in four countries that represent diverse geographic regions: Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia, Hungary, and Kenya. The report also highlights these groups’ resilience, and how many have found ways to survive and thrive in restrictive and often threatening environments.
Attention, donors supporting trans* activism! GATE, AJWS and Astraea are fielding a new survey for trans* groups and programs. Trans Organization and Funding Survey This survey – available in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Russian – is a follow up from the 2013 report and the landscape of trans funding globally. With your help, we can continue to impact funding globally by providing updated information about the sources of funding trans groups receive, the barriers to funding they face, their leadership structures and their organizational needs in 2016. We cannot do it without you. Please share the survey with your grantees and other trans* groups worldwide!
Haciendo un llamado a activistas trans! Al Fondo Trans Internacional (ITF por sus siglas en inglés) le emociona anunciar tres oportunidades para involucrarse con el Fondo. Estamos reclutando para dos posiciones a tiempo completo y buscando miembr*s para que se unan a nuestro Cómite Directivo y nuestro Panel de Concesión de Apoyos. Fecha límite de enviar postulaciones: 9 de Diciembre! Para el anuncio completo, con enlaces activos para encontrar los diferentes formularios de solicitud, visite: https://www.astraeafoundation.org/what-we-do/philanthropic-advocacy/international-trans-fund/international-trans-fund-espanol o nuestra página de Facebook.
Calling trans activists! The International Trans Fund (ITF) is excited to announce three opportunities to get involved in the ITF. We are recruiting two full-time staff positions, a director and a program officer. We are also seeking members to join our Steering Committee and Grantmaking Panel. Deadline 9 December! For the full announcement, with active links to find the different application forms, please visit: https://www.astraeafoundation.org/what-we-do/philanthropic-advocacy/international-trans-fund or our Facebook page:
The latest issue of ICNL’s Global Trends in NGO Law surveys trends affecting civic space in 2015-16. It examines key initiatives at the regional and international levels as well as some of the successes achieved by civil society at the national level. For the first time, this report details specific LGBT examples throughout the report including reference to the GPP “Perfect Storm” report. ICNL’s data shows that since the beginning of 2015 states have adopted 64 restrictive laws, regulations, and other initiatives; these initiatives spanned all major regions of the world. This issue considers the common ways that countries have used the law to narrow civic space. To read the issue visit: https://www.icnl.org/research/trends/trends7-4.pdf.
Comic Relief funding for HIV, Diversity and Dignity in Sub-Saharan Africa Today, Comic Relief is announcing a new HIV, Diversity and Dignity funding initiative, to address the needs of marginalised population groups who are disproportionately affected by HIV. According to the World Health Organisation, this includes: men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, people in prisons, sex workers and transgender people. It is reported that worldwide, 40-50% of all HIV infections among adults aged 15-49 occur among these groups. Despite these very high rates of HIV, marginalisation and exclusion means that many living with HIV are unable to access care and support services. Although HIV treatment is now widely available, fear of stigma and discrimination stops many from having a HIV test or from seeking treatment. Sexual violence also increases vulnerability to HIV and these groups are particularly at risk. Comic Relief’s resources will be focused on addressing the needs of these population groups, also referred to as ‘Key Populations’, in Sub-Saharan Africa. Comic Relief funding will not support direct service delivery, but will be used to strengthen referral pathways to a comprehensive range of services including but not limited to: prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing and counselling, antiretroviral treatment and treatment adherence. Read more…
