The Ford Foundation has announced its support for widespread commitments led by grassroots and community organizations for the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights and that it is doubling its annual investment in trans communities, committing to at least $10 million over the next five years.
Alexander L. Lee, Funders for LGBTQ Issues interim vice president of programs said, “I hope these commitments from the Ford Foundation inspire other grantmakers, especially those that value the rights and humanity of all, but who haven’t meaningfully supported trans communities. Transgender people experience marginalization in nearly all sectors of life, and I hope Ford’s leadership will compel funders of all types to reach out to trans groups to explore new and deeper partnerships.”
The foundation’s commitment to the Grantmakers United for Trans Communities Pledge (GUTC), Demand IX Campaign, and the Trans Futures Funding Campaign work together to encourage grantmaking across the philanthropic sector and support Title IX protections, build upon the foundation’s longtime support of LGBTQ+ communities, and ensure that its future grantmaking and operations continue evolving to meet the growing challenges these communities face.