The Trump administration’s drastic cuts to foreign aid have curtailed resources for organisations advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and democratic initiatives globally. Matthew Hart, director of the Global Philanthropy Project, expressed his concerns about rising authoritarianism threatening these communities. To address the impending challenges, they initiated the “Fund Our Futures” campaign, aiming to raise significant funds for LGBTQ+ organisations and successfully secured over $100 million to mitigate the impact of reduced government support.
With unforeseen policy changes unfolding swiftly, many funders displayed a hesitancy to act, waiting and watching the situation develop. Hart highlighted the necessity for proactive measures to secure funding immediately, stressing that inaction could lead to dire consequences for advocacy efforts. Phil Buchanan, from The Center for Effective Philanthropy, emphasised that while anticipation is crucial, adapting to changing circumstances is equally vital for effective support.
The termination of comprehensive U.S. foreign aid by the Trump administration, coupled with intense scrutiny of foundations, caught many supporters by surprise, leading to apprehension regarding the security of their assets. Kellea Miller from the Human Rights Funders Network noted that while some anticipated shifts in policy, they did not foresee the breadth and speed of these changes.
In response to systemic crises, the HRFN initiated programs that promote strategic collaboration among funders to ensure diverse support for advocacy groups, thereby distributing both financial risk and responsibility. Despite recent initiatives to bolster LGBTQ+ funding, the reductions in government-backed funding have significantly impacted the operational capability of these organisations, underscoring the importance of private donations.
The cuts, however, have had devastating repercussions on groups supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. Statistics reveal that between 2021-2022, combined private and governmental support amounted to $905 million, with a significant portion sourced from private foundations that account for a substantial share of overall funding. Amid these cuts, the divergence from previous U.S. policies under the Biden administration marks a stark shift towards supporting LGBTQ+ rights again.
Faced with substantial cuts to foreign aid under Trump’s administration, LGBTQ+ and human rights organisations like the Global Philanthropy Project initiated the “Fund Our Futures” campaign, raising over $100 million. Fear of unpredictability led to early preparations for future crises, and although private philanthropy remains pivotal, governmental funding cuts have left communities at risk, prompting a call for collaboration among funders to navigate these changing landscapes.
In a world where LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly under threat due to rising authoritarianism, proactive fundraising initiatives like “Fund Our Futures” are vital. Despite significant cuts in government funding, private donations play an essential role in sustaining advocacy efforts for LGBTQ+ communities globally. As organisations navigate these turbulent times, collaboration among funders is imperative to collectively address challenges and continue supporting crucial human rights initiatives.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
