AAPIP Voices

2015 Tracking Report Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender And Queer Grantmaking By U.S. Foundations

2015 Tracking Report
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender And Queer Grantmaking By U.S. Foundations

Published: 5/15/2017 by our partner Funders for LGBTQ Issues 
Author(s): Andrew Wallace, Ben Francisco Maulbeck, Lyle Matthew Kan

The 2015 Tracking Report (2017) explores the scope and character of foundation funding for LGBTQ issues in the calendar year 2015. The report analyzes 5,267 grants from 334 foundations, making it the most comprehensive assessment of LGBTQ funding available.

In 2015, funding for LGBTQ issues reached a record high of $160.7 million. The report notes significant increases in funding for trans communities, grantmaking to address criminalization and criminal justice reform, and support for LGBTQ communities in the U.S. South.

The report finds the overall field of LGBTQ philanthropy widening slightly to include a larger number of funders. However, growth slowed to less than 5 percent — as opposed to nearly 20 percent growth noted in the 2014 Tracking Report — on account of several core funders decreasing the depth of their support for LGBTQ issues.