The foundation is proud to partner with the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, the Arcus Foundation and an anonymous donor to create the first LGBTQ Racial Justice Fund—focused on supporting the new voices and leaders in communities of color who are crucial to building continued momentum to strengthen the rights of LGBTQ people and families.

A collaborative philanthropic initiative that envisions a United States where LGBTQ people of color can safely and vibrantly pursue full authentic lives, the fund aims to develop and strengthen a strategic and effective advocacy sector addressing the needs of LGBTQ communities of color. By partnering with pioneering funders with a successful history of seeding social change, the LGBTQ Racial Justice Fund hopes to expand what people, organizations and funders see as the full measure of progress when it comes to improving the lives of LGBTQ communities.

“LGBT Americans have made great strides towards the dream of a lived equality, but our work is far from over,” said Luna Yasui, program officer in our Advancing LGBT Rights initiative. “Baseline legal equality has yet to reach vast swaths of our country—especially for those who live in the Southeast. Even in states with legal protections, there is a wide gulf between what the law promises and the daily experiences of LGBT people, especially people of color. The Ford Foundation believes that every person should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, contribute to society and have voice in the decisions that affect them—regardless of their race, sexual orientation or gender identity.”

The fund kicks off with $780,000 in grants supporting efforts in the Southeastern United States focused on education, organizing and advocacy. Learn more about the grantee organizations.