How we’re funded
By securing and managing funding with purpose and transparency, we strengthen LGBTI movements and ensure the protection of human rights for all, striving for a world where LGBTI individuals are free, equal, and safe.
The way we secure and manage our funding reflects our commitment to movement-led strategies grounded in the lived realities of LGBTI people across our region. Every resource we apply for and allocate is driven by our purpose – a world where each and every LGBTI person is free, equal, and safe. In working towards this vision, we are proud to be rooted in a strong, representative, and vibrant movement that unites people and communities. Our fundraising decisions are made to support and sustain this collective strength, and advance protections of human rights of LGBTI people.
Democratic and movement-led fundraising
Our funding applications and fundraising efforts are based on a five-year strategic framework, developed in consultation with and approved by our membership. Our funding applications and resource decisions are shaped by a careful analysis of the realities, challenges, and opportunities affecting LGBTI people across the region. In this, we draw on the knowledge of, and represent, LGBTI organisations, who are directly connected to their communities. This ensures that our funding is rooted in real-life experiences and creates meaningful change.
Diverse and responsible sources
Our funding comes from governments, institutions, public and private foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors. In applying for and managing resources, we maintain full independence in our governance and decision-making.
The majority of our funding is secured through competitive grant applications, developed based on our strategic priorities and work plans. Operating grants, also awarded through competitive processes, help sustain essential areas of our work, including governance, management, supporting our membership, and representing interests of both our members and LGBTI people in dialogues and processes that impact their lives.
In addition to grants, we accept donations from individuals and engage with private sector partners who share our vision for LGBTI equality and pass due diligence. Donations – both unrestricted and those allocated to specific funds of ILGA-Europe, like, for example, our scholarship fund for the Annual Conference – provide us with the flexibility to respond when and where support is most needed and impactful for LGBTI people and communities across the region.
Accountability and financial transparency
ILGA-Europe operate with strong financial management and transparency. We believe that accountability and internal controls are fundamental to the healthy functioning of any organisation, particularly one representing a broad membership within democratic systems.
Every year, we undergo an independent audit and share our full financial statements and reports with our members, funders, and relevant authorities. This ensures that all our funding is accounted for and used effectively in line with our mission and responsibility as an international, membership-based, non-profit human rights association.
The crucial work for human rights of LGBTI people continues and grows also thanks to our supporters. Interested in contributing to this work? Click here to learn how you can support our efforts.
