Free to Be Me participated in the recent Global Philanthropy Project 2024 funding summit in Cape Town, South Africa. This crucial event presented an opportunity to advocate for increased funding for LGBTIQ+ rights amidst a concerning trend of shrinking support.
During a panel discussion on the evolving geopolitical landscape of funding and the challenges posed by decreasing funding streams, Anne Jellema, Hivos Global CEO, emphasized the need for innovative funding strategies and the importance of building strong, resilient partnerships between funders and LGBTIQ+ organizations.
Furthermore, Susan Githaiga- F2BM Deputy Global Program Manager called upon funders to leverage on existing structures created by the Free to Be Me program for economic empowerment of LGBTIQ+ communities. These structures, including the Free to Thrive Fellows and Communities of Action, developed through years of on-the-ground work and community engagement, provide a solid foundation for impactful interventions and can significantly enhance the effectiveness of funding initiatives. By utilizing these existing frameworks, funders can maximize their impact and ensure that their resources are effectively channeled toward achieving meaningful and sustainable change.
The summit saw 28 funders raise over 100 million dollars in new funds under the “Fund Our Futures” campaign, which aims to address the emerging crisis in global LGBTIQ+ funding.
The GPP Funders summit served as a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration. Free to Be Me remains committed to working with funders to navigate these challenges and build a more just and equitable world for all LGBTIQ+ people.
