Black Trans-Led Orgs Don’t Require Intermediaries

Organizations helmed by Black, trans leaders are facing a critical juncture, with many ceasing operations due to a lack of necessary funding for staffing, programmatic initiatives and scaled growth. Conversely, larger entities lacking substantial trans representation, both in general staffing and leadership roles, are launching expansive, multi-platform campaigns advocating for trans lives. Unlike the former, these initiatives are accruing significant financial support, ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. While the role of allyship is undeniably critical, its effectiveness is called into question when it inadvertently eclipses the very communities it aims to support.

This raises a key pivotal question: why is funding earmarked for trans initiatives predominantly channeled through systems that are neither led by nor grounded in the experiences and leadership of trans individuals? Ultimately, this systemic pattern can be attributed to a singular, underlying issue: a deep-seated deficit of trust within the broader philanthropic and funding landscape. Studies suggest that while U.S. foundations are funding more Black-led organizations, they remain reluctant to grant them full autonomy over the use of those funds.

An analysis conducted by Bridgespan and Echoing Green, examining a range of similar grant-funded entities, revealed that the unrestricted net assets of Black-led groups were 76% lower than their white-led counterparts. Pair that with data on how trans-led initiatives receive only 4 cents of every $100 dispensed by foundations, and the marked disparity experienced by Black, trans recipients becomes much more apparent. Moreover, foundations are not the sole entities perpetuating this predicament. According to the Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, white-led organizations are six times more likely to receive corporate donations compared to BIPOC-led initiatives.

Fortunately, trust-based philanthropy is disrupting this dynamic, advocating for unbridled autonomy and reverence for Black, trans leadership. This framework encompasses the provision of unrestricted funds, streamlined reporting modalities, and the cultivation of transparent, relational partnerships. Despite the growing discourse surrounding trust-based philanthropy within the philanthropic sector, it has yet to achieve universal adoption across the industry.

“The trust-based approach is crucial for Black, trans-led organizations because it removes unnecessary barriers to receiving funding,” Jaden Fields shared with ForbesBLK, Monday evening. “Trust-based funding invests in Black, trans leadership and development without making us jump through hoops for pennies.” The Black, trans-masculine poet, author and USC alum serves as the co-Executive Director of ‘Mirror Memoirs.’ Founded by Amita Swadhin, the oral history project focuses on the narratives, healing, and leadership of LGBTQ survivors of color—part of a broader movement aiming to end child sexual abuse.

Fields went on to express concern that funding opportunities for Black trans led organizations are rapidly deteriorating; and research supports that notion. Although funding for Black, queer communities hit an all-time peak in 2018, it has never surpassed $7.5 million, which accounts for only 5% of all LGBTQ funding in the United States. Regrettably, those figures have precipitously declined, since. This presents a disturbing reality given that Black, trans individuals are disproportionately subjected to the violence and discrimination that larger, non-trans-led entities solicit funds to combat. “Funders support larger LGBTQ organizations under the assumption that those funds will trickle down to Black, trans-led initiatives and that’s just not the case,” Fields says.

The objective is not to withhold funding from larger LGBTQ organizations that engage in trans advocacy. Black, trans-led groups are simply urging funders to be more deliberate in ensuring their support directly reaches the intended beneficiaries. Borealis Philanthropy is among few intermediaries that are working with funders and grant-making partners to do just that. The organization is dedicated to channeling support towards those at the forefront of cultivating vibrant, resilient communities, prioritizing leadership from those most deeply affected by injustice.

In an interview with ForbesBlk, Dominique Morgan, both a Director and a Black, trans woman in the philanthropic sector, expressed her dedication to investing in trans lives through Borealis’ Fund for Trans Generations. “This year, we’ve directed $200,000 in rapid response grants to Black, trans leaders, ensuring our support is felt directly. However, this is only a start.” Before her current role, the award-winning activist, TEDx and Georgetown alumna served as Executive Director for a national organization supporting incarcerated trans individuals. “When funds allocated for trans issues are managed by non-trans decision-makers, it dilutes the impact,” she continued. “We must ensure our philanthropic efforts genuinely empower and uplift trans communities, reflecting our commitment in action, not just in words.”

Direct funding transcends mere fiscal allocation—it embodies a profound recognition of the inherent leadership and expertise of Black trans leaders. Historically, they’ve been the architects of transformative advocacy across racial, gender, and LGBTQ spheres of identity. Yet their strategic vision is often marginalized under the shadow of broader organizational agendas in pass-through funding frameworks. Such intermediary models often impose convoluted, bureaucratic barriers to access that impede the growth and development of Black trans-led organizations.

In advocating for direct funding, proponents are advocating for a paradigm shift—from a paternalistic model to one rooted in equitable collaboration. It signifies a profound trust in the capacity of Black trans leadership to not only identify the salient needs of their community but to also craft innovative, resonant solutions. This concept fosters broader socio-economic empowerment, catalyzing a ripple effect of resilience across the spectrum of social justice movements. Fundamentally, the appeal for the direct funding of initiatives spearheaded by Black trans individuals is more than a cry for solidarity. It is a call for a reimagined ethos in resource allocation—a shift towards a more just, equitable, and dynamic future.