Southern LGBTQ+ nonprofits receive most funding from outside of region
In 2019, LGBTQ+ nonprofits received 0.13% of all charitable donations, despite roughly one in six gen z adults identifying as LGBTQ+. The number of people identifying as queer continues to grow as younger generations are generally more educated, open, and accepting of all sexualities, genders, and orientations.
Despite younger populations becoming more accepting, states and legislations in the United States are targeting LGBTQ+ communities by taking away rights, healthcare, or even the ability to exist in public. A growing number of people identify as queer, while the resources and rights of those people are jeopardized. Why aren’t LGBTQ+ nonprofits getting the support and resources non-LGBTQ+ organizations receive? More than ever, LGBTQ+ focused nonprofits need more funding to continue fighting for LGBTQ+ people to exist.
LGBTQ Funders analyzed the total funds awarded nationwide to queer nonprofits in 2018, divided it by the estimated number of adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender in the nation, and calculated a total of $8.70 in funding per queer adult in the US. Broken down per state, the median grant dollar per queer adult (GDQ) was $3.72.
This metric does not account for queer children – who are in disproportionate need of support and resources, especially those living in conservative regions. Not all queer adults need assistance, but this metric demonstrates how little resources are allocated to LGBTQ+ adults. There are currently not enough resources to fully address the issues these communities face economically, socially, culturally, and politically.
Funding granted to LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations in the South has steadily increased, “yet 56 percent of 2018 regional funds were from foundations not located in the South and seven of the ten largest funders were national funders based outside of the region” (LGBTQ Funders). The South received the most funding per region but continues to have a lower GDQ than the Pacific or Northeast region.
This consistent increase in funding is considered a success, despite the tremendous work left to achieve equality. To address the specific deep rooted stigma, homophobia, transphobia, and other challenges that exist in the South, LGBTQ+ organizations need additional directed funding. Without support from their own regional foundations, the South’s LGBTQ+ communities will continue to be in danger.
In 2023, the South reported the highest rates of considered suicide, attempted suicide, and experienced symptoms of Depression among LGBTQ young people across the nation (Trevor Project), yet the GDQ stands at a still shockingly low $8.77. By state, some funding is even lower – leaving less resources to be shared with queer people in need. Kentucky’s GDQ is $.72, while the rate of Kentuckian LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing poverty was 28% in 2016 according to the William Institute. With less than $10 to be shared per queer adult in the South, and less than $1 in Kentucky, the gap in funding can’t provide long term solutions.
USA Giving reported the majority of charitable dollars in 2022 were donated to religious organizations (27%), human services (14%), education (13%), grant making foundations (11%), and health (10%). It’s unclear how much of this funding is shared with LGBTQ+ individuals, and due to antigay and anti-transgender beliefs, some religious and human service organizations withhold necessary care and resources to those with different ideologies.
To ensure the queer populations in your area receive support, research local LGBTQ+ organizations in your city, state, region, and country. If you’re able, support through monetary donations, in kind, buying merchandise, volunteer opportunities, events, and sharing information on social media. Donating to LGBTQ+ founded or focused nonprofits guarantees your donations are shared with queer populations, and with more funds given to queer organizations, a safer space to come out as queer is created without the threat of losing organizational support and financial security.
LGBTQ+ organizations can ensure continued support for those in their community who live outside of heteronormativity and cisnormativity. Everyone deserves to be themselves, and many need more than an additional $10 to feel safe enough to do so.
