Author: Broden Giambrone

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In Memory of Jholerina Brinnette Theodora Timbo

In Memory of Jholerina Brinnette Theodora Timbo

The ITF is deeply saddened to share the passing of Jholerina Brinnette Theodora Timbo.

Jholerina was a beloved trans rights activist from Namibia who carried her community with warmth, courage, and conviction. She was one of the elders of the Namibian trans movement — someone people turned to for guidance, laughter, and strength.

She founded Wings to Transcend Namibia in 2015 and led the organization until 2020. She was a Nelson Mandela Fellow (2018) and part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI, 2016). Most recently, she shared her voice and experience as a Grant Making Panel (GMP)  member at ITF in 2023 and 2024.

Considered a role model and mother of the trans community in Namibia, Jholerina was extremely proud and excited about the young trans movement. 

At a time when trans communities everywhere are facing growing challenges, losing Jholerina feels especially heavy. She was someone who built connection wherever she went and who reminded us that joy, care, and solidarity are forms of resistance. We have been enriched and changed by her presence.

We at ITF will continue to carry her in our work. Her legacy will guide and strengthen our shared struggle for justice, dignity, and liberation. 

 

Funding Trans Futures: Applications Now Open for ITF’s 10th Cycle

Today, we proudly launch the 10th grant cycle of International Trans Fund — a participatory fund shaped by trans activists and donors, dedicated to expanding resources for trans-led organizing. 

Applications are open now through December 1, 2025.
(If you haven’t already, this is the perfect time to create or update your organizational profile!)

Apply via our grants portal.

What we will fund:

  • Activism for and by trans people: Trans-led groups trusted by their communities, working with resilience and vision.
  • Movement-focused approaches: Projects that go beyond service delivery to build collective power, dismantle structural barriers, and strengthen sustainable infrastructures.
  • Diverse voices and contexts: Initiatives led by trans communities navigating intersecting forms of marginalization.

Trans organizations and movements receive only a tiny fraction of global funding. ITF was created to help change that reality. Over nine grantmaking cycles, we have had the privilege of supporting  and learning from 260 grantee partners and together we’ve built and strengthened trans movements worldwide. If your group meets ITF’s eligibility criteria and is dedicated to advancing strong, vibrant trans movements, we warmly encourage you to apply.

There two kinds of grants:

1. SEED grants are 1-year grants for organizations that have not been funded by the ITF before. The grant amounts range from $10,000 USD to $25,000 USD.

2. THRIVE grants are 1-year grants available to ITF grantee partners that have previously held a SEED grant. The grant amounts range from $25,000 USD to $50,000 USD.

*We accept applications in English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese.

Our Grants Manager, Shaman is here to tell you a bit more about our 10th Cycle:

You can also register for a Funding Webinar or Application Walkthrough here.

Do reach out to us on [email protected] in case you have queries.

Here are our Application Guidelines to help you with your application process:

Create or update your profile now

Webinars for the 10th Grant Cycle

ITF’s 10th Grant Cycle will open on October 6, 2025. Are you planning to apply and wondering how to get started? We want to make the process as simple and accessible as possible. That’s why ITF is offering two different types of online sessions to support you.

Funding Webinars

Our Funding Webinars are designed to help you understand ITF’s grantmaking process.

What you learn

  • Eligibility Criteria and Funding Priorities.
  • Tips on writing a strong and competitive application.
  • The overall grantmaking cycle.

Who should attend

  • Applicants who have never applied for ITF funding before.
  • Organizations that are unsure if they meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Groups that have applied but were not selected for funding.

Application Walkthroughs

Our Application Walkthroughs provide a step-by-step guide through the entire application form.

What you Learn

  • Walk you through our grantmaking portal
  • Explain each section of the application
  • Share insider tips on what the review panel looks for in strong proposals.

Who should attend

  • Applicants who want to strengthen their application
  • Groups with limited experience writing grant proposals

Both sessions are excellent opportunities to gain clarity, build confidence, and improve your chances of success. Organizations are welcome to attend both funding webinars and Application Walkthrough.

Webinar Schedule

Funding Webinars

General Funding Webinar (English with Russian, French and Chinese translation)
Oct 6, 7am ET / 1pm South Africa / 6pm Bangkok, Thailand

Register here.

Webinar de Financiamiento general (Spanish)
Oct 6, 11am ET / 9am México DF / 12pm Santiago, Chile

Inscripción aquí.

Africa & Asia Focus Funding Webinar (English with Russian, French and Chinese translation)
Oct 7, 7am ET / 1pm South Africa / 6pm Bangkok, Thailand

Register here.

Webinar América Central y México (Spanish)
Oct 8, 11am ET / 9am México DF / 12pm Santiago, Chile

Inscripción aquí.

Caribbean (Regional) (English)
Oct 10, 11am ET / 11am Rep. Dominicana / 10am Jamaica

Register here.

Portuguese-speaking Webinar (Portuguese)
Oct 10, 3pm ET / 4pm ET Brasília / 8pm Luanda, Angola

Register here.

Application Walkthroughs

General Application Walkthrough (English with Russian, French and Chinese translation)
Oct 13, 7am ET / 1pm South Africa / 6pm Bangkok, Thailand

Register here.

General Application Walkthrough Session 1 (Spanish)
Oct 13, 11am ET / 9am México DF / 12pm Santiago, Chile

Inscripción aquí.

Africa & Asia Focused Application Walkthrough (English with Russian, French and Chinese translation)
Oct 15, 7am ET / 1pm South Africa / 6pm Bangkok, Thailand

Register here.

General Application Walkthrough Session 2
Oct 15, 11am ET / 9am México DF / 12pm Santiago, Chile

Inscripción aquí.

A Decade of Grantmaking – Be Part of the Next Chapter

Meghaphone with geometric patterns reads out "ITF's 10th Cycle is Here"

ITF is thrilled to announce that our 10th grant cycle opens on October 6, 2025. This much-anticipated year of grantmaking is an opportunity to join a decade-long journey of supporting and strengthening trans movements worldwide.

Over the past 10 years, we have moved $9.7 million in funding to 260 trans-led organizations across 104 countries. Each of these grants represents a commitment to the power and resilience of trans movements worldwide. We are proud to stand alongside our grantee partners as they do bold, transformative work in their own contexts. With this support, groups have amplified their voices, expanded their reach, built their capacities, mobilized their communities, and driven change that allows trans communities to blossom and live freely.

three trans people come together to create magic in the dark. Below them it reads CREATE YOUR PROFILE NOW.

As we move into our 10th grant cycle, we carry the stories, struggles, and victories of our grantee partners with us. Their work shapes our vision and transforms us as we continue to grow together.

Now we are excited to open our next grant cycle and invite trans-led groups into our grantmaking cycle, to embark on a journey of trans movement building together.

Applications will open from October 6 to December 1, 2025. In the meantime, you can set up or update your profile in our grants portal to prepare.

Applications will be accepted exclusively through ITF’s grants portal in English, French, Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish. ITF will also share information about funding webinars, application walkthroughs, and other resources to guide you through the process.

Let us make this 10th year our most impactful yet. We cannot wait to see what we will build together.

Create or update your profile now.

In Loving Memory of Ymania Brown

A sepia photo of a smiling Ymania Brown taken in recent years. She is covered in illustrated leaves. Red flowers spring up from the bush and yellow butterflies fly around her. The background is a pale pink. The text reads "In loving memory of Ymania Brown"

ITF is deeply saddened by the passing of our former Co-Chair, Tuisina Ymania Brown. Ymania was a colleague, a friend, and a tireless community activist. A proud fa’afafine, trans woman from Samoa, she was a devoted single mother to two sons and a grandparent. She was an incredible force for global LGBTI movements and an advocate for transfeminist justice who worked at the intersection of trans, indigenous, spiritual, climate justice and human rights. Ymania was deeply cherished by countless friends and colleagues, who drew inspiration from her courage, her passion, and her fearless commitment to speaking the truth.

Ymania’s varied life experiences fueled her activism. After two decades practicing corporate law in Australia, she shifted paths and used her expertise to become a global human rights advocate. Over the next twenty years, she led international NGOs and advanced work on LGBTIQ rights, Indigenous justice, interfaith dialogue, environmental protection, and economic equity. Ymania was instrumental in campaigns urging the Samoan government to recognize adoption by LGBT individuals and to repeal laws criminalizing ‘impersonation of a woman.’ She championed economic empowerment and pressed Australia to include LGBT rights as a core part of its foreign policy. As a survivor of gender-based and anti-trans violence, abuse, and racial profiling, Ymania transformed her own experiences into powerful advocacy, bringing urgency and authenticity to every space she entered.

A quote by ITF Executive Director Broden Giambrone reads "We were utterly devastated to learn of Ymania’s passing. As a former Co-Chair of the ITF, Ymania was not just a leader but a driving force, fiercely committed to ensuring that trans communities worldwide not only survive but thrive. She brought a powerful and necessary voice to the global stage, speaking from the intersections of trans justice, Indigenous knowledge, spirituality, climate justice, and human rights. We not only mourn the loss of a great leader but also a role model and friend whose vision, courage, and humor is needed now more than ever."

At the time of her passing Ymania was serving as the Executive Director of TGEU and the Co-President of Inter-pride. She was also the former Co-Chair of ITF, Co-Secretary General of ILGA world, Advisory Board member at Astraea, Co-Chair of the Global Interfaith Network on SOGI, and Advisor to World Pride Copenhagen in 2021.

Ymania was deeply rooted in her First Nations Samoan identity, serving as a matai across four districts. She carried this grounding into her vision for a decentralized, global trans movement built on intersectional solidarity and collective power. ITF is profoundly grateful for her presence, her leadership, and her unwavering commitment to making the world safer, freer, and more just for trans people and all those facing oppression.Her loss is felt across movements and continents, but as she joins our pantheon of transcestors, her legacy will continue to guide and inspire us.

 

ITF is looking for new GMP members! (Deadline Extended to October 3rd!)

A black and white megaphone has a speech bubble which says

As  a trans-led and participatory grantmaking organization we are seeking 2 new GMP members! We are looking for activists either based in OR primarily organizing within West and Central Africa (WCA) OR Eastern Europe & Central Asia to join our Grant Making Panel (GMP). If you are a trans activist committed to global changemaking, then the participatory Grant Making Panel is an opportunity for you to help shape global funding for trans-led movements.

In your role as a GMP member you will be responsible for reviewing eligible applications, making collective funding decisions consistent with the values, missions and priorities of ITF. Join us now in shaping the future of trans movement building! 

The post reads

Apply to be part of our co-created, diverse fund.
https://internationaltransfund.bamboohr.com/careers/26

Application deadline: September 29, 2025

Working languages: We accept applications in English, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish. Please note, however, that applicants must be comfortable speaking, reading, writing, and working in English and/or Spanish, as these are ITF’s working languages. At this time, we are unable to provide translation or interpretation in French or Russian during related GMP meetings and communications.

1. About the ITF
The International Trans Fund (ITF) is a participatory grantmaking fund led by trans activists and donors. We resource trans-led groups globally to advance human rights, self-determination, well-being, and movement power. We have a specific focus on supporting groups with limited access to funding.

2. Open Seats (2 Positions Only)
This round seeks two (2) new GMP members from the following regions:

  1. West & Central Africa (WCA)
  2. Eastern Europe & Central Asia (EECA)

Please apply only if you are based in or primarily organize within one of the two regions listed above.

3. Profile of the Activists we are seeking
Before deciding to apply, please confirm that:

  • You are committed to advancing trans rights and building sustainable trans movements.
  • Your peers consider you credible and trustworthy.
  • You value participatory grantmaking and collective, movement-accountable decision-making.

4. What “trans” means at ITF
We use “trans” as a political term for people whose gender identity or expression differs from their sex assigned at birth, including binary and non-binary identities and culturally specific identities worldwide. We do not privilege any identity or terminology over another.

5. Role of the GMP
The GMP reviews eligible applications and makes funding decisions consistent with ITF’s mission, values, and priorities. Decisions of the GMP are final, pending Board ratification.

6. Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the Grant Making Panel are to:

  • Participate in online GMP training.
  • Join one annual 6-day in-person meeting (location varies) or a virtual equivalent.
  • Take part in online discussions and at least 75% of scheduled online meetings.
  • Lead grantmaking tasks:
    • Encourage trans communities to apply.
    • Review, score, and provide feedback on applications.
    • Make collective funding decisions.
    • Recommend grantmaking priorities and advise on strategy as relevant.
  • Strictly uphold ITF confidentiality and conflict-of-interest policies.

7. Time Commitment

  • Annual training: 3–5 hours.
  • Application review: 30–50 applications over ~6 weeks (~50 hours/year).
  • Annual meeting: 6 days + travel (in-person or virtual).

8. Candidate Qualifications

Essential

  • Identify as trans.
  • Candidates must be based in or currently living in West & Central Africa or Eastern Europe & Central Asia. Applicants not residing in these regions must demonstrate substantial professional experience and knowledge of these regions.
  • Minimum 3 years of direct trans activism, ideally as a regional and/or international level.
  • Recognized by trans activists in your region as a community activist/leader.
  • Fluency (spoken and written) in English or Spanish and working knowledge (ability to read and review applications) in either French or Russian.
  • Able and willing to work in a diverse environment (activists and donors).
  • Passport enabling international travel (for in-person meetings).
  • Reliable in meeting tasks and deadlines.
  • Experience managing and reporting on grants for trans work.

9. Conflict of Interest
GMP members (and immediate family members) may not be significantly involved in any group applying to ITF during their tenure and may not benefit financially from assessed or existing ITF grants (See ITF Conflict of Interest Policy). Please note that this means that if you are part of/involved in an organization and selected as a member of the GMP, the organization will not be eligible to apply for grants during their tenure.

10. Term & Compensation

  • Term: Three (3) years, appointed by the Board.
  • Compensation: USD $1,500 per one-year grant cycle, plus travel costs and per diem to attend ITF meetings.

11. Selection Process
The Board will appoint two activists—one from WCA and one from EECA—with attention to diversity across gender identities/expressions and inclusion of further-marginalized groups within trans communities. We higly encourage urge trans men and trans masculine folks to apply.

12. How to Apply

Please submit an application in BambooHR by October 3rd, 2025.

During the application process, we will ask for information about:

  • Your region (WCA or EECA) and primary countries of work.
  • Your movement roles/experience (3+ years).
  • Any relevant grantmaking, community accountability, or governance experience.
  • Languages spoken/written.
  • Any potential conflict-of-interest considerations.

We intend to inform all candidates of our decisions by December 1, 2025.

Fueling Trans Power to Thrive: Annual Report 2024

The International Trans Fund (ITF) is thrilled to share our 2024 Annual Report. In a year marked by escalating anti-trans backlash, ITF remained a fierce and unwavering force for global trans movements. In 2024, ITF moved a record-breaking $1.54 million in grants to 67 trans-led organizations across 33 countries, with 79% of support directed to organizations working in the Global Majority. This powerful investment not only expanded access to vital resources but fortified communities under threat with tools to organize, resist, and thrive.

With a 204% growth in grantmaking since inception, ITF has now distributed $7.84 million to 214 trans-led groups in 99 countries through a powerful participatory grantmaking model that centers trans leadership in every decision. Whether launching cultural vodcasts in Fiji, securing legal gender recognition in Latin America, providing crisis support in Georgia and safe spaces in Nigeria, ITF grantee partners are advancing human rights, dignity, and liberation on their own terms.

This year also saw ITF grow its donor base, deepen governance by welcoming new Board and Grant Making Panel members, and enhance our grants management platform that made ITF more accessible than ever. With powerful stories of resistance, innovation, and solidarity at its core, the 2024 Annual Report is a testament to what’s possible when trans movements are trusted and resourced to lead.

Read the Annual Report

Message from ITF’s Executive Director

Dear friends and colleagues,

This past year was one of intensifying backlash and escalating violence against trans and gender diverse communities worldwide. From state sanctioned criminalization and displacement to the chilling expansion of anti-gender movements and ideologies, the message has been clear: trans people are being targeted simply for existing. And yet, amid these realities, our movements continued to respond with fierce resistance and bold creativity, turning scarcity into strategy by repurposing community spaces, leveraging digital tools, and co-creating mutual aid networks that not only meet needs but build solidarity.

In this challenging moment, ITF has grounded our response in action. In 2024, we moved $1.54 million in grants to 67 trans-led groups across the globe, the highest amount in our history and an almost 20% increase from the previous year of funds going out the door. We strengthened our support for groups facing urgent threats and crises, and we continued to prioritize organizations with the fewest resources — because we know at a fundamental level that grassroots resistance is where change is born.

We also grew our collective strength. Our Board and Grant Making Panel expanded, deepening the diversity and leadership of trans activists within our governance. We welcomed new funding partners, secured greater financial stability, and remained committed to participatory grantmaking that centers those most impacted by the work. This was not just growth in numbers but also growth in trust, resilience, and vision.

As we reflect on the year, I am reminded that funding is never just about money. It is about power. It is about who is seen, who is heard, and who is resourced to lead. That is why ITF exists: to shift power into the hands of trans people, especially in regions and contexts where our lives are under siege.

The work ahead is urgent. But this year reaffirmed what we already know: when trans movements are resourced, we do not just survive but we build, we transform, and we thrive. ITF is proud to walk alongside our grantee partners, funders, and allies as we continue to build a world rooted in justice, dignity, and liberation.

With gratitude,

Broden Giambrone
Executive Director
International Trans Fund

ITF extends our heartfelt gratitude to our staff, Board, Grant Making Panel, grantee partners, and all our allies and collaborators who are moving funds to trans movements worldwide and advocating for trans liberation.

This vital work wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our funders: Arcus Foundation, American Jewish World Service, Dreilinden, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Equality Fund, Ford Foundation, Foundation for a Just Society, GiveOut, Oak Foundation, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, and numerous individual donors.

We would like to thank outgoing Board members Cleopatra Kambugu and Rebecca Fox for all their work while on our Board. We are excited to see the amazing projects our global family will bring to fruition this year.

Read the Annual Report

Welcoming Shaman to ITF!

The ITF is thrilled to welcome Shaman Gupta as our new Grants Manager. Shaman (he/him) is a powerhouse trans rights activist from India, known for building shelter homes, leading transmasculine advocacy, and co-founding Misfyt, a trans youth–led org. Now, as Grants Manager at ITF, he’s helping move resources directly into the hands of trans communities through participatory, trust-based funding.

With his passion and global vision, Shaman is helping shape the future of trans-led philanthropy.

Learn more about Shaman and the ITF team: https://lnkd.in/g394HeTi

Webinar: “EXISTENCE IS RESISTANCE: Global Solidarity with Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Diverse Communities

📢 Join our webinar “EXISTENCE IS RESISTANCE: Global Solidarity with Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Diverse Communities” on May 27, 9AM EST.

In the wake of #IDAHOBIT, and as regressive forces threaten human rights across the globe, we’ll explore powerful resistance strategies and support networks built by trans communities.

Hosted by AWID and featuring experts from IPPF, International Trans Fund, GATE – Global Action for Trans Equality & Trans Youth Initiative-Uganda, learn how feminist, HIV+, SRHR and LGBTQI+ movements can strengthen solidarity by coming together.

Register here: [ https://bit.ly/4jnOeeI ]

We will have assisted interpretation in French and Spanish, using Wordly. #TransSolidarity #EXISTENCEisRESISTANCE

📣Calling trans activists, we want to hear from you.

📣Calling trans activists, we want to hear from you.

The ITF is starting our Strategic Framework refresh! We have employed independent consultants who have designed a dynamic and participatory process. The goal of the strategic framework refresh is to ensure that the ITF’s vision and practice over the next 10 years are grounded in the shifting realities of our times, responsive to the priorities and perspectives of trans’ communities across the globe and impactful in ensuring that trans people have the power to build collective power and live as our true, authentic selves.

This process builds on the ITF’s current Strategic Plan (2021-2025) which is organized around four key pillars: grantmaking, institutional strengthening, capacity-building, and philanthropic advocacy.

To ensure that the strategic framework refresh process is inclusive and participatory, we have launched this survey to solicit feedback in seven main languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Russian) from a broad range of trans activists and movement leaders.

This survey provides you the opportunity to contribute to the strategic framework process by offering feedback on the ITF’s current and future goals, strengths and areas for improvement. The goal is to strengthen the ITF’s role in resourcing, strengthening, and amplifying trans movements nationally, regionally, and globally.

The results of this survey will serve as one of the key data points for the inception of the ITF’s strategic framework process at its June 2025 Board meeting.

The survey should take no more than 20-30 minutes to complete and all responses will be treated as confidential. The deadline to complete the survey is May 23, 2025.

Surveys Links:

Please share these links with your networks. Thank you for your time, energy, and support!
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