Call for Board Members

The ITF is seeking applications from committed trans activists to join the Board of Directors:

• Are you a trans activist with a track record of working beyond your country or region?
• Are you committed to, and invested in, building trans movements in your country, region and/or on a global level? 
• Do you have a passion for advancing trans rights and building sustainable trans communities? 
• Are you deemed credible and trustworthy in the eyes of your peers and would you like to make decisions on how resources are allocated in our movements?
• Do you have specific technical skills in organizational development and management such as finance, legal, resource mobilization, or HR?

Background
Trans groups across the globe remain severely under-resourced and operate with limited or no budgets. The State of Trans Organizing, a survey of 455 trans organizations conducted in 2016 by AJWS (American Jewish World Service), GATE (Global Action for Trans Equality) and Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, found that two out of five trans groups had zero external funding and only 40% received foundation funding. Over half (56%) of trans organizations operated on a budget of less than USD$10,000 yearly and over three-quarters (78%) had annual budgets of less than USD$50,000. To address this disparity, a group of international trans activists and donors came together to create the ITF.

The ITF is a participatory grantmaking fund that aims to increase the capacity of trans movements to self-organize and advocate for trans people’s rights, self-determination, and wellbeing. The mission of the ITF is to mobilize and facilitate sustainable resources for strong, trans-led movements and collective action, and to address and eliminate funding gaps impacting trans groups across the globe.

The purpose of the fund is to:

1. Build & Sustain the Fund | Build and sustain a mechanism to support trans-led groups of different sizes working on a range of issues at the international, regional, country and local levels, with a particular emphasis on groups with access to fewer resources.
2. Resource Trans Movements |  Increase resources and enhance access to resources to support trans movements, including:
   – Access to financial resources dedicated to trans-led organizations and groups through grantmaking.
   – Access to non-financial resources for trans organizations, such as skills building, organizational strengthening, leadership development and activist support.
   – Access to other and new donors for trans organizations, beyond the ITF’s direct support.
3. Educate Philanthropic Community | Educate peers in the philanthropic community on trans issues and influence other funders and strategic allies in trans-related commitments and strategies.

What does “trans” mean to the ITF?
The ITF understands trans as a political term that defines the communities of people the ITF works with. We define trans as individuals whose gender identity or expression differs from the sex assigned at birth. Some of these people identify and present themselves as male or female; others identify with a non-binary gender category. These identities or expressions include trans women, trans men, fa’afafine, leiti, fakafifine, akava’ine, mahu, vakasalewalewa, palopa, Sistergirls, Brotherboys, whakawahine, tangata ira tane, muxhe, omeguid, travesti, two spirit, hijra, bandhu, mangalamukhi, kinnar, thirunangai, thirunambi, khwaja sira, meti, katoey, waria, mak nyah, kua xing nan, trans laki-laki, transpinay, transpinoy, kwaasing-bit, and transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, gender non-binary, gender diverse, gender non-conforming, and agender people – to name just a few. 

As part of the ITF’s commitment to self-determination and decolonizing bodily oppressions, we are permanently committed and open to recognizing gender identities that emerge and that our communities claim within their socio-political contexts. These arise from the ongoing work of resistance and liberation that involves both the remembering and reimagining of gender identities and expressions.

ITF’s Grantmaking
The ITF is a participatory grantmaking fund and we take an activist-led approach that engages trans people in our grantmaking process. This means that trans people are actively involved at every stage, from determining funding priorities to reviewing applications and making decisions about which groups get funded. All eligible applications that are submitted to the ITF are reviewed by our Grant Making Panel (GMP).

Role of the Board of Directors
The ITF aims to have a minimum of 9 Directors, but cannot exceed 13 according to our Articles of Incorporation. Trans activists should constitute at least 75% of the Board of Directors and funders no more than 25% of the Board membership. The ITF has existed since 2016 but it became an independent entity in 2021 as a registered non-profit organization in Canada. in Canada. While the ITF is legally incorporated in Canada, Board members do not need to be Canadian citizens or residents of Canada. 

The role of the Board is to provide strategic governance and leadership to the ITF, as well as maintain legal and fiscal responsibility for the Fund’s activities. The Board of Directors has the following responsibilities:

• Provide strategic oversight and guidance.
• Ensure that the ITF meets its fiscal and legal obligations to relevant government and statutory bodies to ensure compliance and fulfillment of its fiduciary responsibility.
• Approve annual financial statements, annual budget, organizational level policies, and the annual report of the ITF.
• Adhere to confidentiality, ethics and conflict of interest principles in and outside of the ITF at all times.
• Take due part in online discussions, email exchanges as well as participating in the annual in-person meeting as well as in at least 75% of online meetings.
• Elect the Co-chairs and Treasurer of the ITF Board from among the activist members of the Board.
• Appoint new Board members.
• Support the staff in resource mobilization and fundraising for the ITF.
• Appoint members for the GMP.
• Ratify the grant docket as approved by the GMP.
• Determine the ITF’s grantmaking priorities in consultation with the GMP. 
• Appoint the Executive Director if there is a vacancy.
• Make decisions on any item not delegated to any other body or staff of the ITF.
• Volunteer to participate in Board Committees as needed and based on technical skills and experience.
• Adhere to the ITF bylaws and other governing documents in conducting Board business.
• Represent the ITF towards third parties when requested.

In practical terms, Board members are expected to contribute to discussions and decision-making around strategic planning, priorities and guidelines for the Grant Making Panel and managing conflict of interests as well as other organizational matters. The Board supports the ITF in fundraising and resource mobilization. Board members are also required to know and follow all internal policies and bylaws. 

Time Commitment
In order to fulfill this position, Board members must be able to commit to the following:

• Participate in 3-5 online meetings each year (please note that Board members are located in countries all over the globe – this means that meetings may be scheduled all hours of day and night as we strive to ensure time justice). 
• Attend and actively participate at one in-person meeting (5 days) each year.
• Review materials, participate in discussions and make timely decisions.

Qualification of Activist Candidates
Candidates need to:

• Have at least 5 years of direct involvement with trans activism at the regional and/or international level.
• Have experience in decision-making bodies (e.g. Board or Steering Committees) composed of diverse stakeholders.
• Have experience with collective and participatory decision-making processes and be able and willing to work in a diverse environment that includes activists and donors.
• Have technical expertise and skills related to or applicable to running a non-profit participatory grantmaking fund (e.g. finance, legal, human resources, governance, communications, etc.)
• Be able to communicate and write in at least one of the ITF’s working languages (English or Spanish).
• Hold a passport and be able to travel internationally to attend Board meetings.
• Have a strong commitment to fulfilling tasks and adhering to deadlines.

Conflict of Interest
Board members or their family members cannot be significantly involved in any group that is applying for funding from the ITF. Board members may not benefit financially from the grants assessed or existing ITF grants. The ITF’s Conflict of Interest policy is available here.

Timeframe
Board members will be appointed for a three-year term. The beginning  of the engagement will be determined based on when the recruitment process is completed and when seats become available.

Compensation
Board members will receive a remuneration of USD$1,000 per each year of their term. Members also receive reimbursement of travel expenses, including per diem, to attend ITF meetings.

How to Apply
To apply, please send a two page letter that includes the following information:

1. Describe your history as a trans activist and working within trans movements.
2. What is your motivation for joining the Board.
3. Describe any Board or leadership positions you have held.
4. Any relevant technical expertise or skills that would benefit the ITF.
5. What your experience has been in contributing to strategic thinking and development processes in similar organizations.
6. How do you identify (please include SOGI, race, gender, and nationality).
7. Two references (these individuals should not be affiliated with the ITF).

Please send your letter and CV to [email protected] by August 4, 2023.

Request for Letters of Interest – Advisory Committee for capacity building support and regional networking workshop

Organizational Description
The ITF is the only global participatory grantmaker that is exclusively dedicated to supporting trans-led groups to secure the rights and improve the lived realities of trans people. The mission of the ITF is to mobilize and facilitate sustainable resources for strong, trans-led movements and collective action, and to address and eliminate funding gaps impacting trans groups across the globe.

Our Purpose
– To develop and sustain a mechanism to support trans-led groups of different sizes working on a range of issues at the international, regional, country and local levels, with emphasis on smaller groups with limited resources.
– To educate our peers in the philanthropic community on trans issues and influence other funders and strategic allies in trans related commitments and strategies.
– To increase and enhance access to resources to support trans movements by increasing financial resources dedicated to trans-led organizations and groups; providing access to non-financial resources for trans organizations, such as skills building, organizational strengthening, leadership development and activist support; and improving advocacy in philanthropy to increase access to new donors.

In order to achieve our goals, the ITF seeks to (1) increase the funding available to trans-led groups, whether through the ITF or by influencing other donors; (2) support to trans groups becoming increasingly sustainable, autonomous and responsive to the needs of their communities; and (3) increase the representation and influence of trans activists in social justice advocacy and philanthropy.

Background
Trans persons and their human rights: Most trans persons cannot access official documents that reflect their gender identity; if there is a process available to change legal gender, it has rights-violating requirements such as psychiatric evaluations or forced sterilisation. Lacking documents that match their identity, trans persons face discrimination in housing, healthcare, education and employment resulting in poverty and marginalisation. In Africa, trans persons face harsh criminalisation, including moral policing and violence. Access to gender-affirming healthcare is almost non existent and trans persons report harassment when attempting to access care. Trans women in Africa are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. South Africa and Namibia are the only countries that expressly enable legal gender recognition but both have prohibitive requirements. Across all regions, duty bearers have limited understanding of the rights of trans persons. In addition to rights-violating laws and policies, cultural norms and stigma shape the everyday lives of trans persons.

Purpose
The ITF is seeking a committee as advisors to help conduct a capacity building and regional networking workshop in Africa. The workshop will gather trans activists in a safe engagement space to strengthen relationships, develop shared advocacy strategies, and share best practices for engaging duty bearers and strengthening African trans networks. The objective of the workshop is to increase the capacities of trans activists and their organizations to strengthen local and national human rights initiatives and build regional alliances in Africa.

Outcome
We expect the outputs to include:
– 30 trans activists trained on how to better address human rights violations.
– 30 trans activists receive information on best practices on advocacy and networking.
– 3 – 4 sub-regional trans networks participated in an information sharing exchange for regional networking.
– Stakeholders in trans organizing trained to understand the needs of trans persons.

We expect the outcomes to include:
– Strengthened capacities of trans activists in countries in Africa to carry out local initiatives and build their grassroots and nascent trans movements including addressing the human rights violations facing trans communities.
– Enhanced regional networking and advocacy through exchanging best practices and lessons learned with the result that trans activists are supported to promote awareness raising and the understanding of human rights particularly to the violations of trans persons.
– Trans groups empowered to respond to their rights, needs and constraints through capacity building and networking, including training and support for advocacy and strengthening human rights initiatives.
– Promoting trans rights and engaging duty bearers to protect trans rights.

Committee Responsibilities
In a duration of 2-3 months via at least 5 quarterly meetings, the committee will be responsible for the following:
– Contribute ideas for a capacity building and regional networking workshop in Africa.
– Determine the themes of the workshop guided by the priorities of trans activists in Africa. including best practice advocacy and/or safety and security strategies by sub-regional networks.
– Consult and assess capacity needs of their network members and identify priority areas for support.
– Identify workshop participants and agenda.
– Identify sub-regional networks, appropriate capacity-building providers and other knowledgeable expert facilitators to facilitate the workshop including a session tailored to the unique capacity needs to be addressed.
– Identify local duty bearers and stakeholders as participants to promote awareness and understanding of needed trans rights.
– Select a host organization.

Committee Criteria
– Identify as transgender and based in Africa.
– Individuals who can contribute ideas, share knowledge, resources, strategies and experience in trans regional convenings, working to address trans rights violations, trans advocacy, networking and capacity building.
– Have at least two years’ experience in trans organizing including organizing and participating in regional convenings for trans persons.
– Demonstrated ability to make objective decisions and have a track record of planning skills, regional experience and being resourceful.
– Have deep connections with other trans activists and trans sub-regional networks.
– Must have experience working with stakeholders and duty bearers related to trans organizing.
– Experience with the most marginalized trans communities including trans refugees, trans sex workers and trans persons who are HIV positive.

Could this be you?
We invite you to submit a Letter of Interest. Please share with us your experience in trans activism or any similar examples in Africa. There will be an honorarium for committee members.

Please submit the Letter of Interest to [email protected]. The deadline has been extended to January 31, 2022.

We are also accepting Letters of Interest – Host organization for capacity building support and regional networking workshop in Africa

Request for Letters of Interest – Host organization for capacity building support and regional networking workshop in Africa

Introduction
The ITF is the only global participatory grantmaker that is exclusively dedicated to supporting trans-led groups to secure the rights and improve the lived realities of trans people. The mission of the ITF is to mobilize and facilitate sustainable resources for strong, trans-led movements and collective action, and to address and eliminate funding gaps impacting trans groups across the globe.

Our Purpose
– To develop and sustain a mechanism to support trans-led groups of different sizes working on a range of issues at the international, regional, country and local levels, with emphasis on smaller groups with limited resources.
– To educate our peers in the philanthropic community on trans issues and influence other funders and strategic allies in trans related commitments and strategies.
– To increase and enhance access to resources to support trans movements by increasing financial resources dedicated to trans-led organizations and groups; providing access to non-financial resources for trans organizations, such as skills building, organizational strengthening, leadership development and activist support; and improving advocacy in philanthropy to increase access to new donors.

In order to achieve our goals, the ITF seeks to (1) increase the funding available to trans-led groups, whether through the ITF or by influencing other donors; (2) support to trans groups becoming increasingly sustainable, autonomous and responsive to the needs of their communities; and (3) increase the representation and influence of trans activists in social justice advocacy and philanthropy.

Background
Trans persons and their human rights: Most trans persons cannot access official documents that reflect their gender identity; if there is a process available to change legal gender, it has rights-violating requirements such as psychiatric evaluations or forced sterilisation. Lacking documents that match their identity, trans persons face discrimination in housing, healthcare, education and employment resulting in poverty and marginalization. In Africa, trans persons face harsh criminalisation, including moral policing and violence. Access to gender-affirming healthcare is almost non existent and trans persons report harassment when attempting to access care. Trans women in Africa are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. South Africa and Namibia are the only countries that expressly enable legal gender recognition but both have prohibitive requirements. Across all regions, duty bearers have limited understanding of the rights of trans persons. In addition to rights-violating laws and policies, cultural norms and stigma shape the everyday lives of trans persons.

Purpose
The ITF is looking for an organization to conduct a capacity building and regional networking workshop. The organization will, in consultation with an Advisory Committee of trans activists, plan and implement the workshop. The objective of the workshop is to increase the capacities of trans activists and their organizations to strengthen local and national human rights initiatives and build regional alliances in Africa.

Outcome
We expect the outputs to include:
– Organization focal person(s) participated in five planning meetings.
– Atleast one workshop conducted in Africa.
– A minimum of 30 trans activists participated in a capacity building and regional networking workshop.
– 3 – 4 sub-regional trans networks participated in a capacity building and regional networking workshop.

We expect the outcomes to include:
– Strengthened capacities of trans activists in countries in Africa to carry out local initiatives and build their grassroots and nascent trans movements including addressing the human rights violations facing trans communities.
– Enhanced regional networking and advocacy through exchanging best practices and lessons learned with the result that trans activists are supported to promote awareness raising and the understanding of human rights particularly to the violations of trans persons.
– Trans groups empowered to respond to their rights, needs and constraints through capacity building and networking, including training and support for advocacy and strengthening human rights initiatives.
– Promoting trans rights and engaging duty bearers to protect trans rights.

Organization Responsibilities
– Coordinate, schedule and participate in all planning meetings for the advisory committee and the ITF including communication, logistics, the agenda and invitations.
– In consultation with the advisory committee and the ITF, provide input to capacity building strategies related to the workshop sessions including identifying key facilitators, key note speakers and resources.
– Host an in-person workshop for up to 30 trans identifying participants in and from Africa. The workshop will take place in the host organization’s country for not more than five days.
– Be responsible for all logistics related to the workshop including participant travel, food, accommodations and local transportation, safe venue, contracting facilitators, trainers and translators, workshop meals, flights, note takers etc.
– Recruit knowledgeable providers with relevant expertise and cultural competence who are based in the region of the workshop (and preferably in its host city/country).

Criteria
– Demonstrated strong experience in organizing and delivering regional convenings especially for trans persons.
– Must be in proper standing with a track record of effectively managing grants and reporting skills.
– Can be an LGBTI, trans led or mainstream organization.
– Must be based in Africa with a solid history of engaging in trans organizing.
– Can be registered or unregistered, but must be able to receive funds or partner with a fiscal host to receive funds.
– Must have a good track record in reporting, managing finances and accountability.
– Must be responsive and demonstrate experience with tracking and evaluate projects in a timely manner.

Please submit the proposal to [email protected]. The deadline has been extended to January 31, 2022.

The ITF is also accepting Letters of Interest – Advisory Committee for capacity building support and regional networking workshop.

Welcoming Chivuli Ukwimi as the New Deputy Director

The ITF is delighted to announce that Chivuli Ukwimi has joined as our new Deputy Director! Chivuli joins the ITF at a moment of unprecedented institutional growth and as we continue to leverage funding for global trans movements.

Chivuli’s commitment to social justice is rooted in her own life experiences, as a transgender woman from Zambia, she is driven by a personal vision of living in an inclusive world where all people can fully enjoy and realise their inherent rights. Chivuli has managed multiple grantmaking and philanthropy portfolios within various funding organizations including OSF’s Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) and Hivos Southern Africa. She also has a long track record working in civil society organizations and strong links to trans communities, including as a founding member of Friends of Rainka (now Dignitate Zambia), and at Population Services International (PSI) Zambia and Outright Action International.

We are very excited that Chivuli has joined our team and will support us in our next chapter!

Q & A: Getting to Know Chivuli

What excites you about joining ITF as the Deputy Director?

Firstly, I am very passionate about fighting systemic and systematic exclusion and marginalization of any human being, especially those that are on the margins of society; being part of the ITF gives me the right tools and platform to address the continued injustices against trans persons globally. Secondly, I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting, forward thinking and future facing organization like the ITF through my years of experience in grant making and philanthropy. 

What is your greatest hope for trans movements?

I look forward to a vibrant and grounded trans movement that is well resourced and positioned to advance the human rights of trans people worldwide including socio-economic and political rights. Ensuring that trans persons across the world are able to live in dignity in a world where our choices are respected, our freedoms protected and liberties upheld. 

Where do you see the ITF in 5 years?

I see the ITF as a thought leader and change maker in the world of philanthropy, setting the tone and the pace for meaningful philanthropy that is community driven and centered. I further see the ITF achieving growth that is well positioned and responsive to the needs of trans groups and movements worldwide. 

What do you love to do in your ‘downtime’?

Well I rarely get down time LOL, but when I do I love to soak myself in a good read. I also love cooking, it calms me and gives a certain kind of warmth. 

Read Chivuli’s full bio here.