New Year, New Leadership at ITF

As we enter a new year, the International Trans Fund (ITF) also celebrates a significant milestone: 2026 is our 10th year of resourcing trans-led movements across the world! This moment invites both reflection and renewal, honouring the people and practices that have shaped ITF, while stepping forward with clarity and intention into what comes next. To kick off this milestone year, we want to share some exciting updates and news with our community.

Transitions on our Team

This year brings important leadership transitions within our team. We extend our deepest gratitude to Chivuli Ukwimi, whose time with ITF coincided with a period of significant institutional growth. Chivuli’s leadership was grounded in a strong commitment to social justice and trans community connection, shaped by her lived experience as well as her long-standing work across philanthropy and civil society. As Chivuli transitions out of ITF, we thank her for the care, insight, and dedication she brought to strengthening our engagement with global trans movements, and we wish her continued success in her next chapter.

We are also pleased to share that Viviane Simakawa has stepped into the role of Deputy Director. Viviane has been an integral part of the ITF since 2020, serving as Program Officer and previously as a member of the ITF Steering Committee. A transfeminist activist, researcher, and economist based in Brazil, Viviane brings deep institutional knowledge and political clarity to this role. Her work is informed by years of engagement with trans depathologization efforts and locally rooted initiatives in Latin America, as well as her research experiences in Trans, Queer, Gender, and Feminist Studies. As Deputy Director, Viviane will continue to strengthen ITF’s commitment to resourcing trans movements with care, accountability, and a long-term vision.

A Big Welcome to our New Program Officers!

As part of this new chapter, we are also delighted to welcome two new Program Officers, Hua and Pau, to the ITF team.

Hua Boonyapisomparn will join us as the new Program Officer for East, South, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Hua is a Thai transfeminist activist and movement builder with over two decades of experience advancing the rights, health, and dignity of trans and gender-diverse communities. Her work has been central to major policy and advocacy wins in Thailand, including marriage equality and access to gender-affirming healthcare. Hua brings deep regional knowledge, a strong commitment to intersectional justice, and a long history of trans-led movement building across Asia and beyond.

Pau González Sánchez will join us as the new Program Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean. Pau is a Panamanian trans masculine human rights advocate with extensive experience in strategic litigation, grassroots organizing, and international advocacy. Pau’s work bridges movement memory, policy change, and community leadership, including through documenting trans masculine histories in Latin America and building alliances across sectors. His approach is firmly rooted in community-driven, intersectional practice.

Read more about Hua and Pau here!

As ITF enters our 10th year of impact, we are energized to welcome new perspectives and deepen our collective work in support of trans movements worldwide. We remain firmly rooted in our founding commitment to trans-led resourcing, while continuing to evolve in response to the urgent and changing realities facing trans communities globally. With deep gratitude for those who have shaped our journey, and fresh momentum from those joining us, we move forward into this next chapter with purpose, solidarity, and hope.

Deadline for 10th Cycle Extended

Deadline extended to 8th December, 11.59 pm. ET

To make sure our communities have the time and access they need, we’re extending the deadline for this grant cycle.
If your group needs support or has questions, please reach out to us on [email protected]

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

Responding to the Moment: Reaffirming Commitments and Welcoming New GMP Members

Over the last 6 weeks, the ITF has been grappling with the impact of the Trump Administration’s attack on human rights, and particularly the repercussions of the U.S. foreign assistance freeze. We are witnessing the increased vilification of trans people and the weaponization of our communities across the globe. The consequences are real and harsh: Life-saving programs are being terminated, people are losing their jobs, and trans-led organizations are fighting to find a way to keep their doors open. This funding shift is not unique to the US, as we have also seen dramatic cuts by the Dutch and Swedish governments. In a context where trans-led organizations were already chronically underfunded, this is devastating.

Still, we hold out hope. Our movements have always been determined, resourceful, and responsive – working in hostile contexts, pushing back against repressive and authoritarian governments, building community, supporting each other, and surviving.

As a participatory grantmaker, our role is to move money to trans movements and advocate for more resources for our communities. This work continues and we are determined to do everything we can to keep funding flowing. This is not easy; we’ve had two grants terminated and have had to cut our budget by 12%. However, we remain steadfastly committed to fundraising and ensuring as much funding as possible goes out in our 9th grant cycle.

Welcoming our New GMP Members
Despite these challenges, we are excited to welcome 7 new members of our Grant Making Panel (GMP), who bring diverse expertise and hail from different regions across the globe. Our new members will join the existing 8 members of the GMP and are entrusted with the crucial task of evaluating the 464 eligible applications and selecting grantee partners through a collective decision-making process. The GMP has started reviewing applications and grantee partners will be selected in June.

Learn more about our GMP members here.

We recognize the importance of having a diverse and representative GMP to ensure that the funds we distribute are allocated to trans-led organizations doing movement building work. We believe that having participation of trans activists from all over the world enables us to gain deeper insights into the issues facing trans communities and strengthens our grantmaking. This year, the GMP includes activists based in Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Eswatini, Germany, India, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, and the United Kingdom.

Due to the increasing attacks on trans communities, we also have one GMP member who cannot be named for safety and security reasons. We believe their insight and experiences strengthen our grantmaking and participatory process but also this reality underscores the increased oppression facing our communities.

We are excited to work with our new GMP members and look forward to the positive impact their involvement will have on our grantmaking process.

Meet the 8th Cycle Grantee Partners

The International Trans Fund (ITF) is proud to share the list of trans-led organizations selected as part of our 8th Grant Cycle! These 39 incredible groups, working across 33 countries, are at the forefront of advancing safety, dignity, and justice for trans communities worldwide.

Our grantmaking is led by a global panel of trans activists who understand the unique contexts of their regions. Together, we’re bridging funding gaps and empowering trans-led movements to thrive.

The 8th Grant Making Panel (GMP) meeting, held in Mexico City from June 24-28, 2024, allocated $1,000,000 to support trans movement-building work. While we are excited to highlight these organizations, some groups remain anonymous to protect their safety.

Discover their inspiring work and see the full list of grantee partners.

TDOR 2024: Supporting Trans Refugees

Refugee Trans Initiative is a group that has become a lifeline for trans refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya. Operating in a context of immense adversity, they have created safe spaces, advocated for trans rights, and empowered their community with life-changing resources.

The group established a safe house that provides shelter and protection for trans refugees facing violence, extortion, and discrimination. This safe house not only offers immediate security but also serves as a hub for critical support services. Partnering with other organizations which provide health services for trans sex workers, the group has built a network of care and protection for their community.

Their efforts extend beyond safety. They have implemented livelihood programs, equipping trans refugees with skills in farming and other trades, empowering them to rebuild their lives with dignity. They’ve conducted capacity-building sessions, ensuring participants gain knowledge about financial literacy, legal rights, and the transition process, including hormone treatment. Their psychological support programs, including family counseling and group therapy, have addressed the mental health challenges faced by their community, significantly reducing cases of suicide.

Advocacy remains central to their mission. Refugee Trans Initiatives have actively campaigned for transgender refugees in Kakuma, the largest refugee camp in Africa, providing food, clean water, and medical supplies while amplifying their stories to a wider audience. The organization also responds to incidents of arrests and police raids targeting trans refugees, providing legal support and protection for those affected.

Despite challenges like transphobia, police harassment, and cyber threats, Refugee Trans Initiative continues to fight for a world where trans refugees can live safely and with dignity. Their work is a powerful reminder of the resilience of trans communities and the critical role they play in advocating for justice and equality.

Continuing the Fight: Honoring Trans Lives Beyond Remembrance

Following the Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR), we at the ITF continue to honor the lives of trans and gender-diverse individuals lost to violence, discrimination, and systemic neglect. Their names remind us of the harsh realities many in our communities face, but they also call us to action—to ensure their legacies fuel a fight for a future where trans people thrive.

As a participatory grantmaker, the ITF is committed to resourcing trans-led organizations worldwide. These organizations are not just at the forefront of advocacy but also of healing, community-building, and imagining futures free from oppression. Through their work, we see the power of trans leadership in challenging inequality, protecting rights, and fostering resilience.

Every grant we make is a step toward justice, a declaration of solidarity, and a promise to the trans communities we serve. Together, we fight for systems and societies that celebrate diversity and uphold dignity.

Economic Empowerment for Trans Communities

In Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the Pondok Pesantren Waria Al Fatah has made history by establishing the country’s first officially recognized trans women’s cooperative. This groundbreaking achievement is a testament to the resilience and determination of a community often marginalized.

The journey began with strategic advocacy efforts. Representatives from the group engaged in hearings with the local government, including the Tourism Office. These discussions yielded critical commitments: the Tourism Office pledged to include trans businesses in government-run tourism events. This marked a significant step in demonstrating that trans women can play an active role in economic development.

The group also focuses on equipping trans women with essential business skills. In 2022, twenty trans women participated in a three-day business management workshop facilitated by the Indonesian Business Solutions College of Economics. The training covered marketing strategies, capital management, and operational planning, equipping participants with the tools to run successful businesses. Each participant received a small capital grant to jumpstart or strengthen their ventures. To ensure sustainability, facilitators conducted regular monitoring and evaluation, helping the businesses grow steadily.

As these efforts progressed, the vision of a formal cooperative began to take shape. In November, twenty trans entrepreneurs underwent cooperative and creative economy training, learning how to meet legal requirements and operate within Indonesia’s formal economy. After months of hard work, the Al Fatah Mukti Sejahtera Yogyakarta Marketing Cooperative was formally established with legal recognition from the government—a monumental achievement for the community.

The cooperative’s inauguration in January 2023 was a celebration of this milestone. Government officials, local organizations, and members of the community gathered to mark the occasion. The cooperative’s official status now enables it to apply for government funds and attract external support. Cross-faith organizations, such as the Christian Welfare Foundation and the Transgender Christian Prayer Fellowship, contributed capital, highlighting the inclusive and collaborative nature of the initiative.

The cooperative’s impact extends beyond economic empowerment. It has provided a safe space for trans women to connect, support one another, and build a sense of community. Families of trans women have also been involved, strengthening familial bonds and encouraging greater understanding. Additionally, the Pondok Pesantren Waria Al Fatah addressed broader challenges faced by trans women, such as household financial management, integrating this into their training programs.

The ITF is proud to have supported Pondok Pesantren Waria Al Fatah. To learn more about the group visit their page:
Facebook

The ITF has awarded $7,815,110 across 8 grant cycles to 214 grantee partners in 99 countries. Information about grantee partners from previous cycles is available on our website:
2023 Grantee Partners
202 2 Grantee Partners
2021 Grantee Partners
2020 Grantee Partners
2019 Grantee Partners
2018 Grantee Partners
2017 Grantee Partners

TDOR 2024: Advocacy, Education and Legislative Interventions

The Greek Transgender Support Association (GTSA) is a leading example of a grassroots organization working to eliminate violence against trans people and build a safer, more inclusive society. Through a mix of advocacy, direct support, and innovative initiatives, GTSA addresses systemic inequalities, empowers trans individuals, and fosters greater awareness of the issues faced by the trans community in Greece.

GTSA advocates for legislative changes that protect trans individuals and promote their rights. It successfully influenced anti-bullying policies to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression in educational legislation. Additionally, the organization secured provisions in prison reforms in Greece to ensure the placement of trans prisoners in facilities that align with their gender identity and offer protective measures when needed. GTSA also worked with the Ministry of Health to restore access to gender-affirming hormones, ensuring vital healthcare for trans individuals.

GTSA‘s work extends to addressing hate crimes and transphobia. In July 2023, the association publicly condemned the murder of a trans refugee and sex worker, highlighting the racist and transphobic motivations behind the attack. The group called for justice and advocated for an in-depth investigation by authorities, raising public awareness of violence against trans individuals.

Through ITF funding, GTSA maintained its office as a safe and inclusive space for trans and gender-diverse individuals. The office serves as a hub for mutual support, socialization, and empowerment, particularly for marginalized groups such as elderly trans people and parents of trans children. The group also pioneered the “Personal Development Youth Group,” a first-of-its-kind initiative in Greece that supports neurodiverse trans youth.

Despite its achievements, GTSA faces significant challenges. A conservative political climate and rising far-right rhetoric in Greece have exacerbated discrimination and violence against vulnerable groups, including the trans community. The lack of accessible funding within the trans community further limits the organization’s capacity to expand its initiatives.

Honoring Their Memory by Fighting for Our Future

As we approach the Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR), we reflect on the lives lost to violence and discrimination while celebrating the resilience and power of trans communities around the world. This year, we honor not only the memory of those who are no longer with us but also the incredible work of our grantee partners who fight for a better future. From eliminating violence and advocating for justice to educating, empowering, and building safe spaces, these trans-led organizations are at the forefront of creating lasting change.

To highlight this work, we are releasing a series of stories that showcase the inspiring efforts of ITF grantee partners around the world. Together, we honor the memory of those who came before us by continuing the fight for a future where trans people everywhere can live with dignity, safety, and freedom.

Eliminating Violence Against Trans People

In Ecuador, Centro Psico Trans by Asociación Silueta X stands as a critical example of a grassroots organization working to eliminate violence against trans people. This grantee partner is at the forefront of addressing systemic violence, including the horrors of conversion clinics, and advocating for the protection and mental health of trans communities.

In 2022, the group intervened in two harrowing cases involving detention in conversion clinics. One case centered on Karlina, an elderly trans woman forcibly confined in such a clinic. A video and public statement exposed her plight, prompting the Ombudsman’s Office to coordinate with the Prosecutor’s Office for her release. Similarly, Priscila, a non-binary individual, was detained by their parents in another clinic. Through swift action, including circulating a video and statement on social media, Silueta X drew media and authority attention, leading to Priscila’s immediate release.

In addition to these direct interventions, Asociación Silueta X focuses on broader systemic change. They launched an emotional intelligence manual to support the mental health of trans people and conducted sensitivity training for the national police to address violence against trans women in sex work.

Despite these efforts, the organization faces ongoing challenges, including targeted attacks on their offices—a clear indication of the persecution tied to their work. They continue to file complaints and advocate for safety measures, but the lack of action in hate crime cases underscores the urgent need for systemic change.

On Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR), we honor the memory of those lost to violence and celebrate the courage of organizations like Asociación Silueta X, whose work is a beacon of hope in the fight for justice, safety, and dignity for trans communities. Their relentless efforts remind us that protecting trans lives is not just about surviving today—it’s about building a future free from fear and violence.

The ITF is proud to support Asociación Silueta X across multiple grant cycles. To learn more about the group visit their pages:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

Category: Uncategorized