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

The State of Trans Organizing Report

The third edition of The State of Trans Organizing report is out now. This report presents new research demonstrating how global trans movements are under attack and severely under-resourced. With participation from 449 respondents worldwide, the research provides a critical snapshot of the priorities, activities, and needs of diverse trans organizations. This research is also a call to action for funders to step-up and provide support to address the needs of global trans movements.

This research was led by Global Philanthropy Project and GATE. The ITF joined as a donor partner alongside American Jewish World Service, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice and Dreilinden. Notably, an earlier edition of The State of Trans Organizing report was instrumental in laying the foundation for the creation of the ITF as it underscored the urgent need for dedicated funding to sustain and amplify trans activism globally. Today, the ITF is proud to contribute to this updated research, which reinforces the essential role of responsive, sustained funding for the resilience and advancement of global trans movements.

Key Findings
Challenges of Violence and Harassment: Nearly all trans organizations (90%) report facing violence or harassment, including physical attacks, online harassment, and event disruptions. Additionally, 67% report threats from oppositional groups or individuals (e.g., “anti-gender,” etc.) and 36% face increased scrutiny from law enforcement or government agencies. This hostile environment forces organizations to divert resources toward security, impacting community support.

Limited Budgets: Trans organizations provide essential support to their communities, addressing advocacy, healthcare, safety, and arts & culture. Yet, the majority operate with very limited resources; half have budgets below $20,000, and 14% have no budget at all. This funding gap severely restricts their ability to meet growing needs.

Chronic Under-resourcing: Trans organizations also receive smaller grants than other LGBTI organizations, with most funds being short-term and project-specific. The vast majority of trans organizations (76%) received less than $50,000 of external funding in 2022, with nearly one-third (30%) receiving none.

Unbalanced Geographic Funding Support: Trans organizations operate across local, national, regional, and international levels, yet funding remains heavily concentrated in the Global North—93% of it directed toward the United States. Most trans organizations work nationally (72%), at city (36%), or state levels (25%), with additional work at regional and international levels (14% each), addressing issues from local to global scales.

However, the distribution of funding does not match this geographic reach. Regions like Asia and the Pacific receive disproportionately low funding compared to their large populations.

Call to Action for Funders:

Increase overall funding with larger grants and a broader donor base.
Promote sustainable funding through multi-year and core funding to provide stability.
Prioritize Global South and East organizations, where funding needs are highest.
Ensure responsive funding that addresses healthcare, employment, and movement-building as identified by trans activists.
Join efforts to mobilize, activate, and defend global trans funding.

Report Launch Webinar

Global Philanthropy Project (GPP) is hosting a launch webinar in December to present key findings and recommendations. Join to learn how these reports, used since 2013 to improve trans and intersex funding, can now help advocate for greater support and be shared throughout the coming year.

Date: December 11, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. EDT (GMT-04:00).

Join the Launch Webinar

This webinar is open to all. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in English, Spanish, and French (with additional languages to be confirmed).

Why Support Trans Organizing?
Around the world and across time, people who defied gender norms have held diverse roles, from healers to outcasts, warriors to divine figures. With colonization, these identities were suppressed, deemed sinful, criminal, or disordered, forcing trans and gender-diverse people to navigate severe medical, legal, and social repression. Even in places where minimal recognition was granted, it often came with harsh conditions, leaving many in poverty and facing violence and stigma.

Over the past 80 years, trans activists have organized locally and globally, challenging injustice and securing rights such as legal gender recognition, gender-affirming healthcare, and research into trans issues. Despite these gains, today’s movement faces threats from social exclusion, war, climate change, and anti-trans campaigns. Supporting trans organizing is crucial to sustaining progress and advancing trans justice.

Consultancy Opportunity

The International Trans Fund (ITF) is looking for a consultant who can support us in the development of dynamic and engaging written content for our new website. We are looking for an individual who is familiar with trans movements, likes to tell the stories of activism and organizations, and who writes in a clear, compelling, and accessible way.

Background

The International Trans Fund (ITF) is in the process of redesigning its website to better reflect our mission, vision, and current activities. We are seeking a consultant to create high-quality written content for our new website. As part of this initiative, we aim to replace outdated text with fresh, engaging, and accurate content.

Objective

The objective of this consultancy is to develop clear, concise, and compelling content for the ITF website. This content should effectively communicate our mission, vision, programs, and impact to a diverse audience, including potential donors, grantee partners, and trans movements. We want you to help tell the stories of the ITF and our grantee partners.

Scope of Work

The Consultant will be responsible for:

Content Audit and Analysis:
- Review existing website content and identify areas that need updating, removal, or enhancement.
Content Development:
- Create new text content in English for the website, including but not limited to:
  - Home page
  - About Us
  - Programs and Initiatives (e.g. Grantmaking)
  - News and Updates
  - Grantee partner profiles
  - Leadership profiles
- Ensure all content is aligned with ITF’s brand voice and messaging guidelines.
- Develop content that is SEO-friendly to improve website visibility and searchability.
Collaboration and Review:
- Work closely with ITF’s communications and web development teams to ensure content meets organizational needs and website functionality.
- Revise and refine content based on feedback from ITF staff and stakeholders.
- Ensure all content is culturally sensitive and inclusive, reflecting the diversity of the trans community.

Deliverables

New and revised website text content. For example this will include:
- Writing new content for the ITF (e.g. Our origin story, glossary, etc.)
- Reviewing, revising and editing old content.
- Collecting and developing 150-200 grantee partner profiles (100 words each)
- Collecting and creating 80 leadership profiles (50 words each)
SEO keywords and meta descriptions for each web page.
A final report summarizing the work completed, including any recommendations for future content updates.

Duration and Timeline

The consultancy is expected to last for 4 months, starting from November 2024. We anticipate this will take between 20-30 days. A detailed work plan with specific milestones and deadlines will be developed in collaboration with the selected Consultant.

Remuneration

The total amount available for this contract is $10,000 USD.

Qualifications and Experience

Proven experience in creating website content, preferably for non-profit organizations.
Strong understanding of SEO principles and best practices.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Ability to produce culturally sensitive and inclusive content.
Familiarity with the issues and challenges faced by the trans community.
Fluency in English is required (written and spoken), fluency in Spanish is desirable.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:

A cover letter detailing relevant experience and approach to the assignment.
A curriculum vitae (CV).
Two samples of previous work that demonstrate clear, compelling and accessible writing.
Contact information for two professional references.

Please send your application to [email protected] by November 11, 2024.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Relevant experience and qualifications.
Quality of previous work samples.
References and recommendations.

Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding this TOR, please contact: [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your applications and working with a skilled Consultant to enhance our website and better serve our community.

Category: Uncategorized

In Memory of Jholerina Brinnette Theodora Timbo

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!)

What we will fund:

Eliminating Violence Against Trans People

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!)