We’re Hiring at ITF!

We are growing our team and opening several new part-time positions to strengthen how we resource trans movements worldwide.

Across these roles, you would help hold learning spaces with partners, document and share movement knowledge, support economic alternatives and sustainability pathways, and care for the financial processes that keep resources moving to communities.

This work is collaborative and movement-facing. It involves listening, building relationships across regions, and supporting collective reflection as much as technical skills. We value care, trust, and accountability in how we work together.

All positions are remote and work closely with trans-led organizations across different contexts.

We strongly encourage trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people to apply.

Click here to apply.

From Gathering to Grounding: Reflections from ITF’s Staff Retreat

At the end of January, ITF held our annual staff retreat in Gaborone, Botswana. The retreat offered a meaningful opportunity for team members from across continents and contexts to come together in person, reconnect, and engage in shared reflection and meditation. It also provided dedicated space for collective work planning, aligning priorities for the year ahead, and strengthening collaboration across teams. Here is where we finalized our 2026 Workplan and made plans to mark our 10 Year Anniversary.

When we meet and exchange, our worlds expand. We are moved deeply to see how all of us exist and navigate life beyond work. These connections and the personal-professional journey we take together anchor our work for the rest of the year.

We’re excited to share a few glimpses of what this time was like for us. There were moments of joy and grief, and of trans world-building that felt especially powerful in each other’s company. As every year, we practiced collective care, finding softness with one another while navigating unprecedented challenges together. We leave more bonded, more connected, and deeply committed to continuing our work moving resources to support trans movements worldwide.

Each time we gather in person, we are reminded that our work is driven by deep solidarity with each other and with our movements. The retreat grounded us in our shared realities, strengthened our collective purpose, and renewed our commitment to moving more and better resources to trans movements worldwide in 2026 and beyond. We also held a tender moment, when one of our colleagues was hospitalized and we were called to live our transfeminist values of support and collective care in real time. As they recovery is underway, we are reminded that this work is not only about what we build together, but how we hold one another through uncertainty and vulnerability.

– Broden Giambrone, Executive Director

The opportunity to meet in Gaborone was unique in many senses, providing ITF with the possibility to plan our work with a 10-year Strategic Framework and a powerful, growing team guiding us. By holding together the many complexities and challenges ITF work brings – which includes the team’s health and wellbeing, as we were sharply reminded of –, our retreat in Botswana was a very important moment for connection, inspiration and reflection, as we work on a symbolic 10th grantmaking cycle and build a stronger ITF each day, grounded in transfeminist principles and contributing to trans-led movements’ thriving work and resistance towards better futures for all.

– Viviane Simakawa, Deputy Director

Finally, we want to pause to thank one another, and all of you in our trans community, for holding and witnessing each other through these turbulent times.

Introducing the ITF’s new Board Executive Committee

ITF is thrilled to announce our new Board Executive Committee! We are excited to welcome this leadership team as they step into their roles at a pivotal moment for the organization. Their guidance will be instrumental as ITF continues to grow, evolve, and respond boldly to an increasingly complex global political landscape. The new Executive Committee joins us as we begin shaping and rolling out our 10-year Strategic Framework (2026–2036), helping to steward ITF into its next chapter of resourcing, solidarity, and transfeminist movement building.

Here are our new members!

Meet our Co-Chairs

Ayouba (they/she) is a Moroccan trans and non-binary SOGIESC consultant and activist currently pursuing a degree in Global Development Studies in Norway. Ayouba has been actively involved in building movements for trans communities in the SWANA region, serving as the regional manager of Transat, the first trans-led organization in the region. They co-initiated Nassawiyat, a pioneering organization for LBTQI+ women and non-binary individuals in Morocco, and have held key leadership roles with Pan Africa ILGA as Francophone Coordinator, GNP+ as Morocco Country Focal Point, the African Trans Network (ATN) as a Steering Committee Member, and FRIDA (The Young Feminist Fund) as an Advisor representing SWANA. Passionate about advocacy and knowledge-building, Ayouba is particularly interested in research and initiatives focused on SOGIESC, HIV, decolonial and participatory grantmaking models, and intersectional feminism.

“At a time when anti-gender and anti-rights movements are on the rise, I consider it my duty in this position to assist in channeling resources toward trans and gender diverse movements, where they are most needed and least accessible. As ITF embarks on a new journey of developing and implementing its 10-year strategy for 2026 to 2036, it is crucial that our long-term strategy prioritize flexibility, be considerate of grassroots realities, be rooted in collective care, and be based on the principle that no community member should be left behind.”
– Ayouba

Félix (he/him) is a bilingual creative and philanthropic professional based in Ecuador and NYC. With over 15 years of experience in filmmaking, global philanthropy, and arts administration, he has worked with organizations like the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation and Open Society Foundations. He currently co-chairs the Trans/Intersex Task Force within the Global Philanthropy Project and founded the Trans Affinity Group within the Documentary Producers Alliance, advocating for trans-led storytelling and supporting trans filmmakers with mentorship and resources. Félix has served on numerous selection committees for arts and social justice organizations, including Art for Justice, BlackStar Film Festival, and Creative Capital.

“I’m honored to begin my term as ITF co-chair and serve alongside Ayouba El Hamri. I’m excited to work in close partnership with ITF’s leadership and staff to steward vital resourcing of trans communities worldwide.”
– Felix

Meet our Treasurer and Secretary

Denny (She/They) is a trans advocate from Kenya and a seasoned Finance and Grants Management Consultant with a background in accounting. With experience in feminist funds like FRIDA and UHAI EASHRI, and as a former Grant Making Panelist for ITF, Denny aspires to develop financial and institutional solutions that streamline grants management while championing for increased funding towards ITGNC-led initiatives. Passionate about gender and racial equality, poverty alleviation, and socio-economic justice, Denny is dedicated to fostering the financial sustainability of impactful development programs.

Denny was previously the Board Secretary of ITF.

Dr. Mikee Inton-Campbell (She/Her) is professor of Trans and Queer of Color Studies at California State University San Marcos. She is originally from the Philippines and previously served on the Board of Trustees of the Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP), and as co-chair of the Trans Steering Committee at ILGA World (2014-2019). She was also previously part of the Grant Making Panel at the ITF. As a transfeminist scholar, her research and teaching are focused on issues of Sexuality and Pleasure, decolonizing transness, global histories of trans and queer social movements, and Sex Work.

Mikee was previously a Co-Chair of ITF.

With Gratitude…

With sincere thanks, we acknowledge our outgoing Board Executives, Mikee Inton-Campbell and Joe Wong (Board Co-Chairs), Liberty Matthyse (Treasurer), and Denny Mwaurah (Company Secretary), for their leadership and service over the past year. Their stewardship during a critical period strengthened ITF’s governance and upheld our participatory and transfeminist values. We are grateful that you will continue your tenure on the Board and carry this work forward.

Their work has seen ITF through a transformative period and helped shape where we are today. We are grateful for everything they have contributed.

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.

Category: Uncategorized

– Broden Giambrone, Executive Director

– Viviane Simakawa, Deputy Director