Racial Equity - Funder Tools

The Racial Equity Online Toolkit begins by reviewing how competing frameworks understand racial disparities. Because definitions are central to these models, we've paired this tool with a glossary of terms on racial equity and LGBTQ issues. To illustrate how inequality plays out among LGBTQ communities of color, we then move to synthesizing facts, visuals and examples; here we include population snapshots, an educational slideshow, a real-life case study and resources for learning about transgender issues. Finally, we close with two tools that are meant to spark a conversation in your foundation: assessment diagrams with guiding questions and a deeper look into LGBTQ people of color organizations and programs. Let's start this dialogue with the first eight tools.

Frameworks
Review different approaches to understanding racial inequities

From "diversity and inclusion" efforts to "racial justice," more and more funders are promoting opportunity and dealing with deeply embedded inequities—finding ways to make a difference in their unique institutions.
Compare the theories

Glossary
Familiarize yourself with key concepts and definitional differences

Over time, a vast terminology has helped describe the diverse range of populations, issues and frameworks surrounding LGBTQ people of color.
Flip through our glossary

Population Snapshots
Understand the populations

LGBTQ people of color make up a diverse spectrum that cuts across race/ethnicity, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status and other characteristics.
Meet your neighbors

Inequality Slideshow
Observe the multiple bars of the birdcage

Philosopher Marilyn Frye proposes that broadening one’s lens to view the multiple bars of a birdcage can provide a more informed perspective—policies, practices, values and cultural representations work together over time to entrap communities.
Watch a slideshow

Case Study & 10 Steps
Relate these multiple, systemic factors to LGBTQ communities

How can funders understand the various aspects of “structural racism” on LGBTQ communities? What are the steps?
Read an illustrative case study

Transgender Lens
Now connect your lens to transgender and gender non-conforming people

For transgender and gender non-conforming people of color, the challenges are many and the solutions unique.
Link the issues and see how transgender people of color create change

Assessment Diagrams
Begin an internal dialogue by reviewing key questions

How can foundations begin this internal conversation? What are key points, examples and questions for assessing our funding strategies?
Start a conversation with your colleagues

Nonprofit Directory
Learn about autonomous LGBTQ people of color organizations

Across the country, LGBTQ people of color are forming their own solutions to address complex, social issues in their communities.
Read about this sector and scroll through a directory

Future tools

Over the next year and a half, Funders for LGBTQ Issues will produce more tools to support grantmakers in implementing an LGBTQ racial equity lens into their grantmaking and internal operations. Register for regular email updates

Funder Tools for Supporting LGBTQ Communities of Color

Future tools