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Astraea Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$3.4M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3.4 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Data not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Varies by fund
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $30,000 (varies by program)
  • Geographic Focus: International and U.S. domestic

Contact Details

Address: 116 East 16th Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10003

Phone: (212) 529-8021

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.astraeafoundation.org

Intersex Fund Contact: intersexfund@astraeafoundation.org

Global Arts Fund Inquiries: LOI@astraeafoundation.org

Overview

Founded in 1977 by a small group of diverse women around a kitchen table in New York City, the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice is the only philanthropic organization working exclusively to advance LGBTQI rights around the world. What began as a vision to fund lesbians and women of color has evolved into a multi-gendered, multi-racial, multi-identity organization. Over four decades, Astraea has awarded over $31 million to grassroots activists in nearly half the world, distributing 110 grants totaling $3.4 million in 2023. The foundation uses participatory grantmaking and commits to long-term partnerships, funding groups for 5-10 years and beyond with flexible core support. In 2023, CharityWatch recognized Astraea on their list of Top-Rated LGBTQ+ charities during Pride Month.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

U.S. Fund: Supports domestic organizations primarily led by LGBTQI people of color. Centers work on the liberation of queer, trans, two-spirit and intersex people of color and challenges the criminalization of 2SLBTQI BIPOC, migrants, women of color, mothers, sex workers and youth. Priorities include migrant justice, housing, bodily autonomy, and climate justice. Grants: $5,000 - $30,000 per year.

International Fund: Supports LGBTQI-led groups working for progressive social change in Africa, Asia/the Pacific, Eastern Europe/Commonwealth of Independent States, Latin America/the Caribbean, or the Middle East. Currently accepts applications from organizations in Jamaica, Belize, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname. Grants: $5,000 - $30,000 per year.

Intersex Human Rights Fund: Launched in 2015 as the world's first fund of its kind, supporting organizations, projects and timely campaigns led by intersex activists working to ensure human rights, bodily autonomy, physical integrity and self-determination of intersex people. Accounts for approximately 73% of all grants to intersex organizations worldwide. Grants: $5,000 - $20,000.

Global Arts Fund: Established in 2013, supports and amplifies art by LGBTQI people and organizations that use creative expression as "a tool for social transformation."

Priority Areas

  • Groups led by and for trans and gender non-conforming people, intersex people, lesbians and queer women, people of color, youth, and activists in rural or other geographic areas
  • Movement building and network development at local, regional, and national levels
  • Human rights work including changing laws, political education, and monitoring police and government practices
  • Nascent and emerging groups with tremendous potential but limited access to mainstream funding
  • All grantmaking occurs through a racial justice lens that works to "shift power to LGBTQI people and organizations pursuing social justice and human rights"

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations with no leadership of LGBTQI people
  • Organizations with budgets over $500,000 USD

Governance and Leadership

The foundation was led by Executive Director J. Bob Alotta from April 2011 until her recent departure. Under Alotta's leadership, Astraea doubled its staff and grew its budget from $3 to $13 million. Alotta led the foundation in significantly expanding its global philanthropy, including through the Global Development Partnership, the first relationship between the federal government and a public foundation created to expand international LGBT rights. The organization has been in a leadership transition period, with the Board of Directors having sought an Executive Director or Co-Directors, reflecting their commitment to feminist leadership principles.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application processes vary by fund:

International Fund: Application instructions and forms are available through the foundation's website at astraeafoundation.org/apply. Eligibility requires organizations to be based in eligible regions with budgets of $500,000 USD or less.

Intersex Human Rights Fund: No longer accepts applications through an online portal. Intersex activists or intersex-led organizations seeking funding should email intersexfund@astraeafoundation.org with organization name and contact details.

Global Arts Fund: Not currently accepting Letters of Inquiry. Interested grantseekers may email LOI@astraeafoundation.org to learn more about this fund.

U.S. Fund: Contact the foundation through their main contact page for current application information.

Decision Timeline

Varies by fund and application cycle. The foundation evaluates applications using a participatory grantmaking model, with decision-making involving community activists.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. In 2023, Astraea made 110 awards totaling $3.4 million. Historical data shows the foundation has distributed hundreds of grants annually, with 172 awards in 2022, 117 in 2021, 199 in 2020, and 145 in 2019.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented. Given the foundation's commitment to long-term partnerships (funding groups for 5-10 years and beyond), reapplication appears to be supported.

Application Success Factors

  • LGBTQI Leadership: Organizations must be led by LGBTQI people. The foundation explicitly states they do not fund organizations with no LGBTQI leadership.

  • Grassroots Focus: Astraea prioritizes "support for those sectors of the movement that have the least access to financial resources but are best placed to make change." Smaller, community-based organizations led by marginalized communities are well-positioned.

  • Racial Justice Lens: All grantmaking occurs through a racial justice lens. Applications should demonstrate how work centers people of color and addresses intersectional oppression.

  • Budget Size: Organizations with budgets under $500,000 USD are eligible, reflecting Astraea's focus on smaller organizations often overlooked by larger funders.

  • Participatory Approach: The foundation uses participatory grantmaking where community activists are involved in decision-making. Applications resonate when they demonstrate deep community connection and leadership from those most impacted.

  • Long-term Vision: Astraea recognizes that "social change takes time" and builds long-term partnerships. Applications should articulate sustainable vision beyond single projects.

  • Examples of Funded Organizations: Previous grantees include Black and Pink, the Gender Expansion Project, BreakOUT, EMERGE, Southerners On New Ground (SONG), and The Audre Lorde Project (ALP).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Astraea is unique as the only philanthropic organization working exclusively on LGBTQI rights globally—align applications with this singular focus
  • 78% of grants are flexible core support, not restricted project funding—emphasize organizational sustainability and community-led vision rather than specific project deliverables
  • Budget size matters: organizations over $500,000 are ineligible, positioning smaller grassroots groups as ideal candidates
  • LGBTQI leadership is non-negotiable; organizations must be led by and for LGBTQI communities, particularly those led by people of color, trans/gender non-conforming people, and intersex people
  • The foundation commits to 5-10+ year partnerships—think long-term relationship rather than one-time grant
  • Participatory grantmaking means community activists help decide funding; applications should reflect authentic community voice and leadership
  • Geographic restrictions apply to International Fund—verify eligibility for specific countries before applying

References

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