Convening, training, & research: funders for lgbtq issues provides convenings, trainings, and research to educate funders about the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Convenings include the annual funding forward conference to help funders maximize the impact of their grantmaking in lgbt communities, which was attended by more than 215 people in 2018. Funders for lgbtq issues also provided convenings and trainings on lgbtq issues for more than 1,000 foundation staff and trustees. The organization released the 2016 tracking report: lesbian, bay, bisexual, transgender, and queer grantmaking by u.S. Foundations, a comprehensive annual report on overall trends in lgbtq funding. In addition to reports related to special initiatives noted below, the organization released the philanthropy outlook: lgbtq education issues report and the diversity among philanthropic professionals report: a tale of two sectors, and our second study of the demographics of the philanthropic sector by sexual orientation and gender identity.

Out in the south: the out in the south initiative seeks to increase the scale and impact of foundation funding for lgbtq communities in the u.S. South. The initiative raises awareness about the unique needs and assets of southern lgbtq communities and provides support for lgbtq philanthropic funds based in the south. In 2019, the initiative awarded its third round of grants, providing $412,500 in planning grants and matching grants to help strengthen 11 lgbtq funds across the region. Funders for lgbtq issues also released an infographic update on lgbtq funding for the u.S. South and provided training and support for several southern foundations working to increase their lgbtq inclusiveness.

Grantmakers united for trans communities (gutc): the gutc initiative aims to inspire a philanthropic culture that is inclusive and supportive of transgender people in both grantmaking and decision-making. In 2019, the initiative launched its gutc leadership fellowship, providing six transgender and non-binary professionals in philanthropy with suppport, peer networking, and professional development activities. Funders for lgbtq issues also released a gutc infographic on foundation funding for trans communities and held the first funder convening of funders exclusively focused on the needs and opportunities for funding transgender and nonbinary communities.