Dane Lewis, CariFLAGS
Civil society organisations (CSOs) play a crucial role in providing essential services, advocacy and support to LGBTI+ communities, especially in regions where discrimination, stigma, and legal challenges persist. However, insecure and shrinking funding has made it increasingly difficult for these organisations to sustain their work and meet the growing needs of the communities they serve.
In some Commonwealth countries, vulnerable people often can’t engage in simple health-seeking behaviours like taking their HIV medication because they don’t have access to regular meals or a safe place to live. LGBTI+ organisations often find themselves providing holistic care with very limited resources, stifling their ability to address other pressing issues within their communities. This is why sustainable funding is crucial to their survival and effectiveness.
Many LGBTI+ civil society organisations work in regions where discrimination, stigma, and legal restrictions continue to marginalise their communities. While they are vital lifelines, the funding available to them is complex, unpredictable, and often inadequate, particularly in the Caribbean and other developing regions of the Commonwealth.
Accessibility to resources is uneven, with smaller and less established organisations facing significant challenges in securing funding. This disparity makes it difficult for networks and local CSOs to operate effectively, especially as the global funding landscape shrinks.
This gap in funding access is not limited to the Caribbean—it’s a widespread issue affecting LGBTI+ organisations across the Commonwealth. While larger, more established organisations might be able to secure funding, smaller groups often struggle. This imbalance weakens the ability of local CSOs to advocate for the rights of LGBTI+ individuals or provide essential services, making long-term, core funding essential.
The economic changes in many Caribbean nations further complicate funding. As countries develop, there’s a misconception that economic stability equates to rights for all. However, the most vulnerable communities—like LGBTI+ individuals—often become even more marginalised as countries become more prosperous and the priorities of international donors shift elsewhere. LGBTI+ organisations must continually advocate to ensure that economic growth does not leave them behind.
Government support is another issue. Many organisations hesitate to accept government funding, where available, because it may compromise their independence or subject them to undue influence, such as pressure to support political campaigns. This reluctance leaves a gap when international funding diminishes, raising the question of how these organisations can sustain their work.
Sustainable funding isn’t just about securing a steady income stream—it’s about ensuring that organisations can operate effectively without constantly scrambling for resources. Currently, many LGBTI+ organisations are only able to offer part-time positions due to limited funds. This reality means that the most skilled and passionate advocates often leave for higher-paying jobs in other sectors, reducing the overall effectiveness of these CSOs. Core funding would allow these organisations to retain talented staff and focus on their mission, rather than constantly worrying about the next funding cycle.
Without sustainable funding, LGBTI+ organisations are burdened with the responsibility of filling gaps in healthcare, advocacy, and community support. For example, many HIV-focused programs offer medication, but without addressing other social determinants like food security or safe housing, these efforts can only go so far. Flexible funding models that allow for creative and community-driven programming are also essential. Too often, funding is tied to specific projects or narrow focus areas leaving little room for addressing other vital issues. LGBTI+ communities face challenges beyond healthcare, including discrimination, violence, and social exclusion, and organisations need the flexibility to address these issues in innovative ways.
A sustainable funding model for LGBTI+ civil society organisations would ideally include:
Long-Term Commitments: A minimum of three to five years of funding, allowing organisations to focus on their mission without the constant pressure of securing new grants.
Core Funding: Support for operational costs, such as staff salaries, office space, and overhead, which are often overlooked by donors but essential for the smooth functioning of organisations.
Accessible Funding for Smaller Groups: A model that ensures smaller and less-established organisations can access resources, either through partnerships or capacity-building programs that help them manage funding.
Philanthropy and Social Enterprise: Encouraging local philanthropy and exploring social enterprise models could provide a more sustainable source of income for LGBTI+ CSOs, though this requires significant capacity-building and a shift in mindset within the sector.
Sustainable funding is not a luxury but a necessity for LGBTI+ organisations striving to create lasting change for LGBTI+ people. Sadly, many developing countries still uphold colonial-era laws that criminalise same-sex relationships, and social stigma remains deeply entrenched. Advocacy groups play a crucial role in challenging these systems, advancing human rights, and promoting inclusive policies. Without sustainable funding, we cannot ensure consistent advocacy. Groups are often forced to operate in survival mode, limiting their ability to serve their communities effectively. The path forward requires a collaborative effort between donors, governments, and the organisations themselves to create funding models that not only support immediate needs but build resilience for the future. Sustainable funding is the key to ensuring these advocates can continue their critical work.