We Fund Where It Matters Most

A photo of a group of people (2018 Sex Worker Giving Circle fellows, with current Director of Development Maryse Mitchell-Brody at the center) posing together and all holding pink roses.

"Quite frankly, we would not exist without Third Wave's investment in our vision. Third Wave has supported us fiercely to become the political force we were meant to be in a place where it was thought to be impossible. Because of Third Wave, still we specialize in the wholly impossible.'" – La'Tasha D. Mayes, former Executive Director of New Voices Pittsburgh

Third Wave resources youth-led gender justice activism to fill the major national funding gap. Multi-issue work often has few avenues for funding. And, movements led by women of color, trans and queer people, and low income communities are vital to justice and liberation, yet have the least access to funding. These groups are often the last to get funding and the first to lose it when the going gets tough.

National philanthropic support for gender justice is dismal:

  • Funding for women and girls' issues only accounts for 1.6% of philanthropic giving, and dollars reaching women and girls of color, and LGBTQ women, girls, and femmes are not even tracked.
  • It is estimated in a 2020 study that grants to women and girls of color totaled $356 million—about 0.5% of the $66.9 billion contributed by foundations in 2017.
  • Source: The Women & Girls Index 2020: Measuring Giving to Women’s and Girls’ Causes)

Within LGBTQ-focused philanthropy:

  • In their latest report, Funders for LGBTQ Issues found that funding for LGBTQ Issues fell from it’s record high in 2018. For every $100 awarded by U.S. foundations in 2020, only 23 cents specifically supported LGBTQ communities and issues.
  • Even more dire is the funding for trans communities. For every $100 awarded by U.S. foundations, less than 5 cents supported transgender communities in both 2019 and 2020. 
  • (Source: Funders for LGBTQ Issues 2019-2020 tracking report)
Photo of 2018 Sex Worker Giving Circles Fellows with Director of Development (and SWGC co-founder) Maryse Mitchell-Brody.

More about gender justice

Photograph of two Black women standing behind an information table outside under a tent. The table is covered with fliers and pamphlets about birth justice, and a prominent flier at the center says "Southern Birth Justice Network."

Gender Justice is Reproductive Justice

A photo of a group (about 20) of mostly BIPOC people gathered in a city building, standing around a number (about 50) of cardboard tombstones that have been painted with the names of Chicago BIPOC killed by police. A person at the center holds a large black and white sign that reads #NoCopAcademy.

Gender Justice is Racial Justice

A photo of a group of mostly-BIPOC trans and gender non-conforming people (from grantee Baltimore Safe Haven) marching in the street with their fists up. Three people at the center are holding trans pride flags and one holds a small megaphone.

Gender Justice is Queer & Trans Justice

A photo of a group of nine young BIPOC folks (from grantee Choose Yourself) standing outside in a line in front of a running track. They are all smiling or making silly faces at the camera, with some leaning on each other or making dramatic poses.

We Prioritize Access and Liberation, Not Just Policy Wins

A photo of a group of Black femmes and gender non-conforming people from Trans Sistas of Color Project, sitting or standing close together and posing for the picture. They are wearing dresses that range from cocktail dresses to ball gowns, as well as burlesque outfits and t-shirts. In the background there is a brightly lit dollhouse with Barbies inside.

We Center the Leadership of Those Most Impacted