Funding Forward provides an exciting opportunity for funders to 

• connect with one another
• learn from each other
• coordinate efforts
• and maximize impact

Yes! This year’s program promises to be filled with dynamic, engaging and interactive sessions, however, there will also be ample time set aside for networking with Funding Forward attendees who are committed to LGBTQ issues.

Funders for LGBTQ Issues is a network of foundations and corporations working to increase funding for LGBTQ communities. We provide three key services for the field, we:

• Connect and create spaces for LGBTQ funders to coordinate their efforts, learn from each other, and maximize their impact
• Expand the scale and reach philanthropic resources for LGBTQ communities and social justice by building relationships with a wide range of foundations, corporations, and other partners
• Provide up-to-the-minute information, research, and resources on LGBTQ grantmaking for the benefit of funders and the broader LGBTQ movement

Registration is open to representatives from any grantmaking entity or philanthropic infrastructure organization (i.e., board members, staff, grant advisory committee members, etc.). If you have a specific question about your own eligibility please contact Stephen Switzer, Director of Finance at [email protected].

Funding Forward offers rich content on LGBTQ issues as they relate to a range of grantmaking priorities, including children & youth, criminal justice reform, economic opportunity, education, health, immigrant rights, racial equity, and reproductive and gender justice.  If you need assistance making the case to your institution how the conference programming will help substantively advance your grantmaking priorities, please reach out to April Bethea, Director of Philanthropic Outreach at [email protected].

Funding Forward 2023 will take place from November 29 to December 1st in Chicago, IL. The majority of Funding Forward conversations, events, and meetings will be held at our host hotel to be announced shortly.

The registration fee covers admission to Funding Forward conversations and several meals. Hotel accommodation is not included.

We will also offer virtual plenaries for those unable to attend in-person. More information on virtual registration is forthcoming. 

Funders for LGBTQ Issues is a social justice organization committed to making Funding Forward accessible to all eligible and interested parties regardless of their economic means. While we currently have no formal scholarship program, if you would like to attend but financial circumstances make your attendance difficult please email us and we’ll see what we can do.

The official start time of the conference is 1 PM CT on Wednesday, November 29th. There will, however, be a pre-conference learning tour from 10:30 AM to 2 PM on the 29th with details forthcoming. Conference attendees will be able to register beginning at 7:30 AM on the 29th.

The official ending time of the conference is 2:30 PM on Friday, December 1st. For those local to Chicago or staying in the area through Saturday, there will be an afterparty the evening of the 1st.

Note: the Loews room block has limited Tuesday night availability. If you are planning to arrive on Tuesday we advise you to book accommodations soon.