Creating Change 2020 is almost here! Thousands of LGBTQ activists will converge in Dallas this week for the annual conference of LGBTQ leaders and organizers. As in prior years, many funders will join them. To help you get the most out of your time at the conference, we’ve compiled a list of the sessions that focus specifically on philanthropy, fundraising, and financial or nonprofit management this year.

Funders for LGBTQ Issues Events

Friday, January 17

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Fundraising from Foundations: What You Should Know About LGBTQ Philanthropy

State Room 2, Convention Ctr, 3rd fl
This session will dive deep into trends, gaps, and opportunities in LGBTQ foundation funding. Presenters from Funders for LGBTQ Issues will share data on the state of foundation funding benefitting LGBTQ communities and analyze trends in funding for trans communities, LGBTQ immigrants, and LGBTQ people in the South. Additionally, a panel of funders will share perspectives on LGBT philanthropy. Finally, participants will have small group discussions with funders to explore opportunities particular to their work.

Saturday, January 18

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

The GUTC Pledge: A New Tool for Trans Community Groups Seeking Foundation Funding

City View 2, Hotel 4th flr
In this session, presenters from Funders for LGBTQ Issues and some of our member foundations will introduce attendees to the Grantmakers United for Trans Communities (GUTC) Pledge, a new campaign to encourage foundations to expand and deepen their support for U.S. trans communities. Please join us to learn more about funding trends impacting trans communities, and concrete ways trans community 112 #CC20 groups can use the Pledge to outreach to and build more meaningful relationships with foundations.

Member-hosted Events

Friday, January 17

6:30-8:30pm

Laughing Gull Reception

State Room 4, Convention Center, 3rd Floor
Laughing Gull Foundation is a progressive family foundation rooted in the U.S. South investing in support of three priorities: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Equality, Higher Education in Prison, and Environmental Justice. We typically fund grassroots organizations engaged in direct service, organizing, advocacy, and/or culture change work.

Saturday, January 18

10:45 am – 12:15 pm

Evaluation: How to Hate It Less and Use It to Strengthen Your Work

San Antonio A, Convention Ctr, 3rd fl
How can you move from thinking of evaluation as a funder-imposed headache to a learning process that will strengthen your work? Is it even possible for small grassroots organizations to engage in evaluation? This session will demystify evaluation; provide practice steps to gather data, reflect on it and make adjustments; and explain how you can involve a diverse range of people to reflect on and learn from your work. We will address how racial and gender equity come into play and how we can define success in the current repressive environment.

Other Events in the Fundraising/Resource Development Track

Friday, January 17

9:30-10:30pm

Ask for Money Face to Face

State Room 2, Convention Ctr, 3rd fl
Movement Building and Organizational Development Raising money for your organization can be fun and easy! Come learn how to make sure your organizations are well funded by people who care to make change.

Creating and Sustaining Community Emergency Assistance

Trinity 4, Hotel South, 3rd fl
Movement Building and Organizational Development The Arkansas Transgender Equity Collaborative created a community emergency funding program in 2017. The program prioritizes QTPOC and undocumented trans migrants seeking relief. ArTeC connects clients to resources and offers a financial award on a case by case basis. This workshop will provide information on how to start and sustain a community emergency fund for small grass roots LGBTQ organizations