Canada Ranks 3rd in International LGBTI Funding

Canada Ranks 3rd in International LGBTI Funding

Overview of the Report on International LGBTI Funding

The International Francophone Alliance for Equality and Diversities Égides, in partnership with Dignity Network Canada and the Global Philanthropy Project (GPP), has released a report titled Droits devant: Canada’s Leadership in International LGBTI Funding. This document assesses Canada’s investment in the protection of LGBTI rights worldwide. The report’s findings were presented during a symposium held on August 7, in collaboration with Fierté Montréal, as part of its annual festival.

Importance of Funding for Protecting LGBTI Rights

The report highlights the critical need for quality, inclusive, and sustainable funding to support LGBTI communities’ efforts in defending human rights. These efforts often face significant challenges, including attacks from “anti-gender,” anti-rights, and anti-democracy forces. Donor governments play a vital role in supporting these initiatives.

The Global Resources Report 2021–2022 reveals an unprecedented amount of $174.8 million USD (220 million CAD) in funding from donor governments and multilateral agencies. However, this sum represents only 19% of the total funding for LGBTI rights, equivalent to just 4 cents for every 100 dollars of official development assistance.

Canada’s Role in LGBTI Rights Funding

In this global context, Canada ranks third among donor governments, with $23 million USD (29 million CAD) allocated in 2021–2022, reflecting a 32% increase from 2019–2020. This funding, distributed across 91 grants, is largely attributable to Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ International Assistance Program (IAP), launched in 2019 with an initial commitment of 30 million CAD.

The report indicates that Canadian funding was distributed across 47 countries, including seven French-speaking nations, with Canada being the sole government donor in nine of these countries. The majority (95%) of Canada’s funds were directed towards general LGBQ populations, with only a few grants targeting specific groups within the LGBTI communities. Although Canada funded more LGBTI-focused organizations compared to 2019–2020, 79% of its funding in 2021–2022 still went to non-LGBTI organizations.

Recommendations to Strengthen Canada’s Commitment

Based on these findings, Dignity Network Canada, Égides, and the Global Philanthropy Project have made several recommendations to strengthen Canada’s commitment to LGBTI rights. A key recommendation is the renewal of funding for the 2SLGBTQI+ International Assistance Program (IAP) for a second phase. The partners welcome positive indications that this commitment may be renewed.

However, they emphasize that this commitment should not be limited to the IAP alone. Supporting LGBTI movements must be part of a broader international cooperation strategy that includes both the priorities of Canada’s headquarters and embassies.

Upcoming Opportunities for Canada

In the coming months, Canada will have opportunities to demonstrate its commitment to LGBTI rights, particularly at the International LGBTI Funding Summit on November 11–12, 2024. This event will bring together 200 of the world’s leading funders committed to equality and inclusive development for LGBTI communities. The leadership of donor governments will be crucial to responding to the urgency of current issues and ensuring the advancement of LGBTI rights. This summit will be an opportunity for Canada to reaffirm its role as a progressive global funder.