International Trans Fund

The International Trans Fund (ITF) has opened its 10th grant cycle, continuing its mission to support trans-led organizations globally through participatory grantmaking. This initiative is uniquely shaped by trans activists and donors, ensuring that resources flow to grassroots efforts grounded in lived experience. The ITF addresses chronic underfunding of trans movements by funding organizations that center trans voices and leadership. Since its inception, the fund has supported 260 grantee partners across nine cycles, emphasizing equity, sustainability, and trans liberation. ITF offers two types of 1-year grants: SEED grants and THRIVE grants. SEED grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 USD and are intended for organizations that have never received ITF funding. THRIVE grants, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 USD, are for organizations previously funded through SEED grants and in good standing. The grant period runs from August 1 to July 31 of the following year. Both types of grants may be used for general support or specific project-based activities, depending on the applicant's priorities. Eligible applicants must be trans-led organizations. This means trans individuals must hold decision-making roles and constitute at least 75% of the leadership, including staff, spokespeople, and board members. Organizations must also have an operating budget under $100,000 USD, be composed of at least two individuals, and demonstrate a primary focus on advancing the rights, wellbeing, and movement-building of trans communities. While service delivery is not excluded, applicants must also show meaningful engagement in broader movement-building efforts. The ITF prioritizes organizations working in intersectional contexts and those supporting trans communities facing heightened marginalization due to race, class, ability, geography, or other factors. Applications must be submitted through the ITF grants portal by December 1, 2025. The process includes a competitive review by a global panel of 15 trans activists. Final decisions are ratified by the ITF Board of Directors, followed by reference checks and due diligence. Notifications are expected by July, and funding is disbursed starting in August 2026. ITF encourages applications in English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Simplified Chinese, with an optional video format available for applicants unable to complete a written application. Technical assistance such as funding webinars and application walkthroughs are provided. Applicants must complete an eligibility quiz and submit a funding table outlining how the grant will be used. Strong applications clearly demonstrate trans leadership, strategic impact, and alignment with ITF’s goals of social justice and trans movement-building. Organizations can apply through the ITF grants portal at transfund.smartsimple.ca. Additional guidance is available in the official Application Guidelines. For questions, applicants may contact ITF at info@transfund.org. Only one application per organization is permitted per cycle. The fund's highly competitive nature means only 10–20% of eligible applications are selected annually.

Ensure trans leadership is clearly demonstrated. Use plain language. Avoid generic answers and clearly describe your impact and goals. Applicants are encouraged to use their authentic voice and avoid over-reliance on AI.