Shifting Philanthropy: Community-Centric Fundraising and the Future of LGBTQ+ Giving
Over the past several years, philanthropy has undergone a major transformation. More funders are recognizing the limitations of donor-centric models and exploring new approaches that center equity, trust, and the long-term sustainability of movements. For Stonewall Community Foundation, these shifts align with our values and mission, guiding how we mobilize resources in service of LGBTQ+ liberation.
In May 2024, we shared our perspective on embracing Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF), an approach that prioritizes community well-being, emphasizes multi-year commitments over one-time contributions, and actively works to dismantle extractive power dynamics in philanthropy. Since then, more funders have engaged with this framework, and a new national report from the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy (February 2025) has provided critical insights into how the sector is evolving.
The Johnson Center’s national study found that CCF is no longer a niche concept, it is actively shaping the future of fundraising and grantmaking. Some key findings include:
Rising Adoption: Over 90% of surveyed nonprofits were familiar with Community-Centric Fundraising, and 76% had begun making changes to align with its principles.
Sustained Giving: Contrary to concerns that shifting away from donor-centric models could hurt fundraising, most organizations saw no decrease—and in some cases, an increase—in revenue, donor retention, and engagement.
Challenges Remain: While many organizations want to fully embrace CCF, pushbacks from boards, limited internal resources, and financial sustainability concerns remain obstacles.
These insights reaffirm what we at Stonewall, and many in the LGBTQ+ philanthropic space, have long believed: funding movements through an equity-first lens is not only possible but necessary for long-term impact.
Stonewall has embraced CCF not just as a concept but as a fundamental shift in how we resource our communities. Here’s how:
Prioritizing Unrestricted, Multi-Year Funding: Over 80% of Stonewall’s grants are unrestricted, giving organizations the flexibility to direct funds where they are needed most.
Funding BIPOC- and TGNC-Led Organizations: We believe that those closest to the issues should lead the solutions. That’s why we’ve committed to increasing funding for grassroots organizations led by people of color and and trans folks.
Encouraging Donor Collaboration & Shared Power: Through funding collaboratives, donor-advised funds, and participatory grantmaking, we engage fund partners in ways that reflect CCF principles.
The shift toward CCF is not just a passing trend, it’s a necessary evolution in how we think about power, partnership, and sustainability in the LGBTQ+ movement. As funders, we have an opportunity to:
Move beyond transactional giving and build long-term relationships with grantees.
Shift our focus from short-term impact to multi-year, trust-based commitments.
Embrace transparency and accountability by inviting community voices into our funding decisions.
As we look ahead, we invite our fund partners, donors, and philanthropic allies to continue the conversation about what it means to give in ways that align with justice and liberation. CCF is not a one-size-fits-all model, but its principles offer a guiding framework for resourcing movements responsibly.
Stonewall is committed to evolving with this movement, and we are grateful to have partners who share our vision for a more just, equitable, and community-driven philanthropic ecosystem. Let’s continue building a future where LGBTQ+ philanthropy truly serves the people who need it most.