We at Donor Boom really like Matthew’s style, and love his message even more. That’s why we’ve invited him to be our guest blogger. Matthew (he/they), CAP®, CFRE, is the founder of Queer For Hire, a consultancy that empowers LGBTQIA+ people, nonprofits, and professionals through authentic fundraising and culturally competent coaching. With over 12 years in nonprofit management, half of which focused on advancing queer organizations, Matthew has a record of driving growth and fostering inclusive cultures. Matthew holds credentials as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Currently serving as President-Elect of the Golden Gate Chapter of AFP (2025-2027), they are also a published author and speaker at prominent events like AFP ICON.
Engaging the LGBTQIA+ community in your fundraising strategy is not just about inclusivity; it’s about unlocking transformative growth for your organization.
By investing time and effort into understanding and authentically engaging this vibrant and diverse community, nonprofits can harness a powerful force for change, whether or not you know where to find LGBTQIA+ people.
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating a fundraising plan that centers the LGBTQIA+ community as a key partner and catalyst for success.
Assess Your Nonprofit's LGBTQIA+ Culture
LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Check for Nonprofits
Start with introspection. Review your organization’s policies, culture, and practices through an LGBTQIA+ lens.
Policies and Benefits: Ensure your nondiscrimination policy explicitly mentions sexual orientation and gender identity. This step signals to potential donors, staff, and partners that you value equity and understand the nuances of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Workplace Culture: Do you foster an environment where LGBTQIA+ employees feel safe and valued? Conduct anonymous surveys or focus groups to gauge their sense of belonging and safety. You can also identify representatives (board members, external facilitators) who can serve as feedback vessels.
Training and Education: Are your team members equipped to serve LGBTQIA+ clients or engage LGBTQIA+ stakeholders? Regular cultural competency training ensures sensitivity and awareness. Plenty of resources are available to stay up-to-date and consistent with your team’s cultural competency.
External Visibility
Appearances really do matter. A quick glance at your website can make the difference between someone joining your mission or feeling that they have no place in it.
Ask yourself – or more importantly, ask an LGBTQIA+ person: Would someone seeing our nonprofit for the first time view us as LGBTQIA+ inclusive? Have your website, social media, and event materials reviewed for representation. You need to identify gaps in how your organization publicly aligns with LGBTQIA+ matters.
Evaluate Your Nonprofit's Existing Relationships
Birds of a feather flock together, as the saying goes! So examine your flock: the groups and people you surround yourself with.
Have you already cultivated connections with LGBTQIA+ individuals, organizations, or networks? Simply ask yourself: does our organization know any Queer people? If not, this is a great place to start!
Are there missed opportunities to expand partnerships in areas where you operate? The LGBTQIA+ community is a community of communities – we are a part of every fabric of life. There are countless ways to integrate us into the very fabric of your mission.
Tools for LGBTQIA+ Assessment
Cultural context is constantly changing, shifting, and evolving! As a CEO of a Queer DEI consulting firm, I understand and acknowledge that I will be learning new things every day about my own community for as long as I live. Think of this as a journey with no destination—something to always work at, like eating a healthy diet (no cheating!).
Conduct an inclusivity audit with external consultants who specialize in LGBTQIA+ equity.
Benchmark against similar organizations to see how you compare.
How to Use Data to Identify LGBTQIA+ Opportunities for Your Nonprofit
The Power of Data in Cultural Decision-Making
Understanding where you stand quantitatively (we’ll talk about quality in a bit) helps pinpoint where to focus efforts. Dive into three key areas:
Donor Base: How diverse is your current donor pool? Review your donor database to identify trends and potential gaps.
Staff Diversity: Does your team reflect the community you aim to serve? Representation fosters credibility and innovation.
Board Leadership: LGBTQIA+ board members bring unique insights, lived experiences, and broader networks to your organization. If you want to fundraise from and for the LGBTQIA+ community, you need Queer board members!
Utilize External LGBTQIA+ Research
When internal data is insufficient, turn to external sources to frame opportunities.
It is impossible to narrow down single issues that the LGBTQIA+ community cares about. The community is a vast intersection of many different identities. Studies like the LGBTQ Giving Survey reveal trends in charitable giving and highlight which causes resonate most with LGBTQIA+ donors.
Research local LGBTQIA+ demographics and identify specific subgroups (e.g., youth, seniors, trans individuals) whose needs align with your mission. Tap into your local LGBTQIA+ resources and create partnerships that elevate Queer people within your own community!
Unearth Hidden Potential for LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Opportunities
Partner with LGBTQIA+ organizations to co-host donor cultivation events or educational sessions. Queer people are more likely to walk into your doors if they know a space is just for them! Doing so with an already LGBT-affirming and -welcoming space is a great way to unlock the door.
Explore geographic areas where LGBTQIA+ populations are concentrated for targeted outreach efforts. Depending on your location, Queer demographics may vary. But don’t be mistaken: Queer people are everywhere.
Interested in learning more about fundraising strategies? Check out “Fundraising Strategies For Nonprofits: Everything You Need To Know."
How To Develop Your Nonprofit's Fundraising Strategy To Be LGBTQIA+ Inclusive
An LGBTQIA+-inclusive strategy integrates equity and authenticity at every level of your nonprofit’s work. Here’s how to make it comprehensive and impactful.
7 Key Elements to Developing an LGBTQIA+-Inclusive Strategy
You can build an LGBTQIA+-inclusive strategy in just seven steps:
1. Representation Across Campaigns
Representation goes beyond visibility; it involves showcasing authentic LGBTQIA+ voices. This can be a beautiful part of the process.
Storytelling: Share personal stories from LGBTQIA+ stakeholders, such as donors, staff, or program beneficiaries, to highlight their unique contributions.
Imagery and Messaging: Use inclusive language and visuals that reflect diverse gender expressions, family structures, and identities.
LGBTQIA+ Leaders: Amplify voices by featuring LGBTQIA+ individuals as spokespeople or campaign ambassadors.
2. Strategic Communications
Tailor your messaging to resonate with LGBTQIA+ audiences while maintaining an authentic and respectful tone. It’s okay if you’re initially afraid of saying the wrong thing; use that alertness to be as thoughtful as possible. Plus, you can use these guidelines to keep you on the right path.
Avoid Tokenism: Engage LGBTQIA+ stakeholders during content creation to ensure your messaging aligns with community values.
Inclusive Platforms: Choose platforms widely used by LGBTQIA+ individuals to share your campaigns (e.g., Pride-specific media outlets or social media groups).
Consistent Advocacy: Don’t limit messaging to Pride Month. Advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights throughout the year, reinforcing your commitment to equity.
3. Accessible Events and Programming
Event planning involves a lot of logistics, but you can take a few simple steps to ensure all participants feel welcome.
Inclusive Spaces: Select venues known for LGBTQIA+ support and ensure they meet accessibility standards for all identities.
Gender-Affirming Practices: Offer gender-neutral restrooms, use inclusive language in invitations, and encourage pronoun-sharing.
Representation in Programming: Include LGBTQIA+ speakers, entertainers, or hosts who align with your nonprofit’s mission.
4. Building Partnerships
The queer community is expansive, eclectic, and wonderful. So take part! Strategic collaborations can help establish trust with LGBTQIA+ communities while expanding your reach.
Joint Initiatives: Partner with LGBTQIA+ organizations on campaigns, events, or advocacy efforts. Shared visibility benefits both parties.
Corporate Allies: Engage LGBTQIA+-friendly companies for sponsorships or in-kind support, particularly those with strong internal diversity programs.
Community Leaders: Build relationships with influential LGBTQIA+ leaders to champion your cause.
5. Tailored Donor Experiences
You likely already have initiatives to personalize the donor experience. There are a few ways to engage with your LGBTQIA+ donors specifically.
Customized Giving Options: Offer programs like targeted funds for LGBTQIA+ youth, healthcare, or social justice initiatives.
Recognition Efforts: Highlight LGBTQIA+ donors in annual reports or special campaigns to celebrate their impact.
6. Inclusive Hiring and Volunteer Practices
Your workforce and volunteers should mirror the community you want to engage.
Equity in Recruitment: Actively recruit LGBTQIA+ individuals for staff, leadership, and volunteer roles.
Training Programs: Equip your team with ongoing LGBTQIA+ cultural competency training to improve internal dynamics and community interactions.
Safe Feedback Channels: Create mechanisms for LGBTQIA+ team members to share concerns or ideas anonymously.
7. Long-Term Integration
True inclusion cannot be reached through gimmicks or quick fixes. You must embed LGBTQIA+ considerations into your nonprofit’s broader strategy.
Equity as a Core Value: Explicitly integrate LGBTQIA+ inclusion into your mission, vision, and values.
Board Accountability: Ensure board members are aligned with LGBTQIA+ equity goals and are actively involved in related initiatives.
Evaluation Metrics: Regularly review and assess your LGBTQIA+-inclusive practices to measure progress and adapt as needed.
By weaving these practices into your annual strategy, your organization demonstrates a genuine commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion, builds trust, and strengthens its relationships with a powerful and vibrant community.
These efforts enhance fundraising outcomes and affirm your role as an ally in the movement for equality and justice.
Harness the Power of the LGBTQIA+ Community
Steps to Activate Support from the LGBTQIA+ Community
LGBTQIA+ individuals are known for resilience and community-driven activism. Many members prioritize giving to causes that promote equity, inclusion, and social justice—aligning with nonprofit missions.
Co-Create Opportunities
Collaborate with LGBTQIA+ community members to design events, campaigns, and programs. This ensures initiatives reflect authentic voices and are more likely to resonate. It can also be such a joy to collaborate with fellow passionate people.
Showcase Tangible Impact
Use metrics, case studies, and success stories to demonstrate how funds directly benefit LGBTQIA+ communities. For example, highlight the number of LGBTQIA+ youth supported by a program or share a video testimonial from a recipient. It goes a long way to show your tangible impact.
Personalized Recognition
Acknowledge LGBTQIA+ donors and allies in ways that reflect their contributions and identities. Consider custom thank-you messages, spotlight features in newsletters, or exclusive invitations to leadership summits.
Host Inclusive Giving Circles
Establish LGBTQIA+-focused giving circles where donors can connect with others who share their values. These circles foster community while driving collaborative support for your mission. You never know what ideas and generosity will spring from these circles.
Celebrate Pride Year-Round
While Pride Month is a critical time for visibility, extend engagement throughout the year. Avoid becoming a bandwagon ally by regularly featuring LGBTQIA+ achievements, milestones, or stories in your communications.
Create Legacy Opportunities
Engage LGBTQIA+ donors in planned giving conversations to establish their long-term support. Highlight options like endowments or named scholarships that align with their values.
Empower LGBTQIA+ Employees and Volunteers as Ambassadors
Tap into the passion and networks of LGBTQIA+ team members. They’re already looking for ways to contribute to your mission, so invite them in! Train them as ambassadors to represent your organization authentically within their communities.
Leverage Peer-to-Peer Campaigns
Encourage LGBTQIA+ supporters to run peer-led fundraising initiatives. For example, empower them to use social media or host house parties to champion your cause within their networks.
Educate Your Nonprofit on Intersectionality
Acknowledge that LGBTQIA+ identities intersect with race, gender, disability, and other lived experiences. Tailor your messaging and programming to honor this complexity, making your nonprofit more relatable and inclusive.
Invite Donors Into Leadership Opportunities
Donors want to see their values reflected in action. Offer avenues for LGBTQIA+ donors to shape programming by joining advisory boards, committees, or strategic planning efforts. This will improve your relationships, as well as your nonprofit as a whole.
By broadening how you activate support, your organization can foster deeper connections and unlock the full potential of the LGBTQIA+ community as partners and allies in your mission.
Amplify Through Advocacy
Use your platform to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. Advocacy deepens donor trust and demonstrates your commitment to equity beyond fundraising.
One of the earliest examples of advocacy I can remember in my professional career is when I worked at a nonprofit science museum. The museum already hosted regular “Sip & Science” events for people ages 21 and older that featured local breweries and wineries.
As one of the only Out Queer employees, I led efforts to work with the local LGBT community center, which hosted the regional Pride event, to host a “Pride in STEAM” Sip & Science event. This is a great example of showing up for LGBTQIA+ advocacy, even in organizations that are not explicitly Queer-focused.
Ben & Jerry’s Marriage Equality Campaign is a global, timeless example. Ben & Jerry’s has long been a vocal advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. During the marriage equality movement in the U.S., the company publicly supported same-sex marriage by releasing limited-edition flavors, partnering with advocacy organizations, and running educational campaigns about the importance of equality.
Their public stance demonstrated commitment to the cause, earning trust and loyalty from customers and supporters.
Why It All Matters: A Case for Inclusion and Growth
Creating an LGBTQIA+-inclusive fundraising strategy isn’t just about tapping into a new donor base. It’s about aligning your organization with values of equity and justice while unlocking untapped opportunities for support.
Authentic engagement with this vibrant community can transform your nonprofit, forging deeper connections and enabling sustainable growth.
Through intentional efforts, your nonprofit can build meaningful partnerships, elevate LGBTQIA+ voices, and create a culture of belonging that powers change.
Let this be the year your organization becomes a true ally and partner of the LGBTQIA+ community—and reaps the rewards of doing so.
Donor Boom believes generosity is one of the most inclusive acts of human kindness and that inclusiveness is one of the most generous acts. Learn more about fostering inclusivity in your nonprofit by contacting Matthew at matt@queerforhire.com or visiting QueerForHire.com for free resources and materials.
If you’re looking for more fundraising advice, be sure to read Donor Boom's ultimate guide to Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofits.
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