We began in 1977, when a small group of women created a multi-racial, multi-class, feminist foundation in order to address the lack of funding for women-specifically lesbians and women of color. They believed that even the smallest of gestures, when combined, could create, nurture and strengthen significant social change. And they were right.

Today, Astraea is the only foundation in the world solely dedicated to supporting LGBTI organizations in both the U.S. and internationally. We raise funds and issue grants based on the belief that all women can participate in the philanthropic process-from giving to grantmaking. Governed by a national board of directors, and run by a staff of thirteen, Astraea is primarily supported by individual members.

In the face of scant resources and at times, physical danger, Astraea grantees are fueling the movement for social change in villages, cities and towns around the world. A miniscule 0.3% of all foundation dollars is directed toward lesbian and gay issues. Astraea exists to fund these issues.

Formerly the Astraea Lesbian Action Foundation, in 2003, we became the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice. Our new logo, much like Astraea grantees, grows, spirals and emits powerful energy. It has no sharp edges or precise borders. That's because true social change is propelled forward, from person to person, community to community, continent to continent.

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