About Us

Astraea is a dynamic global foundation providing critically needed financial support to lesbian-led, trans, LGBTI and progressive organizations. Separated by continents, language and culture, Astraea grantees are seizing opportunities, and laying the groundwork necessary for women and LGBTI people to claim their human rights. Astraea staff, board, members and grantees all share a deep commitment to feminist principles, racial and economic justice and human rights.

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. For more than thirty years, we have raised funds and issued grants based on the belief that everyone can participate in the philanthropic process--from giving to grantmaking. Governed by a national board of directors, and run by a small staff, Astraea is primarily supported by individual members and foundations.

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.

Astraea's 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.