About Astraea

Astraea is a dynamic global foundation providing critically needed financial and technical support to lesbian-led, LGBTQI and progressive organizations.

History

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 0.2% 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.

Mission

The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice works for social, racial and economic justice in the U.S. and internationally by funding LGBTQI organizations and engaging in philanthropic advocacy.  Astraea’s work helps lesbians and allied communities challenge oppression and claim their human rights.

In pursuing our mission, we raise and disburse funds to programs and initiatives that directly benefit or serve our diverse constituencies; expand the community of individuals and institutions that support lesbian and trans issues; promote community-building, capacity building, and movement-building; and educate individuals about money, philanthropic giving, and the role of grantmaking in achieving common goals.

Our mission is based is on an enduring commitment to feminism, progressive social change and an end to all forms of exploitation and discrimination. We support programs and policies that strive to eliminate oppression based on race, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic exploitation, physical and mental ability, anti-Semitism, and other such factors. Only through action will we build a world of peace and justice for lesbians, and for society as a whole.

Philanthropy of Inclusion

Central to Astraea’s core values is a Philanthropy of Inclusion—our belief that everyone, regardless of income or giving amounts, is a vital part of philanthropy. We are committed to building a diverse, informed and strategic community of donors across the economic spectrum. Our goal is to link activists, donors and the LGBTI global community through education and action. Together, we are transforming the social justice landscape for LGBTI people around the world.