What is Giving Compass?
We connect donors to learning resources and ways to support community-led solutions. Learn more about us.
Giving Compass' Take:
• LGBTQ Funders conducted a survey to find out how many LGBTQ people work in philanthropy, where they work and what their experiences are like.
• One of the surprising findings of the survey is that the majority of LGBTQ people who work in the sector are not "out," especially compared to their peers in the private sector. How can we support this community more?
• Here are four charts that illustrate the bias LGBTQ workers face in the nonprofit world.
How many LGBTQ people work in philanthropy?
To answer this question, Funders for LGBTQ Issues conducted the inaugural Diversity Among Philanthropic Professionals (DAPP) Survey in collaboration with SMU DataArts, and with the support of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund.
The DAPP Survey found that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people account for 16.2 percent of people on the staff or board of participating foundations. However, the percentage varied depending on a foundation’s focus.
The DAPP Survey found that transgender, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming people account for 2.0 percent of people on the staff or board of participating foundations. But once again, the percentage varied depending on a foundation’s focus.
Download the full infographic on LGBTQ workers in philanthropy at LGBT Funders.
Multiple research efforts have confirmed that "out" LGBTQ employees enjoy greater job satisfaction, stronger job commitment, better health outcomes, and higher productivity when compared to "closeted" LGBTQ employees.