I can't believe that in less than two weeks my tenure at Funders for LGBTQ Issues will end. It has been an amazing seven years and I am so grateful for the experience. Surprisingly, I leave my job with a great sense of optimism about the future of philanthropy for social justice and, with this parting message, want to share with you some of the reasons why I am so hopeful.

First, it is my experience that there is more openness and acceptance of LGBTQ people within philanthropy than ever before. This changed reality, coupled with what I see as a growing consensus about the importance of breaking out of our grantmaking silos and funding at the intersection of issue, place and population and alliance building, are hugely encouraging developments. I understand that translating that acceptance into financial support for LGBTQ issues and moving that commitment to intersectionality and alliance building from theory to practice, from well-intentioned to intentional, remains a big challenge but the conditions are ripe for taking those next steps.

I am optimistic because there are so many terrific organizations addressing these challenges. Public foundations-the LGBTQ funds, women's funds, people of color funds, progressive funds-and community-based giving circles are growing the pool of donors, modeling intersectional grantmaking and ensuring that philanthropy is an inclusive and welcoming arena. Then there are many affinity groups, funder networks, regional associations and the D5 Coalition that have embraced the inclusion of LGBTQ issues in their work. And, finally, with almost 20 years of history and relationship-building, JAG is modeling collective action for philanthropic equity that is awesome and stronger than anything we can do individually; we have become each other's advocates.

Then, there are the LGBTQ funders. I have been so inspired by the Gill Foundation's leadership to build strong progressive non-profit alliances, the Arcus Foundation's work at the intersection of LGBTQ rights, faith and racial justice, the Queer Youth Fund at Liberty Hill, the Astraea Foundation's movement building initiative, the Open Society Foundation's work at the intersection of LGBTQ and immigration, the Civil Marriage Collaborative, the State Equality Fund. These foundations and collaborations, and so many others that space does not allow me to mention, are providing field-wide thought leadership and modeling strategic grantmaking that are models of philanthropic innovation and effectiveness. And, they are only getting smarter and more strategic.

Over the last 7 years, I have seen the number of foundations supporting LGBTQ issues increase by 40%, the dollars double and support for LGBTQ communities of color increase from 6% to 14%. Our progress is impressive. Yet, I know it's not enough to mount the campaigns that will have to be run over the next years and to secure the well-being of our most marginalized communities. But I am convinced that with continued education and support, all of our allies can be moved from being well-intentioned to intentional investors in our shared vision of justice and equality for all.

That's the work that lies ahead. I leave knowing that Funders for LGBTQ Issues, with your support, is ready to do its share.

In solidarity and with gratitude,

Karen