Supporting Spaces of Joy, Belonging, and Leadership for LGBTQ+ Youth: Learnings from How the Washington Youth Initiative Invested in the LGBTQ+ Youth-Serving Ecosystem in Washington State

Abstract

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the findings and lessons learned from a groundbreaking two-year pilot program funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. This initiative, designed to expand resources and capacity for LGBTQ+ youth-serving organizations in Washington, has demonstrated the transformative impact of targeted investment in these communities, especially those led by Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QTBIPOC) and those serving rural areas.Over the two-year program, the initiative awarded over $1.6 million in flexible funding to 20 organizations, reaching more than 1,940 LGBTQ+ youth with leadership development opportunities and strengthening the capacity of youth-serving organizations across Washington State.Key findings from the report include:Persistent disparities: LGBTQ+ youth, particularly BIPOC and trans youth, face structural and systemic barriers that limit access to essential resources like housing, mental health care, and leadership opportunities.The power of community-driven solutions: Youth emphasized the need for spaces that foster radical joy, connectedness, and belonging, underscoring the importance of by-and-for LGBTQ+ programming.Urgency for systemic change: The ongoing anti-LGBTQ+ backlash requires funders to invest in organizations that address systemic inequities while reducing burnout among staff and promoting sustainable practices.The report also outlines recommendations for the philanthropic sector, urging funders to increase the impact of grant awards by providing multi-year, general operating support, simplifying application processes, and incorporating feedback from grantees and LGBTQ+ youth