Why Should I Create Change: Maximizing Resources to Advance the LGBTQIA+ Movement
Dear potential clients,
Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending the National LGBTQ Task Force’s Creating Change conference in Las Vegas. As an independent consultant specializing in fundraising for Queer nonprofits, and LGBTQIA+ cultural competency for straight-led nonprofits, I was asked the simple question of: “Why are you here?”
It’s a valid question. Creating Change is a unique gathering of activists, nonprofit professionals, and community leaders committed to advancing LGBTQIA+ equity. As someone who works behind the scenes, helping nonprofits build the resources they need to thrive, I realized that my answer to this question could illuminate the broader benefits of being part of this vital movement.
Here’s why attending Creating Change matters—not just for me, but for the clients I serve—and how the insights I gained will help amplify the impact of Queer organizations, and our allies, navigating an increasingly challenging world.
1. Understanding the Current DEI Landscape
One of the most impactful sessions I attended was DEI in Danger, where we discussed the importance of standing firm against attempts to erode diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
As Queer nonprofits face external pressures—from political backlash to funding challenges—it’s clear that maintaining DEI initiatives is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. Younger employees are already refusing to work for organizations that abandon these values. For my clients, this means that doubling down on DEI isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s critical for long-term sustainability.
What This Means for My Clients:
I’ll work with you to craft fundraising narratives that underscore your commitment to DEI, positioning your organization as a leader in inclusion and equity.
I’ll help you strategically communicate your DEI efforts to donors, sponsors, and stakeholders in ways that highlight transparency and long-term impact.
2. Preparing for Political and Digital Attacks
The session on Preparing for Politically Motivated Attacks on Nonprofits was a call to action. Many nonprofits, especially those focused on LGBTQIA+ rights, are at risk of politically motivated scrutiny. From false accusations about 501(c)(3) violations to digital and social media attacks, organizations need to be proactive in protecting themselves.
I learned actionable steps nonprofits can take to safeguard their operations:
Train staff to recognize manipulation attempts.
Create communication plans for handling false narratives.
Audit and strengthen digital security systems to prevent breaches.
What This Means for My Clients:
I’ll assist you in preparing for potential challenges by developing proactive communication strategies and training your teams to operate securely as everyone navigates their role in your culture of philanthropy.
I’ll ensure that your fundraising practices align with compliance standards, minimizing risks while maximizing your mission’s reach.
3. Ethical and Sustainable Storytelling
Storytelling is at the heart of fundraising, but the session on Ethical and Sustainable Storytelling Practices emphasized the importance of balancing personal, organizational, and structural narratives—especially in high-stakes environments.
Rather than relying on fear-based tactics, nonprofits should focus on solvable solutions and safety. Storytelling should inspire, empower, and build trust with donors, not overwhelm them.
What This Means for My Clients:
Together, we’ll craft fundraising stories that center on hope and progress while respecting the dignity and safety of those represented.
We’ll use data-driven storytelling to ensure that the “point” remains clear and impactful, as I learned in the Data for Beautiful Stories session.
4. Advocating for LGBTQIA+ Health and Pride Data
One of the most enlightening sessions I attended was focused on the power of beautiful data and design. Paired with the insights from the Pride Health Data session presented by PRIDEnet at Stanford University, I came away with a renewed appreciation for how effectively presented data can drive systemic change in the LGBTQIA+ community.
In advocacy and fundraising, data is often seen as dry or inaccessible, but this doesn’t have to be the case. The Creating Change with Beautiful Data and Design session presented by Facente Consulting emphasized techniques for turning complex information into visually engaging and easily digestible formats that inspire action. Simple changes—like cutting the "busyness" from charts or keeping the central "point" of the story at the forefront—can make a huge difference in how data is received.
Accurate and inclusive data collection remains a cornerstone of advancing health equity in LGBTQIA+ communities. However, this data must also be designed and shared responsibly to avoid tokenism or harm. By presenting data in a way that is both ethical and visually compelling, we can ensure it supports meaningful advocacy while maintaining the dignity of the individuals and communities represented.
What This Means for My Clients:
Data-Driven Campaigns: I’ll help integrate visually compelling data into your fundraising efforts, making complex information accessible to donors, stakeholders, and community members.
Strategic Storytelling: Using design techniques learned in this session, I’ll help you create reports, presentations, and campaigns that balance beautiful design with ethical storytelling, ensuring your message is clear and powerful.
Advancing Health Equity: By leveraging Pride health data and other metrics, your organization can make a stronger case for funding and action, positioning itself as a leader in LGBTQIA+ advocacy.
This session reminded me that when we present data thoughtfully and beautifully, it becomes more than numbers—it becomes a call to action. By pairing data with design, we can empower organizations to tell their stories in ways that resonate deeply and inspire change.
Why Creating Change Matters
Attending Creating Change reinforced my belief that fundraising is about more than dollars raised—it’s about empowerment, sustainability, and resilience. As we navigate an increasingly hostile political climate, Queer nonprofits are on the front lines of creating a better future.
How My Attendance Benefits You:
Knowledge Sharing: I bring back the latest insights and strategies to help you navigate challenges like DEI backlash, political attacks, and digital threats.
Stronger Campaigns: By integrating ethical storytelling and actionable data, your fundraising campaigns will resonate more deeply with donors.
Proactive Protection: I’ll work with you to develop policies, trainings, and communication strategies that safeguard your mission against external pressures.
To answer the question I was asked: I was there because your work matters. Because Queer nonprofits are leading the charge for equity and justice, and they deserve every tool and resource to succeed.
Let’s take these lessons and use them to drive real, lasting change—together.
Sincerely,
Queers
Resources Mentioned in This Blog:
Queer For Hire provides fundraising support and LGBTQIA+ diversity training for nonprofits, professionals, and corporations.
Learn about our Fundraising Services <here> – we’ll lead or support your fundraising efforts, whether you need general support or want to focus on raising money from and for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Learn about our Fundraising Trainings <here> – we can coach your board, staff, and fundraising team on how to fundraise and how to engage LGBTQIA+ donors.
Learn about our other services <here> or our resources <here>.
