THRIVE: How Core, Flexible Funding Supports Global Trans Movement

In a world where trans and gender diverse people continue to face mounting threats (from shrinking civic spaces to funding cuts and escalating anti-rights movements) resilience is not just a necessity, it’s a lifeline.

The THRIVE Consortium, supported by the Robert Carr Fund, stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when trans-led networks receive the core, long-term, and flexible funding they need to lead, collaborate, and drive change on their own terms.

 

What Is the THRIVE Consortium?

The THRIVE Consortium is a global coalition of trans-led networks working across regions and borders to advance the human rights, health, and well-being of trans and gender diverse people. During the 2022 – 2024 funding cycle, the Consortium included 3 regional and 1 global trans-led organizations, united by a shared vision of strengthening the trans movement through collaboration, leadership, and advocacy.

What makes THRIVE unique is its foundation: core, flexible funding. Rather than imposing restrictions, this funding model enables organizations to respond to community needs, build sustainable infrastructure, and take strategic risks. And the results speak volumes.

 

 

Key Impacts: What THRIVE Achieved in 2022–2024

1. Stronger Networks, Stronger Movement

THRIVE enabled the formation of global and regional alliances, fostering meaningful partnerships across countries and continents. These alliances led to increased knowledge exchange and cross-country collaboration, enhancing the movement’s reach and unity. One key milestone: the successful formation of a regional trans network in South West Asia and North Africa (SWANA) —a major step in amplifying voices from historically underrepresented regions.

“Being a part of the THRIVE Consortium allowed us the opportunity to build our capacity as a trans network. Funding is critical — it’s a lifeline and a support mechanism for many in our community.”

Alexus d’Marco, UCTRANS

 

2. Powerful Advocacy in Global Spaces

With support from THRIVE, trans-led organizations gained meaningful representation in global policy-making arenas such as the World Health Organization and the Global Fund. The consortium played a key role in high-level UN meetings, regional consultations, and national advocacy campaigns.

“It is necessary to be in global spaces. We can contribute to changing global strategy. Having a consortium that is truly trans is an opportunity to project ourselves as a trans population.”

Marcela Romero, REDLACTRANS

 

3. Sustained Capacity Building

Core funding enabled staffing, leadership development, and long-term planning — crucial for the organizational sustainability of trans-led groups. This kind of support isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about growing community leadership, building institutional memory, and planning for the future.

“We’ve been able to bring up issues affecting East African trans and gender diverse people. It’s been powerful to see where the differences are—but also where the similarities unite us.”

Adrian Kibe, EATHAN

 

4. Amplifying Visibility

Visibility is power, and THRIVE ensured that trans voices were front and center at major events. The consortium helped organize the Global Trans Conference and supported the Trans Networking Zone at the 2024 International AIDS Conference, providing critical platforms for storytelling, strategy, and solidarity.

 

5. Cross-Movement Solidarity

Beyond the trans movement, THRIVE actively forged connections with other social justice causes, such as climate justice, migration and harm reduction, showing the importance of intersectionality in collective struggles.

“In times of crisis, when our movement is under attack as never before, what makes us a unique coalition is that we resist the division strategy—we collaborate instead of compete.”

Anwar Orgm, GATE

 

Why Core, Flexible Funding Matters

THRIVE’s success is rooted in a simple but powerful principle:  trusting trans-led networks to lead. Flexible funding from the Robert Carr Fund enabled partners to set their own agendas, respond to emerging challenges, and invest in long-term goals.

“Now more than ever, as our communities face unprecedented attacks, investing in the trans movement is not just essential—it is urgent. The THRIVE Consortium has proven that core, flexible funding is the foundation for lasting impact. Thanks to RCF’s support, THRIVE has enabled regional and global collaboration, ensuring that trans and gender diverse people are shaping the decisions that affect our lives. This is what true movement-building looks like.”

Erika Castellanos, GATE

 

What’s Next for THRIVE? Thriving, Not Just Surviving

As the THRIVE Consortium looks to the future, it remains focused on expanding global representation, especially in regions such as Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Latin America, and SWANA. The next phase will deepen cross-regional and cross-movement exchange, and continue to promote community leadership. Future efforts will also include documenting THRIVE as a case study in cross-movement collaboration, to share lessons learned and strengthen solidarity across movements globally.

In a time of increasing backlash against trans rights, the THRIVE Consortium shows what’s possible when funding follows values: community leadership, flexibility, and long-term vision. Through the Robert Carr Fund’s support, THRIVE isn’t just a network. It is a powerful collective of trans-led networks which continues to grow.

When communities are trusted, resourced, and connected – they don’t just survive. They thrive.

Read the External Impact Assessment of THRIVE Consortium Report for more information.