The International Trans Fund (ITF) is accepting applications for its SEED and THRIVE grants from trans-led organizations, collectives and informal groups anywhere in the world. SEED grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 and THRIVE grants from $25,000 to $50,000, each for one year. Applications close on 1 December 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the official application page so that the eligibility criteria, grant types and steps are in one place.
Not an Erasmus+ or ESC Programme
This is a grant call for groups. It is not part of the Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programmes and has no connection to them. It does not fund individuals to travel, volunteer or study abroad. The official page lists no application fee or participation charge, and the funding comes from the International Trans Fund.
About the International Trans Fund
📣 Who they are: A transfeminist fundraiser and grantmaker, guided by the knowledge, vision and commitment of trans activists around the world
🔄 Approach: Grantmaking centres the redistribution of resources and power
🌐 Reach: Grantee partners in 104 countries
🙌 Open to: Applications from trans-led organizations anywhere in the world
Two Grant Types: SEED and THRIVE
🌱 SEED Grant (1 year): General support or project-based funding, for groups that have not previously received ITF funding. Grant size: $10,000 to $25,000 USD
🚀 THRIVE Grant (1 year): General support funding, for groups that have received ITF funding before and are in good standing. Grant size: $25,000 to $50,000 USD
Choose One Grant Type Only
You can apply for only one grant type per cycle. Once you begin an application in the portal, you cannot switch between SEED and THRIVE, so decide before you start.
Who Can Apply: The Eligibility Criteria
🧭 Trans led: Your group is led by trans people
📊 Annual budget under $100,000: ITF does not fund groups with operating budgets above US$100,000
👥 Group-based, not individuals: ITF supports organizations, collectives and informal groups, not individuals
🎯 Trans-centered: Your primary work is focused on improving the lives and rights of trans people
🌟 Movement building: You contribute to broader trans movements through organizing, advocacy, community building or capacity development, not only by providing direct services
What "Trans Led" Means in Practice
Trans people must hold key decision-making roles, including setting strategic and financial priorities. In addition, at least 75% of your staff, Board, spokespeople and/or decision-making body must be trans.
If your group does not meet the 75% threshold, you must clearly demonstrate how trans people are leading decisions around budget, strategy and direction.
How to Apply
🖥️ Create an organizational profile in the ITF grants portal
🔓 Once your profile is created, you gain access to the application form
🗣️ Choose your preferred language in the top-right corner of the grants portal
🔑 If you already have a profile, log in to begin your submission
Application Period
📅 Opens: 6 October 2026
⌛ Closes: 1 December 2026
Read the Application Guidelines First
ITF strongly encourages applicants to read the Application Guidelines before starting. They include everything you need to know about eligibility, grant types and how to prepare a strong, complete submission. The guidelines are available from the "Application Guidelines" link on the official application page.
Need Help With Your Application?
If you experience any issues or have questions, you can write to ITF at the email address listed below. You can find more calls for organizations in the Others section on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for ITF SEED and THRIVE grants?
Trans-led organizations, collectives and informal groups anywhere in the world whose annual operating budget is under US$100,000, whose primary work improves the lives and rights of trans people, and who contribute to trans movement building.
Can an individual apply?
No. ITF supports organizations, collectives and informal groups, not individuals.
What is the difference between SEED and THRIVE?
SEED is for groups that have not previously received ITF funding and offers $10,000 to $25,000 for one year, as general support or project-based funding. THRIVE is for groups that have received ITF funding before and are in good standing, and offers $25,000 to $50,000 for one year of general support.
Can I apply for both grants in the same cycle?
No. You can apply for only one grant type per cycle, and you cannot switch between SEED and THRIVE once you begin an application in the portal.
What does "trans led" require?
Trans people must hold key decision-making roles, and at least 75% of your staff, Board, spokespeople and/or decision-making body must be trans. Groups below that threshold must clearly demonstrate how trans people lead decisions on budget, strategy and direction.
When is the deadline?
The application period opens on 6 October 2026 and closes on 1 December 2026.
Is this an Erasmus+ or ESC project?
No. It is an independent grant from the International Trans Fund and is not part of the Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps programmes.
Deadline
⏳ 01 December 2026
Links
📝 Apply: https://www.transfund.org/apply-for-a-grant/
📧 Contact for questions: info@transfund.org
