Why strong systems and sustainable planning matter for trans-led and trans-focused organizations in 2025

Written by Adriana Beukes, GATE Finance Officer

Trans-led and trans-focused organizations, the resilient lifeline for our communities, have shown tremendous courage in the face of deepening attacks on trans and gender diverse people globally in 2025. From providing direct services to individuals to advocating for their rights and safety, our organizations are instrumental in building a more just and inclusive world. However, to sustain our vital work, we need more than just heart and dedication. We need strong internal systems, investing in trans-talent to build trans-wealth, sustainable planning and the leadership of our communities.

The pressure is real

At the heart of this is the hard truth that we cannot build liberation on burnout. While many of our organizations operate with incredible dedication, they are doing so under increasing financial pressure and attacks from the anti-gender movement. Political mandates such as “Project 2025” and shifting donor priorities have made funding less predictable. In this moment, we must not just survive but thrive. We need sustainable strategies and community power to shape our future, engaging each member in our collective journey towards empowerment. 

To move beyond survival mode, we must diversify funding sources and streamline operations. That’s where practical tools come in. GATE leads the way by providing trans leadership at the global level, and developing much-needed resources and initiatives in partnership with our communities for our communities.

One such practical resource is GATE’s “Grant Proposal Writing Toolkit”. This toolkit, designed with accessibility in mind, provides a clear, step-by-step guide to drafting funding proposals. Whether an organization is new to grant writing or seeking to refine its approach, this resource offers a practical and effective path forward. By attending our free accompanying training, organizations can bridge the gap between missed opportunities and secured funding. GATE is committed to providing these resources and initiatives in partnership with our communities for our communities, demonstrating our dedication to supporting trans-led organizations.

However, support in applying for grants is not the only thing needed. Too often, trans-led organizations miss out on available funding, not because they’re undeserving but because internal systems aren’t in place to meet strict reporting requirements. Disorganized records or unclear workflows can cost an organization both money and momentum. 

This is why internal systems matter

Operating with limited resources and under increased scrutiny, trans organizations understand that strong systems are not a luxury but a necessity. Digital tools such as Google Workspace and SharePoint can empower users with secure file sharing, collaborative workflows, and safer data management, which are crucial for maintaining accountability and protecting community trust. Funders rarely provide the knowledge or resources for organizations to put these structures in place, so it became critical for GATE to fill this gap.

To guide organizations in building internal and external strengths, GATE’s Organizational Strengthening Toolkit offers flexible, community-informed pathways to growth. It’s designed with trans realities in mind and recognizes that each organization is on its own diverse journey.

The toolkit is designed to help organizations regardless of what stage in the organizational development process they happen to be at:

1. Developing an organization

If the organization is just starting out or laying the groundwork, the toolkit provides step-by-step processes on:

• Organizational foundations – Understand what’s needed to formally build and structure a nonprofit.
• Strategic plan – Learn how to craft or refresh a strategic plan that reflects the mission, values, and future goals.

1. Boosting an organization

If the organization is already up and running, but needs to assess or strengthen organizational structure, the toolkit provides insight on:

• Organizational assessment – A tool for reflection, helping to figure out what’s working and what needs improvement.
• Threats from outside – Helps build resilience against external pressures like political shifts or donor instability.
• Threats from within – Focuses on internal issues like burnout, conflict, and governance gaps. These can quietly harm a mission if left unaddressed.

Investing in trans-talent to build trans-wealth

The concept of “trans-talent” is not just a passing trend but a call to action. Trans people are already leading, but systemic barriers like oppression, violence, burnout and exclusion are threats that can cut our leadership short. As a global trans-led organization, GATE leads the way by hiring and nurturing talent from within our communities. But it’s not enough for the burden of this work to be laid at our feet.

We’ve worked hard for many years to be included and represented in essential spaces where we were once excluded. Through our resilience, we are now present at those tables. But today, it's about more than representation — we now have a voice. It's no longer only about being represented by others; it's about making our own decisions and shaping our own future. This isn’t just about representation but about self-determination.

Trans-led organizations thrive when leadership is nurtured and community knowledge is respected. Trans leaders must have the power to shape our own agendas, define our priorities and lead with care. Investing in trans-talent is not just a choice; it's a necessity. It's about nurturing leadership pipelines, mentoring across generations, and ensuring trans people have the tools and safety to lead lasting change. Any organization can take action on this by providing training and recruitment initiatives that specifically nurture trans talent. We have skills in all sectors, and we need organizations to step up and play their part in developing our shared future. GATE’s training course on Trans and Gender Diversity 101 is a good place to start in learning how to better engage with our communities.

A sustainable trans movement is a trans-powered one. 

Learning from crisis, planning for what’s next

The pandemic was a powerful reminder of how quickly things can change and how important it is to be ready. Trans organizations that embraced digital tools could keep serving their communities when it mattered most through improved workflows and stronger internal systems.

Let’s carry that lesson forward into 2025 and beyond.

The bottom line question: Is sustainability self-determination?

Sustainability means more than keeping the doors of an organization open. It means having the power to set your own agenda, meet your community’s needs, and survive hard times with dignity. To be sustainable, the trans movement must be able to define its priorities, identify what needs to change, and determine how to achieve it.

In light of setting our own trans agenda and building a more sustainable movement, GATE led the Unite! Advocate! Thrive! Global Trans Conference in Munich last year. The outcomes of the Conference have been summarized, highlighting the pressing needs and recommendations to advance the health and human rights of trans and gender diverse communities, and to develop a more sustainable movement. These insights are equally relevant to trans-led organizations, donors and other organizations looking to protect and support trans communities. Explore them now and take your strategy to the next level to build a more sustainable trans-movement.

Throughout this article, I have highlighted some resources that GATE has crafted for trans-led and trans-focused organizations to support building a lasting impact. These resources are designed to meet our communities where they are and to help them grow from there. Now is the time to move from fragmentation to cohesion, from short-term fixes to long-term strength. Whether you're an organizer, donor, or ally, this moment calls for bold investment—not just in ideas but in the people and systems that make them possible.

A final call to action

GATE is currently leading a project called the “Innovation Lab”. The Innovation Lab aims to develop long-term financial resilience for trans and gender diverse organizations by researching and identifying alternative economic models and trans-led sustainability strategies; building capacity through an online learning program and tailored mentorship; and facilitating direct investment in trans organizations through a Sustainability Funding Platform. Should you wish to get involved or learn more, you can read GATE’s Open Letter to Donors, Allies, and the Global Community.  

Let’s build trans power that lasts. The future of our movements depends on it.