by Tina Dingel and Aclan Okur, Members of GiveOut Germany’s Steering Committee
Across the world, courageous LGBTQI activists are defending their communities and pushing for lasting change — often with little or no support. At GiveOut, we exist to change that.
As an international LGBTQI community foundation, we provide a simple, tax-efficient platform for people who care about LGBTQI human rights to fund grassroots organisations doing vital work. These groups are on the front lines — tackling inequality, advancing legal protections, and creating safer, more inclusive societies.
But while the need is growing, funding is shrinking. LGBTQI organisations, especially in the Global South, continue to receive just a tiny fraction of global aid. Meanwhile, development funding is being cut at a time when LGBTQI communities are under increasing threat. That’s why our model — and our community — matters more than ever.
Since 2018, GiveOut has brought together a growing community of donors and allies — mainly in the UK — to support LGBTQI activism worldwide.
As we mark Pride season — a time of celebration, remembrance, and resistance — we’re reflecting on GiveOut’s journey in Germany so far.
Why Germany?
GiveOut’s current strategy includes expanding into new countries where there is strong potential to grow giving for global LGBTQI rights — and where there is no equivalent mechanism in place. Germany stood out immediately.
As members of the LGBTQI community based in Germany, we see the opportunity to create something new: a platform that makes it easier for people here to support LGBTQI movements around the world.
Germany has played an important role in advancing human rights, from Berlin’s place in queer liberation movements to the country’s engagement in global equality initiatives. There’s also a deepening culture of international solidarity — yet no clear, trusted way for people in Germany to give to LGBTQI causes globally. Until now.
Since the end of 2023, we’ve been laying the foundations for GiveOut Germany. We’ve held early events to bring supporters together, established a tax-efficient giving route, and started bringing German supporters into the wider GiveOut network.
Along the way, we’ve been learning — about what resonates in this context, where the appetite for engagement lies, and how we can best position GiveOut Germany to grow sustainably.
We’ve built early momentum, made important connections, and most importantly, confirmed the case for this work: there is interest, there is energy, and there is real potential to build something powerful here.
Looking Ahead
We’re still at the beginning of this journey — and we’re excited about what’s next.
Our ambition is to establish a dedicated GiveOut Germany initiative, one that is rooted in the local context but connected to a global movement. Over the next few years, we want to grow a community of supporters across the country who believe in the power of philanthropy to advance LGBTQI rights.
We believe Germany can be a leader in international LGBTQI giving — not only because of its global outlook, but because so many people here care deeply about equality and justice beyond borders.
This is a hopeful project, and one we believe can make a meaningful difference at a critical time.
Get Involved
We’re looking for more people to join us on this journey — supporters, collaborators, donors, and allies who share our vision and want to help shape the future of GiveOut Germany.
If you’re based in Germany — especially in Berlin — we’d love to meet you. The GiveOut team will be in Berlin during the week of 22 July, together with activists from across Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, ahead of Christopher Street Day celebrations.
If you’d like to meet in Berlin, get involved or learn more, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with us at germany@giveout.org.
With gratitude and pride,
Tina Dingel and Aclan Okur
Members of the Germany Steering Committee