At the Len Reynolds Trust, we are committed to a Waikato where all children and young people are secure, resilient, and thriving. That commitment must include Rainbow communities - including takatāpui, trans, nonbinary, MVPFAFF+, intersex, and queer whānau - many of whom continue to face significant structural, emotional, and social barriers to wellbeing.
Recently, our CEO Melissa Gibson joined Jenn Chowaniec from the Wayne Francis Charitable Trust to co-host a national webinar: Increasing Funding for the Rainbow Community. The session brought together funders from across Aotearoa to explore how we can show up more meaningfully for Rainbow-led and Rainbow-serving organisations - not just with words, but with resources, relationships, and systems that actually work.
Why This Matters
Rainbow communities are facing a wave of targeted disinformation, rising hostility, and chronic underfunding. Many of the people doing the work are volunteers, often exhausted, and operating in environments where safety cannot be assumed.
As funders, we must be clear: good intentions aren’t enough. If we don’t proactively change the way we fund, we will continue to exclude those who need support the most.
Barriers Rainbow Groups Face
What we heard - and what we know from our own mahi - is that Rainbow groups are often shut out by the very systems designed to help.
They’re not always registered charities - and may choose not to be, for cultural or safety reasons.
They’re over-stretched - often volunteer-led, with no capacity to complete lengthy, technical applications.
They’re cautious - some don’t see funders as safe or accessible.
They’re burnt out - many leaders are carrying cultural and emotional weight, often across multiple marginalised identities.
They’re unseen - some organisations do vital Rainbow mahi but don’t call themselves “Rainbow organisations,” meaning they’re often overlooked.
What We Need to Reflect On
At Len Reynolds Trust, we’ve been asking hard questions of ourselves and our sector:
Are our systems inclusive, or just convenient?
Do our criteria reflect our values of manaakitanga, equity, and community voice?
Who might we be missing - and why?
Leading With Trust: Our Rainbow Safety Fund
Earlier this year, we piloted the Rainbow Safety Fund in partnership with Rainbow Hub Waikato - a local collective supporting Rainbow youth and whānau.
The approach was intentionally:
Light-touch
High-trust
Flexible
Rather than asking communities to “prove” themselves to us, we asked: How can we help?
The response confirmed what we already suspected: when the door is open, Rainbow communities will walk through it - with courage, vision, and impact.
What Funders Can Do
Mel and Jenn shared several key takeaways for funders wanting to do more:
Say it out loud - Make it clear on your website and materials that Rainbow groups are welcome. Visibility matters.
Simplify the process - Cut the red tape. Accept oral reports or visual storytelling.
Fund people, not just projects - Pay for the rent, admin, and emotional labour that keeps organisations afloat.
Be brave - Step outside traditional structures when trust and relationships are strong.
Learn in public - Join the Rainbow Funders Rōpū. Ask questions. Listen. Stay curious.
He Hononga: This Is About Relationships
If you’ve never funded in this space before, the first step is just to show up.
“Equity in philanthropy doesn’t happen by accident - it happens through intention, humility, and consistent action.” – Melissa Gibson
We are committed to doing the internal work required to challenge power, centre community, and walk alongside Rainbow organisations who are building safety, belonging, and transformation every day.
If you’re a funder looking to do the same - we’d love to hear from you. And if you’re part of a Rainbow organisation wondering if the Len Reynolds Trust is a safe place to ask for support: yes, we are.
Let’s fund with heart.
Interested in learning more?
Visit: rainbowfunders.nz
Reach out admin@lenreynoldstrust.co.nz
Read about our Rainbow Safety Fund Creating Safe Spaces and Inclusive Futures | LEN REYNOLDS TRUST