ABOUT
The vision of the LGBTI Youth Fund is that Switzerland is an inclusive society where all young people can freely define and express their gender identity and expression, as well as their romantic and sexual orientation, and have respectful and healthy relationships with each other.
MISSION
The LGBTI Youth Fund commits to promote sustainable changes for an inclusive, equitable and safe Swiss society that respects the rights and needs of LGBTIQ youth. Through our grant-making, we aim to support national, regional, and local initiatives responding to the specific needs of LGBTIQ youth and creating the conditions for change.
VALUES
At the LGBTI Youth Fund, we strive to put LGBTIQ youth at the centre of our mission and strategy. We believe in their views; LGBTIQ youth are the experts of their own lives, they know the challenges they face, the needs and opportunities they have, based on their lived experiences. This is why we uphold specific values that guide how we work.
We stand for:
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diversity, equity and inclusion;
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the rights of LGBTIQ youth, equality and non-discrimination.
We strive to:
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listen to LGBTIQ youth, and create space for their leadership;
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respect the dignity, views and experience of all;
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ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTIQ youth and our partners;
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build trust-based relationships with LGBTIQ youth and our partners.
GOVERNANCE
STEERING COMMITTEE
The Steering Committee is responsible for the overall supervision of the LGBTI Youth Fund strategy, management of the Fund, review and approval of grants.
Brigette De Lay, Chair
Director,
Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Programme,
Oak Foundation
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Nina George, Member
Programme Officer,
Issues Affecting Women Programme,
Oak Foundation
Lucia Quintero, Member
Programme Officer,
Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Programme, Oak Foundation
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Pauline Joiris, Member
Project Administrator,
Swiss Philanthropy Foundation
ADVISORS
Advisors are recognised experts and/or professionals with more than 10 years of experience in the field of LGBTIQ youth in Switzerland. They are appointed by the Steering Committee. Advisors serve on an individual basis.
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Advisors provide expertise and guidance on issues related to LGBTIQ youth in Switzerland. Advisors also participate in the Steering Committee meetings, advise on grant-making strategy, review grant recommendations.
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Caroline Dayer, Muriel Waeger and Marc Inderbinen serve as advisors for the second year of the Fund.
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Researcher, instructor and consultant, Caroline Dayer (PhD) brings her expertise in the prevention of and response to violence and discrimination, in particular issues of homophobia, transphobia, gender-based violence in educational and work contexts, and in the promotion of health, equality, diversity, and LGBTIQ rights.
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Muriel Waeger brings her expertise in the promotion of LGBTIQ rights, advocacy and networking in the Swiss context.
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Psychologist, lecturer, and researcher Marc Inderbinen brings his expertise in the mental health of trans and non-binary populations, with a particular focus on the Swiss context.
PARTICIPATORY APPROACH
The LGBTI Youth Fund aims to be a youth-informed and youth-driven fund. This is why we are currently exploring different models to meaningfully engage LGBTIQ youth in shaping our grant-making. More information on the LGBTIQ youth group will be shared at a later stage.
TEAM
Florence Jacot
Director
Florence Jacot has broad experience in child protection and philanthropy. She has worked for over 20 years as a programme officer for the Prevent Child Sexual Abuse programme at Oak Foundation. As part as her portfolio at Oak, she managed grants supporting LGBTIQ youth in Switzerland and led the development of the LGBTI Youth Fund.
Lisa Sabot-Schmid
Programme Associate
Lisa Sabot-Schmid is a programme management, communication and networking specialist. She has worked in education and child protection in emergencies for almost 20 years, and more recently in philanthropy.