The Queer Qontinuum: A Fundraising Lifecycle Model to Build Evergreen Donor Pipelines That Include LGBTQIA+ Dollars & More!
Dear nonprofits & fundraisers,
In LGBTQIA+ fundraising, the biggest missed opportunity isn’t finding Queer donors, it’s keeping them. Too many nonprofits stop at outreach. They slap a rainbow on their logo in June, host one Pride Month event, and call it equity. But a rainbow isn’t a pipeline.
If we want transformational results, we have to build something deeper, more intentional, and lasting. That’s where the Queer Qontinuum comes in—a five-phase donor lifecycle model designed to grow real LGBTQIA+ donor pipelines across annual, monthly, major, and planned giving. AND! The best part is, you can use this model as a template for literally any population or demographic you want to segment (Black donors, Indigenous donors, other donors of color, donors who are disabled or neurodivergent, etc.)!
Why a Lifecycle Model Matters
Queer donors already exist in your orbit as volunteers, clients, staff, and yes, donors. The problem? Many never see themselves reflected in your messaging, leadership, or priorities. The Queer Qontinuum shifts your approach from reactive outreach to sustained, culturally safe relationship-building that inspires giving at every level.
Phase 1: Discovery
Goal: Attract LGBTQIA+ annual and monthly donors.
This isn’t just about finding Queer people—it’s about being findable, and worth finding. That means:
Year-round, Queer-inclusive storytelling.
Partnerships with LGBTQIA+ organizations and leaders (and paying them for their time).
A digital footprint that says “you belong here” before a donor ever gives.
Queer-specific micro-campaigns that speak to identity, culture, and community pride.
Pro tip: Self-identification happens after safety. Don’t force it! Create conditions where donors feel safe to share, if and when they want to.
Phase 2: Connection
Goal: Convert annual donors into monthly sustainers.
Once you’ve welcomed Queer donors in, your job is to deepen the relationship. That means:
Segmenting communications so donors hear messages that affirm their identity.
Hosting exclusive engagement opportunities (think virtual—hell, even in-pesron!—coffee chats with LGBTQIA+ leaders or insider updates on Queer-focused programs)
Using cultural hooks and language that reflect Queer belonging, not just generic impact.
Monthly donors aren’t silent subscribers, they’re sacred partners. Treat them that way.
Phase 3: Investment
Goal: Cultivate LGBTQIA+ major donors with leadership vision.
Queer major donors are out there, but you won’t find them by relying on stereotypes or waiting for self-disclosure. Instead:
Watch for consistent, loyal giving and community leadership as much as dollar amounts.
Create affinity-based giving circles that allow Queer donors to collaborate on impact.
Invite them to co-create strategies and movements, not just fund projects.
When donors see themselves in your vision, not just your need, they give bigger, and with purpose.
Phase 4: Legacy
Goal: Invite Queer donors to include you in their estate plans.
Legacy giving isn’t only for wealthy, child-free couples. Queer families are diverse! Biological kids, chosen family, and community commitments all matter.
Use language that affirms identity and family structure.
Show representation in your materials: Queer parents, Trans elders, nontraditional families.
Offer “living legacy” opportunities so donors can see their impact in real time.
The best legacy conversations start with values, not assumptions.
Phase 5: Retention
Goal: Keep LGBTQIA+ donors engaged for life.
Retention is belonging. It’s not about drip campaigns, it’s about relationship continuity.
Host annual Queer donor appreciation moments.
Create long-term leadership pathways: board service, advisory councils, ambassador roles.
Celebrate donors for who they are, not just what they give.
Chosen family is central to Queer culture. Build your donor community like you’d build family—through care, connection, and commitment.
Why the Queer Qontinuum Works
This model is more than a fundraising strategy—it’s a culture shift. It invites nonprofits to stop asking “How do we find Queer donors?” and start asking, “What systems will help Queer people thrive here?”
When you build donor pipelines that center LGBTQIA+ identity, you don’t just raise more money, you raise the bar for inclusive, ethical fundraising. And when your systems make space for Queer joy, leadership, and legacy? That’s when giving becomes a movement.
Sincerely,
Queers
Queer For Hire provides fundraising support to Queer nonprofits, LGBTQIA+ cultural competency to straight-led organizations and corporations, and individual coaching for Queer professionals.
Learn about our Fundraising Services <here> – we’ll lead or support your fundraising efforts, whether you need general support or want to focus on raising money from and for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Learn about our Fundraising Trainings <here> – we can coach your board, staff, and fundraising team on how to fundraise and how to engage LGBTQIA+ donors.
Learn about our other services <here> or our resources <here>.
