Equitas has lead responsibility for managing ACTIF and is accountable to Global Affairs Canada for the achievement of the project’s results and for the effective administration and financial management of the funds provided. Dignity Network Canada is the implementing partner and leads activities related to community outreach, engagement and consultation, convening stakeholders and knowledge-sharing activities. Dignity Network Canada receives funding through ACTIF for its expenses related to delivering these activities.
Equitas and DNC recognize how power and privilege are inherent to global grantmaking and the importance of destabilizing colonial funding dynamics. This is why we are strong proponents of feminist and participatory approaches that shift the power of decision making to communities themselves. In line with the principles of “nothing about us without us” and “the process is as important as a result”, ACTIF believes that local LGBTQ2I human right defenders and organizations are experts of their own realities and should be at the heart of decision making.
Engaging a diversity of Southern LGBTQ2I communities in funding decisions is critical to more robust LGBTQ2I networks, trust, and solidarity — the building blocks for powerful collective action and vibrant movements. The leadership of LGBTQ2I activists and grantmakers in the Fund’s governance also allows for more informed, equitable, and effective investments and outcomes. With this in mind, Equitas and DNC established an ACTIF Advisory Committee and ACTIF Project Selection Committee.
ACTIF Advisory Committee
The ACTIF Advisory Committee is at the heart of the Fund’s governance structure. It advises on and validates the strategic direction of the Fund as well as any changes in response to new developments, and monitors its implementation to ensure the needs of local communities are addressed. The Advisory Committee is responsible for nominating members to the Project Selection Committee, who are tasked with reviewing proposals and selecting projects supported by ACTIF.
The ACTIF Advisory Committee aims to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. This includes diversity in languages spoken, culture, race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics, as well as geographic representation. This also includes individuals with a diversity of experiences, such as human rights defenders and activists, as well as representatives from regional organizations, networks and funders with expertise in similar funding mechanisms.
Read the Advisory Committee’s Terms of Reference