The Giving Directory
Saved
✦

LGBTQ+ Rights

GLSEN

Works to ensure safe and inclusive schools for LGBTQ+ students through education, advocacy, and youth leadership.

Donate at glsen.org ♡ Save to list
Founded 1990 36 years of work
Focus United States
Rating 92/100 Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator rates GLSEN 92/100 — reflecting strong financial discipline, transparency, and program delivery against industry benchmarks.

What this charity does

LGBTQ+ rights organizations combine direct services (crisis support, legal aid, healthcare), political advocacy, education, and litigation. Crisis-line organizations like The Trevor Project provide suicide-prevention support for LGBTQ+ youth. Legal-advocacy groups pursue impact litigation on issues like marriage equality, employment discrimination, and gender-affirming care. Education groups work in schools and corporate settings to build inclusive environments. Funding supports counselors, attorneys, lobbyists, and education staff.

Why it matters

Look for outcomes: laws changed, court rulings won, individuals served, schools enrolled in inclusion programs. The Trevor Project publishes detailed annual reports with outcome data — that is the level of transparency to expect. Be wary of "awareness" organizations without measurable policy or service outcomes.

Common programs in this space

GLSEN works within lgbtq+ rights. These are the kinds of programs typically run in this space — visit their site for current specifics.

  • ✓ Crisis and suicide-prevention support for LGBTQ+ youth
  • ✓ Impact litigation on civil rights, marriage, healthcare access, and employment discrimination
  • ✓ School-based inclusion programs and educator training
  • ✓ Healthcare access advocacy, especially for gender-affirming care
  • ✓ Political training and candidate recruitment for LGBTQ+ leaders

How to support beyond a one-time gift

  • + Monthly recurring gifts sustain crisis-line staffing and multi-year litigation strategies
  • + Volunteer as a crisis counselor (most organizations offer training)
  • + Advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies in your workplace and community
  • + Donate appreciated stock or planned gifts to support long-term legal campaigns
  • + Vote for and donate to LGBTQ+ inclusive candidates in local and state elections

Verify before you give

A few minutes of independent verification pays off — especially for larger gifts. These resources let you confirm the details on GLSEN:

IRS Tax Exempt Search Confirm 501(c)(3) status ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer Read Form 990 filings Charity Navigator profile Ratings methodology glsen.org Annual reports and updates

Frequently asked

Is GLSEN a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
GLSEN operates as a registered nonprofit organization. You can verify their current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool. We recommend confirming directly on the IRS website before making any large donation.
What percentage of donations to GLSEN goes to programs?
Program-expense ratios change year to year and are published in GLSEN's annual Form 990 filing. You can read the most recent filings on ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer or Candid (formerly GuideStar). Charity Navigator has rated GLSEN at 92/100, reflecting its overall financial health and accountability.
How does GLSEN measure its impact?
GLSEN publishes impact reporting through its annual report, program-specific updates on its website, and the rating analysis from Charity Navigator. Look for outcomes: laws changed, court rulings won, individuals served, schools enrolled in inclusion programs. The Trevor Project publishes detailed annual reports with outcome data — that is the level of transparency to expect. Be wary of "awareness" organizations without measurable policy or service outcomes.
What's the most effective way to donate to GLSEN?
Most charities — including GLSEN — get the most use out of unrestricted, recurring monthly donations. Recurring gifts let the organization plan staffing and program commitments. You can also donate appreciated stock to avoid capital-gains tax, leave a planned gift in your will, or take advantage of employer-matching programs.
How can I support GLSEN without donating money?
Monthly recurring gifts sustain crisis-line staffing and multi-year litigation strategies Volunteer as a crisis counselor (most organizations offer training) Advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies in your workplace and community Visit the official website at glsen.org for current volunteer and advocacy opportunities.

More in LGBTQ+ Rights

LGBTQ Victory Institute 95/100 The Trevor Project 100/100 Lambda Legal 98/100