GlobalGiving Project of the Month Club

Dear Project of the Month Club Member,

Since March, Uganda’s parliament has moved to enforce homophobic laws. Parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023, which criminalized people identifying as LGBTIQ+ and attached a life sentence as punishment. An amended version of the bill, which Uganda’s president has now signed into law, imposes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” The situation has caused homelessness, mob attacks, arrests, denial of health care services, mental health issues, and loss of empowerment opportunities.

That is why MBARARA RISE FOUNDATION created the Uganda LGBTIQ Emergency Fund, June’s Project of the Month. MBARARA RISE FOUNDATION provides bail for members of the LGBTIQ+ community who have been arrested, offers emergency accommodation, and covers legal and medical costs. 

“This opportunity is redressing and responding to the challenges brought about by the reintroduction of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill and providing long-term impact,” Janet Mutesi, Director of Programs at MBARARA shared. “We will continue the fight against laws that criminalize homosexuality.”

The funds will be used to advocate for equality and provide safe homes, health care, legal services, and psychological support. 

“Your valuable support is and will continue to help us provide long-term support to rural LGBTIQ communities in Uganda,” Janet added. “In such perilous times, donors like you keep us moving, and your support means a lot to us and the people we serve in this unfavorably homophobic environment we live in. Thank you.”

To learn more about how MBARARA RISE FOUNDATION is protecting their community, read their latest report.

Thank you for your commitment to a better world! 

With gratitude, 

Victoria Vrana

GlobalGiving CEO

Dear Project of the Month Club Member,

For many families across northern Thailand, education is a luxury they can not afford. About 72% of Thai citizens who struggle with poverty live in rural, mainly agricultural areas. Lack of finances, parental education, and transportation contribute to the large number of children who are taken out of school to work.

Our May Project of the Month, Help 100 Thai children get an education by Family Connection Foundation, helps low-income families send their children to school by providing scholarships that cover the cost of tuition, lunch, uniforms, and other educational expenses. The project supports scholars until they graduate from high school.

“We have seen tremendous results as over 90% of those children in our program go on to attend college or trade school,” Director Tim Dunham shared. “They are able to get much better jobs, and this simple way of coming alongside families is truly breaking the cycle of poverty. The children in our program are able to take care of their own needs and often support their families.”

Tim added, “I can't even put into words how encouraging and grateful we are! We are now supporting over 300 Thai children to stay in school, and it is a challenge to raise enough funds each year. This meets a huge need and will help us continue to help children in desperate need find hope and courage to finish their education! It changes their life in so many ways!”

To learn more about Family Connection Foundation’s scholars, check out their most recent report.

Thank you for your commitment to a better world! 

With gratitude, 

Victoria Vrana

GlobalGiving CEO