Stonewall jobs at risk after Trump's foreign aid cuts

Stonewall has said it is trying to "meet the challenges of this new political era" after it was reported the LGBTQ+ charity could be forced to cut up to half of its staff in the wake of US President Donald Trump's overseas aid freeze.

The charity told the BBC "an organisation-wide consultation" has begun and said that "hard-won rights are being rolled back for marginalised communities across the world".

Only roles with dedicated funding would be safe, Stonewall's CEO Simon Blake told staff in a call on Thursday.

When asked by the BBC how much foreign aid spending cuts related to their decision, Stonewall said there are "a number of reasons for the consultation".

Stonewall has 114 employees, according to the UK charity commission website.

The charity's largest funder in recent years has been the Global Equality Fund (GEF), which is overseen by the US state department. It has given Stonewall more than £500,000 between 2021 and 2025.

Stonewall's accounts show the GEF granted it £137,254 in 2021-22, £204,442 in 2022-23 and £233,583 in 2023-24.

The GEF is a pooled fund from several countries and private business, with a focus on "advancing LGBTI rights around the world". But, according to the Times, it has not published accounts since 2015.

President Trump is a long-term critic of overseas spending and has said it needs to be brought in line with his "America First" strategy. The US government has announced a freeze on funding for aid projects while it undertakes a "review" to ensure they align with Trump's priorities.

Mr Blake warned about the impact that Trump's policies would have on Stonewall and LGBTQ+ rights globally.

"The work to advocate for LGBTQ+ equality has never been more important and Stonewall is rising to meet the challenge," Stonewall said in a statement to the BBC.

"We are seeing an unprecedented political backlash against the principles of inclusion. Stonewall is adapting to ensure that it is fit for purpose and able to meet the challenges of this new political era."

The statement added that "many charities in the UK are facing tough choices for a range of reasons, including the economic environment. Stonewall is no different".

The charity also said that its work in eastern Europe is "a good example of the type of project that may cease if funding isn't replaced".

Stonewall's projects in eastern Europe help communities and law enforcement agencies to respond to anti-LGBTQ+ violence and provide "vital services to victims", according to Mr Blake.

Additional reporting by Josh Parry, BBC LGBT & identity reporter