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In April, Rainbow Railroad was notified of critical funding cuts from the Canadian and UK governments, creating a 2026 funding gap of about $1M CAD.
These cuts impact programs assisting LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers, including:
Government Assisted Refugee (GAR) Program:
Established in partnership with the Government of Canada, the GAR program relocates 250 LGBTQI+ refugees to Canada every year. While the pathway remains open, critical funding that supports case processing, travel, and livelihood support while refugees await relocation has been significantly reduced — leaving Rainbow Railroad to fill the gap.
Crisis Response Fund (CRF):
In partnership with the UK government, Rainbow Railroad established the CRF to fund grassroots organizations helping at-risk LGBTQI+ people globally. In 2025, we distributed $389,773 CAD in grants to 33 organizations, providing services to over 4,900 individuals. With the closing of this fund, Rainbow Railroad is left to fill the gap.
These funding cuts were sudden and unexpected. While we are still assessing the full impact, one thing is clear: LGBTQI+ individuals around the world are being deprioritized. Funding is shrinking. Borders are tightening. Organizations like Rainbow Railroad are being asked to do more with less as need escalates.
Rainbow Railroad remains a strong, stable organization. Our mission has not changed. We will continue to support LGBTQI+ people facing persecution wherever they are.
But this $1 million funding gap will have real consequences.
Without additional support, we will have to make difficult decisions about the scale of our work at a time when demand is increasing amid the global rise in xenophobia, homophobia, and transphobia. Last year, Rainbow Railroad received over 20,000 requests for help — one every 26 minutes.
For 20 years, Rainbow Railroad has helped LGBTQI+ people get to safety. We’ve grown from an organization that supported 1 refugee in 2006 to supporting over 25,000 individuals and families across our programs in 2025. Throughout that growth, one thing has remained constant: the strength of our community.
When governments pull back, communities step forward.
In this moment of uncertainty, we are asking our community to help us bridge this funding gap. LGBTQI+ people facing persecution should not be left without support when they need it most.
More information to come.
-Rainbow Railroad Team