The historic Unstoppable Future effort raised over $100M more than its initial goal as donors double down on LGBTQ+ advocacy, allowing the organization to expand and extend its fight for equality in the courts today and for generations to come.
Lambda Legal today announced that its “Unstoppable Future” campaign has raised $285 million — making it by far the largest fundraising initiative in the history of the LGBTQ+ movement.
The unprecedented total will arm Lambda Legal — the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ legal advocacy organization that uses impact litigation to shape laws and policies that impact the lives of millions of people — with the resources to challenge the unprecedented number of legal and political attacks. Those attacks include everything from executive orders from the Trump administration to anti-equality legislation to discriminatory actions against the LGBTQ+ community and those living with HIV/AIDS.
“We are more ready than ever to challenge those who want to strip away and attack our liberty,” said Lambda Legal Chief Executive Officer Kevin Jennings. “There is too much at stake for our community and ahead of the 2024 election, we knew we needed to start preparing an aggressive response to the threats — one that would set the foundation to take us not just through this immediate moment, but into the future. Lambda has been on the frontlines of the LGBTQ+ rights movement for more than 50 years, and with continued support from our donors, we will stand to fight for the next 50.”
This funding will expand Lambda Legal’s capacity, helping the organization fight against immediate threats to LGBTQ+ people in the courts, win new rights and protections, and prepare a defense for the future. By the end of 2026, the organization will build up its legal team by 42%, growing from 36 to 51 members, effectively expanding the organization’s case docket capacity by 86%.
“Each time our community has needed a champion to fight for us, Lambda is always there,” said U.S. Army Officer Nick Harrison, whose case with Lambda Legal paved the way for overturning the discriminatory policy that banned the commissioning and deployment of service members living with HIV.
“Lambda not only secured a victory for me but also opened the door of opportunity for thousands of other members of the U.S. armed services who are living with HIV. Lambda has always punched above its weight and has done so while delivering critical wins in the courts and through legislation and policy for the LGBTQ+ community and everyone living with HIV since its founding. Lambda doesn’t back down from a tough fight, and its combination of courage, grit, and prudence makes it integral to the survival of LGBTQ+ rights in this country and to meet this rising tide of threats. I am proud and grateful to be a part of its deep history and be a comrade for the future.”
Anti-LGBTQ+ attacks continue at full speed this year, with 59 anti-LGBTQ+ laws already passed into law and six executive orders targeting LGBTQ+ rights and people living with HIV/AIDS since the start of 2025. Anti-equality organizations are seeking to double down, as groups like the Alliance Defending Freedom raise more than $100 million a year, powering their large legal teams to attack LGBTQ+ protections and freedoms.
Lambda Legal is stretching its dollars to the maximum to meet the moment, and continued support will go toward critical strategic and expanded legal action. Already, the organization is in court fighting back, litigating for the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ communities all the way up to the United States Supreme Court.
This includes:
- Arguing in front of the Supreme Court to force an end to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, including the United States v. Skrmetti case.
- Litigating six separate cases against the current Trump administration for its anti-LGBTQ+ policies and executive orders targeting transgender rights and inclusion in the military, access to HIV medication and gender-affirming care, and DEI.
- Maintaining an impressive 86% success rate against the last Trump administration.
Of the $285 million raised by Lambda as part of the Unstoppable Future campaign, 30 percent — roughly $80 million — is available as current-use cash to support strategic growth. The remaining 70 percent are long-term legacy commitments from donors that will help ensure the organization’s continued growth and protect the future rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Our incredible donors are bolstering Lambda Legal’s fight for equality and progress at such a critical time, and we are truly thankful for their continued support,” said Lambda Legal Chief Development Officer Josh Pushkin. “While the amount that has been raised is a milestone, we cannot rest because we are in the fight of a lifetime against high-powered, well-funded anti-equality forces, and we need a war chest to be able to keep fighting back and challenging anti-equality opponents. Every dollar, donor, and ally counts and is helping us build a brighter, safer future for LGBTQ+ people.”
You can read more about the “Unstoppable Future” campaign here.
To donate, visit here.