Philanthropic groups have pledged to donate a total of $20 million to underfunded trans charities around the globe.

The Arcus Foundation has announced a five-year plan called The Global Trans Initiative, focused on tackling transphobia and progressing trans rights to “ensure that all transgender people live in a world where they are recognised, valued, and supported by their families and in society”.

The Global Trans Initiative will deploy grants and philanthropic resources totalling at least $20 million dollars to transgender activists and organisations around the world.

As a part of the initiative, lead funder Arcus will contribute $15 million (€13,732,492), with a further $1 million (€915,499) contribution from the NoVo Foundation and $4 million (€3,661,997) from several other foundations.

“The Global Trans Initiative is a coordinated response to the alarming and pervasive range of disparities found within transgender communities,” said Kevin Jennings of the Arcus Foundation.

“Together with our partners, we are committed to delivering increased and necessary resources to those in the field working tirelessly to end the violence and discrimination facing transgender people around the world.

“We invite our colleagues at peer foundations to engage with us and consider integrating gender identity issues within their own funding priorities.”