About Red Umbrella Fund
Red Umbrella Fund is the first and only global fund by and for sex workers. We publish one Call for Applications each year. Since its launch, RUF has offered 11,886,500 in more than 381 grants to sex worker-led organisations around the world.
Who makes what decisions? Red Umbrella Fund is guided by an International Steering Committee (ISC) made up of sex workers and donors. The ISC decides the grantmaking criteria, approves the annual budget and makes other strategic decisions. The Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) advises the ISC about which new grants to make. Day-to-day work is done by a small Secretariat team.
What do PAC members do? PAC members read and score the applications and select which applications should be funded by Red Umbrella Fund. PAC members can stay on the PAC for up to 3 years.
Who are on the PAC? The PAC has up to 11 members, always with a large majority (at least 80%) of sex workers. Red Umbrella Fund wants a PAC that is diverse in terms of gender and geography.
Who can apply?
Red Umbrella Fund is looking for 2 sex workers or strong allies from somewhere in:
☂ 1 in Latin America – prioritising a Spanish-speaking candidate
☂ 1 in Africa – prioritising candidates from Central, South, West, or North Africa
Minimum requirements:
✓ Language: able to read and discuss funding proposals in English.
✓ Availability: able to commit 5-10 hours each week between late July and mid October to review applications and to participate in PAC meetings (approximately 3 online meetings in July and 3-4 online meetings in October).
✓ Affiliation: be part of and/or endorsed by one sex worker-led group or network.
✓ Internet & Laptop: regular access to email and stable internet connection. A stipend can be provided to improve internet access during the July-October scoring period.
Important:
- PAC membership is voluntary and requires a high level of commitment. PAC members must be able to read about 5 to 10 proposals each week during the review period.
- Positions for allies are limited on the PAC and relevant sex worker candidates will be prioritised.
- PAC Members will be offered a stipend for the days there are meetings (20-60 EUR per day depending on the length of the meeting) as well as a stipend that will be determined and announced prior to orientation in July. Stipends for childcare and other accommodations are available.
What can you gain?
- The PAC is an exciting and meaningful opportunity to contribute to Red Umbrella Fund’s grantmaking to sex worker groups around the world.
- As PAC member you learn more about sex worker activism in different regions.
- Many PAC members find the experience useful for their knowledge about philanthropy and activism.
How can you apply?
E-mail the completed self-nomination form together with a support letter to: [email protected] by 9:00 am CEST (Amsterdam) Monday 10 May 2026. Decisions by the ISC will be made by the end of May. Orientation will begin in July.
