JCF Projects

We’re currently setting up a local collaboration together with partner organizations with a focus on unlocking the economic potential of LGBTIQ+ people - as part of our vision.

2026 Activities

Together with Hivos, the Jan Cornelis Foundation supports Freedom to Thrive, a program that strengthens the economic independence of young LGBTIQ+ people in Kenya.

In Kenya, LGBTIQ+ people continue to face discrimination, exclusion from education, and limited access to formal employment. Freedom to Thrive addresses this inequality at its roots by focusing on economic empowerment as a pathway to dignity, autonomy, and long-term resilience.

  • Hivos brings over three decades of experience in advancing LGBTIQ+ rights globally and has been a pioneer in linking human rights with economic inclusion. In this partnership, Hivos leads the implementation of Freedom to Thrive from its Nairobi office, working closely with trusted, community-based partners across Kenya.

    The Jan Cornelis Foundation contributes funding and strategic engagement, supporting a program that combines skills training, mentorship, psychological support, and access to capital. Together, we aim to create lasting impact not only for individuals, but also for the organizations and networks that support them.

  • Freedom to Thrive supports 600 young LGBTIQ+ people through:

    • Safe and inclusive learning spaces

    • Skills training in sectors such as tech, creative industries, carpentry, automotive repair, and agri-business

    • Financial literacy and entrepreneurship training

    • Mentorship, coaching, and job placement with inclusive employers

    • Seed funding for promising queer-led enterprises

    At the same time, the program strengthens five local LGBTIQ+ organizations, enabling them to continue this work long after the project ends.

  • Economic independence allows people to take control of their own lives. By investing in skills, confidence, and networks, Freedom to Thrive helps individuals move out of precarity while contributing positively to their communities and local economies.

    This collaboration reflects our shared belief that economic justice is inseparable from human dignity.