New community fund to inspire action and encourage LGBTQ+ inclusion across Greater Manchester

The LGBTQ+ Progress flag flying in the Pennines

A new community fund benefiting LGBTQ+ people and communities across Greater Manchester has been announced by the LGBT Foundation and George House Trust.

The Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Fund has £20,000 available to support new creative projects, events and activities by organisations and community groups based in the region that improve the experience of LGBTQ+ groups (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus other non-binary sexualities and genderfluid identities) and spotlights the issues that affect their lives.

It will also support new programmes that educate people about HIV. The scheme opened last week, with a deadline for proposals on Tuesday 5 October.

An independent panel of representatives from the NHS, Manchester City Council, the Village Licensed Business Association (VLBA), George House Trust’s Board of Trustees, LGBT Foundation’s Board of Trustees and a member of the LGBTQ+ community will review all proposals and make all award decisions. LGBT Foundation and George House Trust will announce the recipients in October.

Smyth Harper, Co-Chair of LGBT Foundation, said: “The Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Fund will help grassroots organisations provide vital support to our community and contribute to a better, safer and kinder world for all LGBTQ+ people.

“There is a strong network of LGBTQ+ community groups across Greater Manchester. They’re a powerful force for good, making a difference to countless lives every day. We’re so proud to be able to do our bit to help out and can’t wait to see the amazing bids come flooding in.”

Jo Hancock, Chair of George House Trust, said: “George House Trust are proud to be part of such an exciting and inspiring initiative, and we can't wait to see all the creative ways in which this money will be used to improve inclusion by grass-roots HIV and LGBTQ+ groups across Greater Manchester.

“It will enable them to make a real difference to the lives of people they support, educating local communities, and promoting greater understanding of the challenges faced by people from the LGBTQ+ community and people living with or affected by HIV.”

For more information, details about eligibility and how to apply, visit lgbt.foundation