Manchester Pride, one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ charities, proudly announces another impactful year as it allocates over £120,000 to 86 Greater Manchester organisations, initiatives and local Prides.
The Manchester Pride Community Fund encompasses a comprehensive funding programme including Community Grants, Superbia Queer Arts Grants, Impact Fund Grants and Local Prides support, ensuring that intersectional LGBTQ+ initiatives receive vital support.
Leading the charge is Manchester Pride’s Impact Fund, a pivotal initiative launched in September 2023. Designed to address critical issues highlighted in the ‘Pride In Our Future’ report, the Impact Fund received an amazing response, with 22 submissions. Ultimately, five organisations (African Rainbow Family, Black Gold Arts, George House Trust, Our Room Manchester, Proud 2 b Parents) were awarded nearly £45,000 in funding.
The Impact Fund, aligns with key issues raised by the LGBTQ+ community within the ‘Pride In Our Future’ report. This focuses on key areas such as HIV stigma, LGBTQ+ sexual health, mental health, and overall well-being.
Additionally, Manchester Pride has placed special emphasis on uplifting LGBTQ+ disability, Queer, Trans and/or Intersex Person of Colour (QTIPoC), ensuring inclusivity and equality in funding distribution.
The George House Trust has received funding to further support its great work providing services, empowerment, education and awareness for people living with HIV. Operating for nearly 40 years The George House Trust continues to push for a world where HIV holds no one back.
Darren Knight, CEO of The George House Trust, expressed, “At George House Trust, our focus is for a world where HIV holds no one back. We know that we need to do more to ensure that trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people living with HIV have access to the support, advice, and information that will ensure that they can live well with HIV.
“We’re delighted to have been funded from the Manchester Pride Impact Fund, meaning we’re able to kickstart this important work, raising awareness and improving the support offered across Greater Manchester.”
The Impact Fund has a track record of making a significant difference for LGBTQ+ centred causes, however, it is all reliant on community support primarily through the £2.50 fixed donation from each sale of the Gay Village Party tickets.
In 2022, Manchester Pride raised £120,000 through this initiative. However, due to lower ticket sales of the Manchester Pride Festival in 2023, funding decreased by nearly £20,000, leaving £101,338 available for grants.
Despite this adjustment, Manchester Pride remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting local businesses and initiatives financially. The organisation continues to encourage LGBTQ+ community projects to apply for grants, ensuring that vital support reaches those in need.
Another beneficiary of this support is Black Gold Arts, a beacon of cultural empowerment, who has secured £9,721.50 to deliver workshops and events amplifying the voices of QTIPoC communities. Through artistic expression and community engagement, they strive to address mental health disparities and foster a sense of belonging among queer people of colour.
“We are immensely grateful to be awarded the Impact Fund, which will significantly expand our capacity to engage with and support some of the most marginalised segments within the LGBTQIA+ communities through our diverse art activities,” commented Darren Pritchard, representing Black Gold Arts.
CEO of Manchester Pride, Mark Fletcher commented, “The £120,000 Community Fund has been raised by the community for the community and reaffirms our dedication to supporting and representing local initiatives.
“With the donations coming from the sale of pledge bands at the 2022 Manchester Pride Festival plus additional onsite and corporate donations, attending the Gay Village Party remains the best way for people to show their support.
“And while we did see a £20,000 fall in donations at the 2023 Manchester Festival, we are incredibly excited for this year’s festival and hope our community can once again come together and support their queer siblings through pledge band donations.”
Following the positive impact achieved throughout 2023, Manchester Pride is glad to announce that applications for the 2024 community grants are now available for LGBTQ+ focused projects and initiatives within the greater Manchester area. For further details on how to apply and eligibility criteria, please visit the Manchester Pride website.
