Manchester Pride drives change for local organisations with over £120,000 of funding
The charity had placed special emphasis on uplifting LGBTQ+ disability, Queer, Trans and/or Intersex Person of Colour
Manchester Pride, one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ charities, 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."
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.”