Consortium is delighted to announce the launch of the second year of funding through the LGBT+ Futures: Intersections Fund. The fund aims to provide for the immediate needs of inter-sectional LGBT+ organisations while Consortium continues to develop new sources of funding to meet these needs.

The programme is open to LGBT+ non-profit groups, organisations and projects that are led by and for:

• Disabled LGBT+ people
• LGBT+ people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnicities and LGBT+ people of colour*
• LGBT+ people of faith
• LGBT+ women
• Older LGBT+ people

To be eligible, the primary purpose of your organisation or group must be to support one or more of the above communities of focus.

Funding Information and Criteria

• Each organisation or group can apply for one grant from this fund.
• Applications can be for any amount up to a maximum of £5,000.
• There is a total grant pot of £20,000. Don’t be tempted for apply for the maximum amount just because you can.
• A large number of applications are anticipated, and they are keen to fund as many viable projects as possible, so they expect the average grant amount awarded to be at a lower value than the maximum amount, at between £500 - £3,000.
• Applications between £3,000 and the maximum level of £5,000 will be exceptional. Please think very carefully before submitting a bid at this level.
• Grants should be for the core work of organisations supporting the communities of focus.
• All grants must be fully spent by within 12 months of any grant award.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be a UK based non-profit group  or organisation that is led by and for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans + (LGBT+) people of faith, LGBT+ people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnicities and LGBT+ people of colour, LGBT+ women, older LGBT+ people, or disabled LGBT+ people in the UK.
• They recognise and understand that some groups, organisations and projects will only focus on specific sections of those communities. Others may work across intersectional areas.
• Organisations, groups or projects must be able to evidence that they are led by and for the communities of focus.
  • This means the primary purpose of your organisation is to support one of the communities of focus 
  • These communities are majority represented in the leadership of your organisation.
• If your organisation supports a wider group of people (e.g. all LGBT+ people), unfortunately your project is not eligible for this fund even if you have a project to support one or more communities of focus. Your organisation must be set up to support one or more of the communities of focus.
• Organisations are expected to have annual income of no more than £50,000. If your annual income exceeds this figure, but if your organisation would otherwise be eligible.
• You do not need to be a Member of Consortium to be eligible to apply.
• Existing grant holders, who meet the new criteria, are eligible to apply.
• In addition, organisations should have good governance, appropriate financial management in place and high standards of safeguarding for staff, volunteers and those using their support or services. Organisations should have the following:
  • Governing document e.g. a constitution or a Terms of Reference which outlines what the group is for
  • Two or more unrelated trustees, committee / board members or directors
  • A correspondence address
  • Relevant and appropriate Safeguarding & Diversity & Inclusion Policies
• Bank account in the organisations name, or be able to nominate a registered charity to hold the grant in trust.

They do however recognise that smaller, grassroots organisations may not have all these structure in place. Please get in touch with their team if your organisation is missing any of the above, but your group meets the criteria and needs funds. They will consider another organisation holding the grant on your behalf.

• Applicants should be able to show that they work according to Consortium’s core values of:
  • Accessibility:  Observe, promote and practise good equity principles, enabling access and inclusion for all LGBT+ people.
  • Accountability:  Value each other’s diverse perspectives, language and capacity.
  • Collaboration:  Positive, proactive collaboration with other LGBT+ organisations, minimising inefficiencies and conflict without losing individual autonomy.
  • Respect: Be considerate of the resource, support and insight gained through others and not using this to further own goals to the detriment other LGBT+ organisations.

For more information, visit Consortium.