Joining forces with the Coventry City of Culture Trust and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Heart of England Community Foundation has launched its LGBTQ+ Community Grants. In line with the Foundation’s commitment to representation and inclusion for all, the fund has been created to support the LGBTQ+ community across Coventry and Warwickshire.
Looking to help communities create safe spaces, build intergenerational connections, and encourage joy and self-expression, the new funding is aimed at educating and bringing together those within the LGBTQ+ community. Events and safe spaces are often a lifeline for these community groups, so it’s important that they are championed and sustained.
Offering grants of up to £5,000, the Foundation is inviting artists and organisations to apply for funding to provide the community with cultural activity. From performing arts and photography to music and spoken word, the Foundation and its partners want to encourage collaboration across Coventry and Warwickshire; all of which celebrates and brings together the LGBTQ+ community.
Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive at Coventry City of Culture Trust, said:
“We are so pleased to be working with the Heart of England Community Foundation on this brand-new grant programme. Since we began our City of Culture 2021 celebrations in 2017, we’ve continuously worked with the Foundation to develop the arts and culture of the city by providing local groups across Coventry and Warwickshire with important funding to support the needs of our diverse community.”
Since winning the ‘UK City of Culture 2021’ title in 2017, Coventry City of Culture Trust has worked alongside the Foundation on a range of grant programmes, and together has supported over 150 organisations in Coventry and beyond. Most recently the Foundation and Trust has supported the production of the highly anticipated performance of I Ain’t Dumb, an LGBTQ+ play that’s set to debut in Coventry this month.
Tina Costello, Chief Executive at the Foundation, said:
“We are the Community Foundation for the West Midlands and Warwickshire, but Coventry is our home. We’ve loved being on the journey with Coventry City of Culture Trust from the bid stage to winning the UK City of Culture 2021! I’m really looking forward to seeing the projects and I truly hope this shows genuine support for our LGBTQ+ communities.
“There are over 128,000 people that identify as LGBTQ+ in the West Midlands, and so we’re committed to support these individuals, ensuring they have a safe space, a support network and projects that connect them with their community, and city.”
To find out more about the LGBTQ+ Community Fund and how to apply, visit: www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/available-grants/