Young people that want to take action on LGBTQ+ causes are being urged to apply now for grants to deliver empowering community projects.
vInspired and Comic Relief teamed up last year to set a challenge for young people aged 14-30 to be Loud and Proud for the LGBTQ+ community. Grants of up to £500 are available for youth-led projects that educate, support and empower people within their communities.
Jessica Taplin, CEO of vInspired, said: “People identifying as LGBTQ+ still face misunderstanding and prejudice – that’s why we’re delighted to be able to offer Loud and Proud Cashpoint grants that are empowering young people in bringing about positive change.”
So far, 16 projects have been funded, including Welsh language resources to raise awareness of transgender issues and an art exhibition at the vInspired Good Stock shop in Manchester that celebrated LGBTQ+ artists.
“The LGBTQ community is vastly under-represented in film,” said Sherice Griffiths, 26, of Ashford, who used a grant to produce a film on mental health within the LGBTQ+ community.
“I wanted to create an inclusive project that would not only give people the opportunity to work on a short film for their own personal experience, but to also deliver a message of support and understanding for those in the LGBTQ community suffering from poor mental health.
“Everyone involved in the film has used their experience to secure their next role on another film set and more doors are opening up for them as a result. If you're thinking of applying for the grant to make your own project, I'd say just go for it. Anything is possible when you get a great team behind you and vInspired will guide you all the way.”
Through vInspired, young volunteers can also access the Inspired Card, which is part of the European Youth Card Association and supported by the Mayor of London. The Card connects them to experiences, exclusive offers and opportunities to take them to where they want to go while making the world a better place.
vInspired is a leading youth charity, which helps young people and communities to thrive through volunteering. Last year alone, the charity helped over 31,400 young people to volunteer – collectively giving over 460,600 hours to help causes they care about.
The deadline for grant applications is the end of August. Search ‘Loud and Proud grants’ to find out more and apply.
• vInspired is the leading volunteering charity for 14 - 30 year olds. It helps young people and communities thrive by connecting volunteers with local opportunities that matter to them.
• Loud and Proud Cashpoint grants are available for projects with a clear community benefit, which are run by a 14-25 year old volunteer in the UK with at least two young people helping out, and for which Cashpoint is the only funder.