As BiCon 2021 gets going, Consortium is pleased to announce the launch of research it commissioned into why Bi organisations across the UK receive such little funding and how we can begin to address some of the obstacles that exist. The research can be accessed here
Thanks to development funding through The National Emergencies Trust, Consortium identified the lack of Bi-led and run organisations applying for its LGBT+ specific funding. In order to put in place actions to remove barriers and provide the right support for Bi Organisations we commissioned a collaboration of three Bi community researchers who surveyed and spoke with a range of Bi people facilitating Bi-led organisations across the country. This research will be used to inform Consortium’s future funding practice, whilst also being used to encourage a diverse range of funders to better consider the needs of Bi Organisations and communities.
Paul Roberts, Consortium’s Chief Executive, said: “I am very proud that we were in a position to commission this research. As a specialist funder, we must ensure there is equitable access to the funding on offer. We are working hard to ensure those most under-resourced in our LGBT+ sector can get the resource and support they need. This research gives us the actions we can work on to make this happen for Bi Organisations and ensure they are proactively engaged in all our funding work. I am very grateful to Jennifer, Libby and John for their hard work, and to all those who engaged with this research. Without your input, honesty and suggestions we wouldn’t be able to put in place the actions needed. I am excited to explore the possibility of both dedicated funds for Bi Organisations, and for broader funds which visibly and meaningfully include Bi people and communities.”
Jennifer Moore, one of the three community researchers, said: “There are bi organisers all over the country who’ve been nurturing their communities ‘on a shoe-string’ for years, connecting people who felt isolated, using creativity to get round the lack of money. I hope our analysis will help funders to reach those groups and boost their work. I’d love to see funder influence also pushing other organisations to make the B more than a token. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the research!”
