Developing a LGBT+ Fund
Over the last few years, Consortium has been working with Members, and other external stakeholders, to explore the idea of developing an LGBT+ Fund. We initially set up an Expert Task Force in 2017, who set us the challenge of undertaking a full feasibility study so we could build a strong evidence base and case for support. Thanks to funding from The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund, we have spent the last 15 months doing just this, in collaboration with our consultants IG Advisors.
We are pleased to be able to publish the final Feasibility Study, along with Consortium's response and pledges contained within an LGBT+ Fund Action Plan for Change.
Feasibility Study
This document provides a comprehensive and independent response to the question of how we increase funding for the LGBT+ sector in new and innovative ways. It draws together the evidence, LGBT+ consultation, reviewing trends and providing recommendations.
LGBT+ Action Plan for Change
This document outlines Consortium's response to the Feasibility Study and the commitments we as an organisation will undertake to provide leadership. We will report back to our Members on progress at our next AGM in November.
Participation
Setting up an LGBT+ Fund is ambitious and not without its challenges, as identified in the feasibility. However, the opportunities it presents for the LGBT+ sector across the country far outweigh the challenges and Consortium is proud to provide the leadership needed to put this into action. As you can read in our Action Plan, we are firmly working towards securing funds to move into a 4 year development phase. This will allow us to carefully use the intelligence and ideas gathered as part of the feasibility to build a Fund that brings new money into the LGBT+ sector and provides the best possible support needed to keep the sector fit for funding.
The LGBT+ Fund isn't Consortium's idea to own, it requires collective ownership if it is to be successful. Three guiding principles will shape our future work in this area: LGBT+ ownership at all levels; Co-production; and the need to increase sector capacity.
Consortium is proud to provide leadership and wants to hear others thoughts as we move into the next phase of development. Please keep checking back to this page to learn more about what we are doing to move things forward.
Our CEO, Paul Roberts, has also recorded a short video explaining our support for the development of the LGBT+ Fund. You can watch this here.