Proud and Connected Community Grants

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Living Proud, in collaboration with the Mental Health Commission (Commision), are implementing a small grants program, called the Proud and Connected Community Grants.

LGBTIQA+ community groups and organisations were encouraged to apply for grants of up to $25,000 to scope, pilot and implement activities that build proud and connected communities, while aligning with outcomes outlined in the Commission’s WA Suicide Prevention Framework 2021 – 2025.

LGBTQI+ GRANT RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

From the MHCA website:

Eleven community-led groups and organisations across Western Australia have been awarded a total of $150,000 under the Proud and Connected Community Grants program, delivered by Living Proud in partnership with the Mental Health Commission (Commission).

The program encouraged groups and organisations to apply for grants to support people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and other gender identities (LGBTIQA+) in WA.

The Proud and Connected Community Grants program aims to increase connection and build resilience within the LGBTIQA+ community, while aligning with outcomes outlined in the Commission’s WA Suicide Prevention Framework 2021-2025.

Successful grant recipients include:

GRAI – WA Quality of Life survey
Kimberley Blak Pride – Kimberley Blak Pride Festival 2024
Out South West – Dining for Diversity
Albany Pride – Albany Pride Support Group
OUTMidWest – A Rainbow Road to Supported Communities
PFLAG – Community Support
Queernarvon – Queernarvon Festival weekend
TransFolk of WA – Peer Support Groups
Busselton Pride Alliance Inc – Empowered and Connected Festival: Busselton
Ending Conversion Practices WA – Scoping and Implementation – Conversion Practices Survivors Network
Care Collaborative – QUILTBAG sewing workshops/circle

These groups and organisations will deliver their funded activities between July 2023 and May 2024.

Mental Health Commissioner Maureen Lewis said the Proud and Connected Community Grants program was important in supporting the LGBTIQA+ community to increase social connections and improve mental well-being.

“Research has shown that WA’s LGBTIQA+ community continues to experience psychological distress, stigma, social isolation, and discrimination,” Ms Lewis said.

“The program’s community-led style of delivery allows the successful grant recipients, who best understand the needs of their communities, to help in the most meaningful way.

“By supporting the LGBTIQA+ community through providing grants such as this, we are reducing the risk of WA people experiencing mental health and alcohol and other drug issues.”