LonGBoaT Wakefield Celebrates Major National Lottery Funding Award
- LonGBoaT Wakefield
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
We're incredibly proud to share some fantastic news for LonGBoaT Wakefield. We've been awarded significant funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, giving us an important boost as we continue developing our work supporting the LGBT+ community across the Wakefield district.
For a volunteer-led charity, funding like this can (and will) make a huge difference to our LGBT+ community. LonGBoaT Wakefield has grown considerably since we first came together in 2018; what started with a group of people wanting to keep the spirit of Southgate's Pride alive has developed into a registered Charity Incorporated Organisation, with a growing programme of community activities, volunteering opportunities, support and events.
This National Lottery funding gives us an opportunity to build on that work and, importantly, to continue creating spaces where LGBT+ people can feel welcome, supported and part of their community.
“This is a really exciting time for LonGBoaT Wakefield as we grow to deliver and represent the LGBT+ community here in Wakefield.Thank you to the National Lottery for enabling us to secure our foundation and drive forward our strategy.” David Swyer; Chair of LonGBoaT Wakefield CIO
More Than Just Pride
While Wakefield Community Pride is one of the things we're best known for, our work happens throughout the year. Our volunteers are involved in a wide range of projects and activities, including our WF Safe Space scheme, community events, volunteering opportunities and our work against hate crime in the Wakefield District.
Our Wakefield Kirkgate Station Adoption Project has become an important part of what we do, with volunteers improving the station environment through horticulture, community art and our Community Gallery.
We also provide opportunities for people to meet others, get involved and build connections through activities such as our coffee mornings, Queer Social and volunteering sessions at our Hub.
The National Lottery funding will help us continue developing this wider programme of work rather than simply focusing on one particular event.
Why Funding Matters
Community organisations and local charities like ourselves, rely on a mixture of fundraising, donations, grants, sponsorship and the incredible contribution of volunteers; which can never be understated.
Funding from organisations such as The National Lottery Community Fund provides something particularly valuable: the ability to plan ahead. It means we can look at what our community needs, develop projects properly and build on the things that are already working. It also helps us make sure that the LGBT+ community in Wakefield has a local organisation that is here throughout the year.
A Huge Thank You
We're incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and National Lottery players for supporting our work. We're also grateful to everyone who has helped LonGBoaT Wakefield get to this point. Every volunteer hour, donation, fundraiser, event, partnership and conversation has helped us grow. This award isn't just recognition of what we've already achieved. It's an opportunity to look ahead.
There's plenty more we want to do.
We want to continue creating welcoming spaces, supporting LGBT+ people, challenging discrimination, celebrating our community and making sure LGBT+ people across the Wakefield district know that LonGBoaT Wakefield is here for them.
Thank you for supporting LonGBoaT Wakefield. Together, we're building something that lasts.
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