Help LonGBoaT
Help the LGBT+ Community in Wakefield
LonGBoaT Wakefield CIO is a registered LGBT+ charity based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Formed in 2018 and registered as a charity in 2024, we exist to support, celebrate and connect the local LGBT+ community and its allies. Our work ranges from large-scale events like Wakefield Community Pride, to regular social activities such as our weekly Trivia Quiz, alongside longer-term projects including the Wakefield Kirkgate Station Adoption and our Safe Space inclusion scheme.
As a local charity, fundraising is essential. Unlike national organisations, local charities often receive little or no guaranteed funding. Income raised through community support, business involvement and grant funding allows us to respond directly to local need, keep activities accessible, and ensure LGBT+ people in Wakefield have visible, welcoming spaces where they feel safe and supported.
Every pound raised helps us deliver practical support, reduce isolation, improve public spaces and increase understanding of why LGBT+ inclusion matters at a local level.
Playing the Rainbow Lottery
LonGBoaT Wakefield is a good cause supported by the Rainbow Lottery, which offers a simple way to fundraise while giving players the chance to win cash prizes.
Tickets are purchased online, with draws taking place weekly and prizes of up to £25,000 available. Importantly, 50% of every ticket sold in support of LonGBoaT Wakefield goes directly to the charity, providing a reliable source of ongoing income.
This regular funding stream is particularly valuable for a small local LGBT+ charity, helping us sustain work throughout the year.
Supporting Us Through Benevity
LonGBoaT Wakefield is registered on Benevity, a corporate giving platform used by many employers to support charitable donations, payroll giving and matched funding.
If your workplace uses Benevity, you may be able to:
Make one-off or regular donations
Take part in payroll giving
Have your donation matched by your employer
Fundraise for us through workplace initiatives
Corporate giving through Benevity allows businesses to support local LGBT+ inclusion in a practical, measurable way, while helping us build long-term sustainability. Donations made through Benevity go directly towards supporting our community-focused work in Wakefield.
Donating to Our Work
Financial donations allow us to plan ahead, cover essential running costs and continue offering activities that are free or low-cost to attend.
Donations can be made as:
General support, helping us respond flexibly to community needs
Project-specific donations, including:
Wakefield Kirkgate Station Adoption, supporting community-led improvements, creative installations and activities at this historic public space
Safe Space, our free inclusion scheme supporting businesses and organisations to become visibly welcoming and supportive environments for LGBT+ people
Direct donations ensure that funding stays within Wakefield and supports projects with a clear, local impact.
Business Sponsorship and Partnerships
We welcome sponsorship from businesses that want to support local LGBT+ inclusion while building positive relationships within the community.
Sponsorship helps fund the delivery of events such as:
Wakefield Community Pride 2026
Our weekly Trivia Quiz
Other community events and creative projects throughout the year
Support can include financial sponsorship, in-kind contributions or longer-term partnerships. Business support helps cover essential costs such as venues, accessibility, equipment and promotion, allowing events to remain affordable and accessible.
Businesses benefit from visible association with inclusive, community-led activity and the opportunity to demonstrate meaningful allyship.
Contact us for more information about sponsorship opportunities.
Donating Prizes for Fundraising
Donating prizes is another valuable way to support our fundraising efforts, particularly for our weekly Trivia Quiz and event raffles.
Prize donations such as vouchers, products or experiences help increase participation and funds raised. We actively acknowledge and promote businesses that donate prizes, including shout-outs during events and recognition through our communications.
We have previously received prize donations from businesses including Morrisons and Lush, whose support helped raise funds while also highlighting their commitment to the local community.
Contact us to discuss prize donations or promotional opportunities.
Merchandise and Information Stalls
LonGBoaT Wakefield runs merchandise and information stalls at Pride events and community celebrations across the region. These stalls raise money directly through merchandise sales while also sharing information about our work, projects and volunteering opportunities.
We can also attend community events, workplace events or festivals with our stall if you would like to book us. Having an LGBT+ charity presence helps promote inclusion, visibility and community engagement while supporting local fundraising.
Contact us if you would like to book our stall for your event.
Volunteering Your Time
Volunteers are central to everything we do. By giving your time, you directly support the delivery of events, activities and projects that benefit the local LGBT+ community.
Volunteering opportunities include supporting events such as Pride and Trivia Quiz nights, helping at our Hub drop-ins, assisting with creative and community projects, and getting involved in the Wakefield Kirkgate Station Adoption through gardening, maintenance and engagement work.
Volunteering with LonGBoaT Wakefield not only strengthens the charity but also helps build inclusive, welcoming spaces across the city.
Current opportunities and details of how to get involved can be found via our Volunteering Hub.