Brighton Rainbow Fund

The Brighton Rainbow Fund, established in 2011 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation by James Ledward and Paul Elgood, functioned as a grassroots hub for community fundraising—primarily from Brighton Pride proceeds and local donations—to support LGBTQ+ and HIV organisations in Brighton and Hove. Its core mission addressed inequalities, social isolation, and health challenges through transparent, needs-led grants, guided by values of empowerment, local accountability, diversity, and maximum impact via a no-paid-staff model. Though it ceased operations amid governance issues (including undeclared grants and loans), its principles and assets transferred to the Pride Community Foundation's (PCF) Restart Fund, continuing this community-stewarded legacy.

It funds projects bolstering social inclusion, mental health, wellbeing, safety, and dignity for LGBTQ+ people and those affected by HIV, including peer support (e.g., Lunch Positive nutrition clubs), suicide prevention counselling (MindOut), dementia support for older LGBTQ+ adults (Switchboard Rainbow Café), community safety forums, youth services (Peer Action), and innovative activities like accessible events or social groups. Grants support both core costs and targeted initiatives for established charities (e.g., Sussex Beacon) and grassroots groups.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, CICs, or community groups operating exclusively in Brighton and Hove, prioritising smaller entities without strict income limits; no religious restrictions apply. Submit unsolicited applications via PCF's online form for the Restart Fund (open until 24 November 2025), with quarterly decisions. Typical grants range £2,000–£20,000 (often £3,000–£10,000). Distinctively community-directed by local LGBTQ+ panels, it excludes non-local or unrelated causes, differentiating via Pride-linked, hyper-local transparency and participatory allocation.