A new funding initiative has been launched to assist LGBTQ+ organisations struggling financially following the collapse of the Brighton Rainbow Fund. The Restart Fund, introduced by the Pride Community Foundation (PCF) on October 27, is designed to help community groups affected by unpaid grants. The scheme builds on earlier emergency funding efforts that saw Brighton & Hove Pride and local partners distribute over £62,000 to support vulnerable LGBTQ+ charities.
Leslie Clarke, CEO of the PCF, described the failure of the Brighton Rainbow Fund as “catastrophic” for many local LGBTQ+ projects. Thanks to fundraising by Brighton Pride in 2025, £30,000 has now been ringfenced for the Restart Fund to provide one-off grants to those most in need. Although the new fund cannot replace all the lost BRF grants, it aims to offer critical short-term relief for organisations facing closure or operational challenges.
The emergency support previously assisted key community organisations such as The Clare Project, Lunch Positive, Trans Pride Brighton, and LGBTQ Switchboard. Brighton Pride raised £200,000 in 2025 through a mix of a £2-per-ticket contribution and donations from local venues, including Legends, Patterns, and Concorde2. Starting in 2026, the minimum contribution per Pride ticket will increase to £2.50, with proceeds dedicated to future grant-making through the PCF.
Paul Kemp, director of Brighton Pride CIC, praised the establishment of the Pride Community Foundation, highlighting that its advisory board and community engagement structure would strengthen transparency and ensure independent management of future grants. The PCF plans to hold quarterly meetings to promote accountability and collaboration with the wider community.
Clarke encouraged individuals and organisations passionate about equality to connect with the foundation and support its work, expressing gratitude for the continued community solidarity. Applications for the Restart Fund are open until November 24.
