We are thrilled to share some incredible news: Chichester Pride has achieved official charity status! This milestone represents not only the dedication of our team and supporters but also a significant new opportunity to strengthen our efforts for LGBTQ+ inclusivity and representation in Chichester and beyond.
Reflecting on Chichester Pride’s journey, it’s remarkable to think how it all started over a simple cup of coffee in 2019 between our co-founders, sharing ideas and dreams for a more inclusive community. From that first conversation, Chichester Pride was built from scratch, fuelled by the passion of a small committee of dedicated volunteers who brought it to life. What began as an ambitious vision rapidly grew into vibrant, successful annual Pride events, with our first-ever Chichester Pride in 2022 (despite a global pandemic attempting to thwart the momentum). Each celebration has strengthened our roots within Chichester and drawn in more voices, allies, and supporters.
Over the years, Chichester Pride has seen changes in leadership and team members, each bringing their unique dedication and skills to help us grow. We are grateful to every individual who has contributed along the way—without whom we would not be able to announce this achievement today. Behind the scenes, we’ve worked hard, refining our structure and laying a solid foundation.
Today, we’re thrilled to announce that Chichester Pride is now a formally registered charity, operating as a Foundation Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This is a testament to everyone’s unwavering support and marks the beginning of a new chapter—one that empowers us to deepen our impact, forge stronger connections, and build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
So, what does this mean for Chichester Pride, our supporters, and the community?
1. Stronger Community Support and Lasting Impact
Charity status empowers Chichester Pride to access funding, grants, and public donations in ways that were previously out of reach. With this, we’ll be able to expand our support networks, enhance our existing events, and introduce new, impactful programs. This added support will be crucial in making our mission to create a safe, supportive, and celebratory space for LGBTQ+ individuals in Chichester a lasting reality.
2. Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
Becoming a registered charity means we are held to high standards of governance, transparency, and ethical practice. This isn’t just a formality; it represents our commitment to our values and mission. As a charity, we’re committed to the responsible use of every donation, providing confidence to our supporters that their contributions directly advance LGBTQ+ equality, inclusivity, and awareness. Charity status is more than a badge; it’s a promise to you, our community.
3. A Vision for Growth and New Initiatives
This new chapter opens doors to bigger and bolder initiatives. We have long envisioned educational programs, collaborative events, and resources that engage both allies and the LGBTQ+ community. Now, as a charity, we can make these ambitions a reality. Look forward to expanded local outreach, educational projects, and partnerships that will deepen our impact in Chichester. Our team is also committed to raising awareness and fostering inclusion across generations, from school communities to local businesses.
4. An Invitation to Get Involved
Our work has only just begun, and we can’t do it alone! As we grow, we’re actively seeking passionate volunteers who believe in the power of diversity, inclusivity, respect and unity across the community in Chichester. Whether you’re interested in supporting fundraising efforts, lending a hand at events, helping with outreach, or bringing fresh ideas to our team, we’d love to connect with you. Chichester Pride is a community, and together, we can make a real difference.
What’s Next?
There’s a lot to look forward to in 2025, starting with a special exhibition at the Novium Museum celebrating Chichester’s LGBTQ+ community. This is just one of the many projects in the works, and we’ll be sharing updates, opportunities, and event details on our social media and website, so make sure to give us a follow and share!
As we celebrate this step forward, we want to thank each one of you for supporting us along the way. Together, we’re building a more inclusive future for Chichester, and we’re only just getting started. Thank you for being a part of this journey; let’s make this new chapter an unforgettable one!
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Exciting News from Chichester Pride – We’re Now an Official Charity!
We’re thrilled to announce that Chichester Pride has officially achieved charity status! This important milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us, one that will enable us to make an even greater impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ people across Chichester.
Go Live Date: Our charity status is effective as of October 2024
This is just the beginning of a new journey, and we’re always looking for passionate people who feel they have something to contribute! If you’re interested in supporting our mission and have time to volunteer, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s start a conversation about how you can help Chichester Pride make a difference!
Thank you to everyone who has supported us along this journey. Together, we can keep championing inclusivity, respect, and unity in our community! Stay tuned for updates on how this change will help us grow and create more opportunities for engagement, education, and advocacy.
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