Certified Proud open their annual grant round

As we navigate an evolving landscape, supporting the LGBTQ+ community remains imperative. Despite progress, homophobia and transphobia persist, underscoring the need for continued vigilance in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility, safety, and inclusivity.

Founded in 2020, Certified Proud is a membership accreditation body dedicated to empowering businesses across Ireland to become safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Companies joining the network commit to embedding the Certified Proud principles of safety, visibility, inclusivity, equality, respect, commitment, and advocacy into their organizations. Each year, companies undergo an audit to ensure they are actively promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity. The network includes companies like Sherry Fitzgerald, Goosebump, and Pinsent Masons Law Firm. For a full list of Certified Proud companies, click here.

Now entering its third grant round, Certified Proud has already made a significant impact. The Certified Proud Fund, financed by 40% of membership fees, has provided vital financial support to charities, non-profit organizations, and projects dedicated to the betterment of the LGBTQ+ community. Past recipients have included initiatives ranging from queer sports clubs to national organisations supporting vulnerable LGBTQ+ individuals with health based initiatives, such as HIV Ireland.

Applications for the Certified Proud Fund are now open and will close on the 13th September 2024 at 4pm. We are eager to hear from organisations working to make Ireland a better place for the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you are a charity serving vulnerable LGBTQ+ members or a project promoting queer visibility and inclusion, we encourage you to apply. For more information, visit Fund — Certified Proud.

Donya Anvari, Co-Founder of Certified Proud, said, “At Certified Proud, we have been working with businesses of all sizes to create inclusive, safe spaces for queer people. Today, we are excited to launch the third round of The Certified Proud Fund, which will continue to support charities, non-profit organizations, and projects that are vital to the LGBTQ+ community. The road to equality is a long one, where every person and organization has a responsibility. We hope that the Certified Proud Fund will enable these wonderful organizations to continue their amazing work.”