COMMUNITY groups and good causes across Brighton and Hove are invited to bid for a grant from funds raised during this year’s Pride.

Now in its third year, the Pride Social Impact Fund is accepting applications from organisations which need a hand to make a difference in their community.

The money comes from contributions made by businesses within the Pride Village Party in the St James’s Street area as well as Pride ticket sales.

Fund chairman Tim Ridgway said: “In just a few years, the fund has made a massive impact to the lives of thousands of people across the city, proving the Pride celebrations can have an impact on the community beyond just one weekend a year.

Projects put forward do not have to be LGBT related and do not have to be directly linked to Pride.

However big or small, the only criteria is the project will brighten up people’s lives by the time Pride comes round again next year.

This year, up to £19,755 is available for groups to bid for.

Argus editor Arron Hendy will be among those on a panel set up to decide where the money will go.

He said: “I was at Pride this year enjoying what is an absolutely amazing event for the city.

“It creates a real feelgood factor and shows what Brighton and Hove is all about in terms of everybody respecting each other, accepting and celebrating all of our differences.

“So Pride is a fantastic week in itself but the fact it raises so much for good causes is another great part of this event.

“So well done to Pride director Paul Kemp for another fantastic year and I am honoured to be invited to help look at where the money should go.

“As we too are at the heart of the community, we hear about all the good and deserving causes in the city and see the positive work that they do.”

Submissions should be a maximum of 400 words mapping out how the money will be spent and why the cause is deserving.

The maximum award will be £1,000 and there is no lower limit.

Bids should be emailed to bhsocialimpactfund@gmail.com by midday on November 30.

Successful applicants will be informed by the end of December.