L’Asterisk Leadership Fund

Over 30 projects were funded since the starting of this program

What is the Leadership Fund?

The LGBT+ Leadership Fund is a new project that aims to provide funds and support for projects of a maximum duration of 3 months by/for young LGBTQIA2S+ between age 14-35 that align with Asterisk's objectives:

  • Providing  a welcoming and safe(r) place of social networking for young LGBTQIA2S+ to fight against the various problems they face;

  • Offering an alternative to commercial places as places of socialization and meetings;

  • Countering isolation and allowing young people to express their reality;

  • Sharing safe(r) resources and community initiatives through LGBTQIA2S+ youth communities, considering what differentiates them and connects them

What types of projects are likely to receive funding?

The project can be of various types, focusing on uplifting and supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. It must strictly avoid alcohol, drugs, or anything potentially harmful.

Examples of previously accepted projects include:

  • Woodworking;

  • Outdoor markets;

  • Transmasc choir;

  • Comedy shows;

  • Trans picnic;

  • Masterclasses on makeup for trans women and trans-femmes;

And many more…

What are the Leadership Fund tiers?

The Leadership Fund Tiers

Tier 1: $500

Eligibility: First-time applicants; no prior experience in organizing workshops/projects.
Project Scope: Small-scale individual/group projects; low-cost materials and minimal expenses.
Examples: Workshop for 10-15 participants or a small individual creative project.

Tier 2:$1000

Eligibility: Experience required in similar projects or events.
Project Scope: Small to medium community or individual projects.
Examples: Workshop series, community market event, individual photo or zine project.

Tier 3 $2000

Eligibility: Applicants must have significant experience in similar projects.
Project Scope: Larger projects with broader reach and impact, involving more participants and higher visibility.
Examples: Film showcases, large event series, and projects compensating artists.

What happens when you are accepted?

When a project is accepted, our team will support the youth participant(s) in planning the project tasks and budget. Besides the project fund, our team coordinates a resource bank to ensure project accessibility. Depending on the needs of the youth participants, our team is present for meetings to support the youth in their projects and to share our network of resources. Our team may be present for public event projects to facilitate LGBTQ+ awareness and youth resource booths.

How often do applications open?

Applications open twice a year : once in the late summer and once during winter.

When do applications open and end?

Application Period:

  • Start: December 20th 2024

  • End: January 20th 2024

Notification:

  • All applicants will be contacted the week of January 20th-February 3rd

  • Project Timeline:

  • Start: Between February 10th -17th

  • End: Strict deadline of June 23rd, 2025

What Happens After You Apply to the Grant?

Initial Contact:

  • You will receive an email indicating whether you have advanced to the next step of the application process.

    • Phase 2 - Scheduling a Meeting:

      • If accepted into Phase 2, you will be asked to schedule a meeting with the project manager.

      • During this meeting, you will discuss your project and introduce yourself to the team.

  • Final Decision:

    • After the meeting, you will be contacted within the week to know if you are part of the Leadership Fund.

    • Note: A meeting does not guarantee that you will receive the grant.