October 2026 Recipients - $5000 awarded
1) Inter-Cultural Association (ICA) of Greater Victoria - Queer Refugees Program (Victoria) - $4000
Actions (March-December 2027):
The activities proposed in this grant would feature a combination of emotional, mental, and physical wellness activities that would create opportunities for LGBTQ+ newcomers to make bonds and connections to the wider community in a culturally sensitive and LGBTQ2S+ safe environment. They would occur alongside existing ICA programming in the Q+ Crew; a peer support group for LGBTQ+ newcomers. The grant would fund a variety of cultural activities that would be open to both existing Q+ Crew clients and clients who are looking to build relationships within community. One of the activities – a community awareness night – would celebrate the unique strengths of LGBTQ+ newcomers and allow the wider community to learn of their experiences.
2) Gender Generations Project - Queer Youth Retreat (Victoria) - $1000
Funding provided: For accessible bus transportation for 16 youth and financial travel subsidies for rural youth. These were for them to attend a weekend retreat in October for students (Kindergarten to Grade 12 - divided into 3 age groupings) and their families. It included workshops for LGBTQ+ students, their parents and caregivers. Students were paired with mentors for the weekend workshops. IQAWC has funded these retreats before in 2022 and 2024. The Gender Generations Project is a registered charity.