Context: The very successful ‘Exceeding Expectations' project's 3 year funding comes to an end in September 2009. Given the progress that the work has achieved, it is seen as a priority that funded work challenging homophobia in local schools be continued. To support this, the City Council is making funds available for a further 3 year project (up to £34,000 per year) which is open to application. Applications can be for projects which demonstrate some or all of the following:

• Ways to equip pupils, teachers and other staff, governors and parents with information and resources to challenge homophobia in Manchester schools (both primary and secondary)
• An ‘inclusive' approach, involving the widest range of participants: pupils, teachers and other staff, governors and parents
• Appropriate advice or guidance on sexuality issues aimed at young people
• Multi-agency work, forging partnerships where appropriate
• The use of the arts and/or new media to drive group discussion workshops for pupils and staff ie. an interactive approach
• A timetable of outcome-focussed reports, analysis or evaluation both during and at the culmination of the project via which the project can be monitored.
• Consideration of the different needs of LGBT youth (for example BME LGBT young people)

To be eligible, your organisation must:

Be managed on a not-for-profit basis
Have a membership or service-users drawn from one or more of the following: lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and/or transgender communities in Manchester.

If you wish to be considered, please submit an expression of interest by 5pm on Friday 14th August 2009 outlining your proposal and a budget summary to Jon Atkin (email to j.atkin1@manchester.gov.uk or post to Organisational Improvement and Service Inclusion Team, Chief Executive's Office, Room 3015, Town Hall Extension, Manchester M60 2LA)