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Grants to Support 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Groups, Provincial Conference

Press Release

June 10, 2026

Community organizations serving 2SLGBTQIA+ Nova Scotians are receiving provincial support for 11 projects, and there is also funding for a provincial conference in Truro this fall.

The investments support the Province’s first 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan, released earlier this year.

“All Nova Scotians deserve to feel welcome, safe and supported. As we mark Pride Month, we recognize the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across Nova Scotia,” said Attorney General and Justice Minister Scott Armstrong, Minister responsible for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism. “We’re investing in local organizations to strengthen inclusion, create safer spaces and build more connected communities as part of our commitment to make Nova Scotia a province where everyone belongs.”

Community organizations are receiving more than $176,000 through the first round of grants in the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Impact Grant program.

Among the recipients is LakeCity Works in Dartmouth, which is receiving $25,000 for its Queer Careers program. It provides immersive paid work placements where participants learn employment skills, gain credentials and receive peer support to secure and maintain meaningful employment.

Beyond the grant program, the Province is providing $50,000 to Truro Pride for hosting a provincial conference this year. The event will focus on strengthening connection, collaboration, knowledge-sharing and capacity across the 2SLGBTQIA+ non-profit sector in Nova Scotia.

Quotes:

“This support reflects LakeCity Works’ deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a strong focus on uplifting and empowering the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We believe that when 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals are supported to fully participate and thrive, it strengthens not only their own pathways, but the well-being of our entire community. By bringing diverse groups together, we foster greater understanding, connection and belonging across Nova Scotia. Thank you to the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism for supporting organizations like ours through this funding.”
— Tim Vassallo, Director of Development and Partnerships, LakeCity Works

“Creating spaces where people can come together, share knowledge and support one another matters deeply. This conference will help strengthen the relationships and collaboration that support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across Nova Scotia. We are grateful for the opportunity to host this conference in Truro.”
— Jillian Toonders, Chair, Truro Pride Society

Quick Facts:

  • the Province’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan and the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Impact Grant program were announced in January
  • community-based organizations can apply for a grant of up to $25,000 per project through the program
  • funding for the first round of grants in this program is from the 2025-26 fiscal year
  • the office also provides funding through the Community Network Grant program

Additional Resources:

Grants have been awarded to the following organizations and projects:

  • SeaHorse Sexual Health Centre, Sheet Harbour – $12,067 to expand outreach and services for queer and trans communities across the Eastern Shore
  • Pictou County Pride – $25,000 to hire a community development manager to help develop a strategic plan and strengthen outreach, communications and partnerships
  • Lunenburg Foundation for the Arts – $19,700 to support a year-round series of arts, cultural and community-building initiatives led by Petite Queer Pride on the South Shore
  • Crows’ Commons Co-operative, Springfield, Annapolis County – $4,820 to support planning for a five-unit affordable housing project in Springfield intended for queer, trans and disabled residents
  • Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia – $5,154 for administration and liability insurance for the Rural Pride Fund, a pilot initiative helping grassroots Pride organizers in rural communities
  • DalOUTT Club, Dalhousie University – $4,320 to lead a student-driven 2SLGBTQIA+ mural project at the Haley Institute of Animal Science and Aquaculture at Dalhousie’s agricultural campus in Bible Hill
  • LakeCity Works, Dartmouth – $25,000 to deliver a third cohort of the Queer Careers employability program, expanding eligibility beyond youth to serve the broader 2SLGBTQIA+ community
  • MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, Dartmouth – $21,000 to support and sustain its gender and sexuality alliance programming for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth both in and outside of Halifax Regional Municipality
  • Ship’s Company Theatre, Parrsboro – $18,000 to enhance its weekly Queer Drop-in program and support the theatre’s first Pride festival
  • SHYFT Yarmouth – $25,000 to expand its True 2 You initiative to better support queer and trans youth under 25 in the tri-county region
  • Undercurrent Youth Society, Glace Bay – $16,148 to deliver an eight-week affirming, nature-based summer experience for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth

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