The I Am Me Foundation was created to help members of the LGBTQIA+ community access gender-affirming treatment and care that might otherwise remain out of reach. Now, with renewed support from the Milford Community Connection Program, the Foundation is one step closer to providing its next grant to someone on that journey.

Founded in 2023 by musician Tash Sultana and their wife Jaimie, the Foundation exists to remove financial barriers and support people through a deeply personal and often financially challenging process. For co-founder and secretary Mark Rice, who’s also a financial adviser at MCR Wealth, the mission is as powerful as it is urgent.

“We know that our ability to provide these grants will literally save people’s lives,” says Mark. “It also allows them to be unapologetically themselves, which is exactly what our Foundation is about.”

A Personal Connection Becomes a Shared Mission
Mark’s involvement with the Foundation began when Tash and Jaimie approached him to help bring their vision to life. For years, Tash had advocated for equality and self-expression, and together with Jaimie, felt the time had come to turn that advocacy into action.

“They asked me to help launch the Foundation, raise funds, and support with operations. It’s been an honour ever since,” says Mark.

How the Milford Grant Helps
In 2024, the I Am Me Foundation awarded its first financial grant, supported by Milford’s Community Connection Program. That initial funding helped kick-start the Foundation’s impact. When the opportunity came around again in 2025, Mark was hesitant to apply, knowing how many deserving organisations were also doing important work.

“But our Milford BDM, Hayley Cochrane, encouraged me to apply again. We were absolutely stoked to receive a second grant.”

This year’s funding will go towards the Foundation’s next grant recipient. Each grant is tailored to help someone on their transitioning journey by covering treatments or surgery that may not otherwise be financially accessible.

Backing Communities That Matter
Mark has worked with the Milford team for several years and says what sets the Community Connection Program apart is how genuinely focused it is on local impact.

“It’s all about supporting the community,” he explains. “Communities are the lifeblood of our society. They bring together friendship, sport, entertainment, energy and purpose. And to help communities thrive, you need funding.”

He adds that it’s encouraging to see Milford backing causes beyond financial returns. “It’s amazing that Milford is prepared to put its profits behind so many great community programs.”

What Being Part of the Program Means
Mark says being part of the Foundation has taught him a lot about himself, about others, and about the power of listening and supporting people with respect and dignity.

“To be part of the Milford program is also an honour. I know there are so many worthy charities out there and people working just as hard as we are to help others. We’re really appreciative of the support.”

About the Foundation
The I Am Me Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation, founded by Tash Sultana, Jimi Sultana, and Mark Rice. Its mission is to provide financial assistance and support to individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, especially those seeking gender-affirming treatment or surgery. By removing financial barriers, the Foundation aims to support people through some of the most meaningful and transformative moments in their lives, so they can live proudly, safely, and unapologetically as themselves.