Deadline: 13-Jul-2026
The Small Grants Program funds grassroots, community-driven projects that support LGBTQIA+ individuals and promote positive social and mental health outcomes. It is designed to make funding accessible to individuals and small groups who may not qualify for larger grant programs.
The program prioritises inclusive, intersectional, and community-led initiatives.
Key Objectives
- Support LGBTQIA+ wellbeing and inclusion
- Improve mental health outcomes in the community
- Promote positive social connection and support networks
- Strengthen healthy ageing for older LGBTQIA+ individuals
- Encourage intersectional and diverse community participation
- Enable grassroots and small-scale initiatives
Focus Areas
- LGBTQIA+ mental health support
- Social inclusion and community building
- Healthy ageing for older LGBTQIA+ people
- Intersectional identity support (culture, gender, age, background)
- Community-led wellbeing initiatives
- Local support programs and peer networks
Funding Details
- Maximum funding: up to $1,000 per grant
- Designed for small-scale community initiatives
- Supports direct and indirect community benefit
- Flexible use for grassroots project delivery
Eligible Applicants
- Individuals (citizens or permanent residents in Australia)
- Community groups and informal collectives
- Local LGBTQIA+ community organisations
- Groups with shared interest or lived experience
- Applicants may apply with or without an ABN
Application Flexibility
- Auspice organisation preferred but not required
- Individuals can apply directly
- Applicants without an ABN may use a placeholder number
- Designed for low-barrier access to funding
Eligible Projects
- Community support groups or peer networks
- Mental health and wellbeing activities
- LGBTQIA+ social inclusion events
- Programs supporting older LGBTQIA+ people
- Small workshops, gatherings, or outreach activities
- Local initiatives addressing intersectional needs
Ineligible or Limited Scope (Implied Constraints)
- Large-scale infrastructure projects
- Commercial or profit-driven initiatives
- Projects outside LGBTQIA+ community benefit focus
- High-budget or multi-year programmes
How the Program Works: Step-by-Step
- Identify a community need within LGBTQIA+ groups
- Design a small-scale, inclusive project
- Define clear social or mental health outcomes
- Prepare a simple application proposal
- Submit application individually or as a group
- Undergo basic eligibility and relevance review
- If approved, receive funding up to $1,000
- Deliver community-led initiative
- Report outcomes and community impact
Evaluation Criteria
- Relevance to LGBTQIA+ wellbeing
- Impact on mental health or social inclusion
- Inclusion of intersectional communities
- Feasibility within small funding limit
- Community engagement and participation
- Innovation in addressing local needs
Why This Program Matters
- Removes funding barriers for grassroots groups
- Supports LGBTQIA+ mental health and wellbeing
- Encourages inclusive and safe community spaces
- Strengthens support for older LGBTQIA+ people
- Promotes intersectional equity and representation
- Enables rapid, localised community impact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Proposing projects too large for $1,000 budget
- Weak connection to LGBTQIA+ community outcomes
- Lack of clear mental health or social benefit
- Overly complex or administrative project design
- Ignoring intersectional inclusion priorities
- Unclear community engagement plan
Pro Tips
- Keep projects simple, focused, and local
- Clearly show direct benefit to LGBTQIA+ individuals
- Include intersectional groups in your design
- Prioritise wellbeing and inclusion outcomes
- Use funds for immediate community impact
- Highlight lived experience and community leadership
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the maximum funding? $1,000
- Who can apply? Individuals, groups, and community organisations in Australia
- Is an ABN required? No
- What is the main focus? LGBTQIA+ wellbeing and mental health
- Can informal groups apply? Yes
- Is auspicing required? Preferred but not mandatory
- What type of projects are supported? Small community-led initiatives
Conclusion
The Small Grants Program empowers LGBTQIA+ communities in Australia by funding accessible, grassroots initiatives that improve mental health, inclusion, and wellbeing. By supporting small but meaningful projects, it helps strengthen community resilience and fosters safer, more supportive environments for diverse LGBTQIA+ populations.
For more information, visit Pride Foundation Australia.