Funding available to promote connections for LGBTIQA+ People (Australia)

Deadline: 27-Jan-25

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government is inviting applications for its Connection Fund to support community focused projects.

The goal is to create a sense of community and belonging for LGBTIQA+ people. The grant is part of the Capital of Equality Grants Program. The program aims to achieve:

• improved understanding of LGBTIQA+ experiences
• improved wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people
• increased participation of LGBTIQA+ communities
• increased capacity and leadership.

Funding Information

• Individuals can get a grant of up to $5,000.
• Not-for-profit organisations and businesses can get up to $15,000.

Eligible Projects

• Your project must either:
  • improve understanding of LGBTIQA+ experiences
  • improve wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people
  • increase participation of LGBTIQA+ communities.
• Examples of projects include:
  • community events supporting inclusion and connection
  • publications on LGBTIQA+ voices in Canberra
  • events showcasing the talent of LGBTIQA+ people in the arts or sports
  • entrepreneurial projects and start-ups that support LGBTIQA+ people and communities
  • awareness raising activities.
• You must finish your project within 1 year.

Eligibility Criteria

• Individuals
  • You can apply if you live in the ACT region.
  • If you’ve previously received an ACT Government grant, you must have submitted the final report.
  • If you’re under 18, you’ll need your parent’s consent.
  • You can apply for this grant if you’re on a temporary visa, as long as it expires in 2 or more years.
  • If you think you need more support with your project, you can ask for help from an eligible not-for-profit organisation. They call this the ‘auspicing’ organisation.
  • The auspicing organisation will need to:
    • take financial responsibility for your grant
    • give you a letter confirming they’ll support your project.
  • You’ll still be responsible for running your project.
• Not-for-profits and community groups
  • Not-for-profit organisations and community groups can apply if they’re either:
    • based in the ACT
    • running their project in the ACT.
  • If you’ve previously received an ACT Government grant, you must have submitted the final report.
  • Unregistered community groups or those without an Australian Business Number (ABN) can still apply. You must have the support of an eligible not-for-profit organisation. They call this the ‘auspicing’ organisation.
  • The auspicing organisation will need to:
    • take financial responsibility for your grant
    • give you a letter confirming they’ll support your project.
  • You’ll still be responsible for running your project.
  • If applicable, organisations should also:
    • have current public liability insurance
    • be registered for GST.
• For-profit organisations
  • Social enterprises or businesses can apply if they:
    • are based in the ACT or running their project in the ACT
    • have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
    • can show that their business or project benefits LGBTIQA+ communities
    • can show a strong financial need for this grant
  • If you’ve previously received an ACT Government grant, you must have submitted the final report.
  • If applicable, applicants should also:
    • have current public liability insurance
    • be registered for GST.
  • If your project requires public liability insurance, you can ask for the money as part of your application.

For more information, visit ACT Government.