Deadline: 18-Jan-2026
The Funding to Develop LGBTIQA+ Community Leaders program by the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government provides small grants of up to $1,500 to support leadership development, inclusion, and wellbeing within LGBTIQA+ communities. The initiative funds grassroots activities that build skills, strengthen community connections, and empower emerging LGBTIQA+ leaders across Australia.
The Funding to Develop LGBTIQA+ Community Leaders initiative is a community-focused grant program delivered by the Australian Capital Territory Government.
The program is designed to strengthen leadership, resilience, and inclusion within LGBTIQA+ communities by supporting locally driven activities that empower individuals, foster participation, and create safe, supportive environments where diverse voices can thrive.
Purpose of the Program
This funding opportunity aims to invest in grassroots leadership development within LGBTIQA+ communities.
The program supports initiatives that:
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Build leadership skills and confidence
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Encourage active community participation
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Strengthen social connection and peer support
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Promote inclusion, wellbeing, and representation
By focusing on community-led approaches, the program ensures initiatives are responsive to local needs and lived experiences.
Who Is Eligible?
The funding is open to organisations and groups that work directly with LGBTIQA+ communities.
Eligible applicants include:
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Community organisations supporting LGBTIQA+ people
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Informal or grassroots groups delivering community activities
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Groups focused on leadership development, wellbeing, or inclusion
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Organisations with experience engaging LGBTIQA+ communities
Applicants must demonstrate a clear connection to the communities they serve and the ability to deliver meaningful activities.
What Activities Can Be Funded?
Funded initiatives should focus on leadership development and community wellbeing.
Eligible activities may include:
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Leadership training sessions
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Skills-building workshops
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Peer support or mentoring initiatives
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Community-led leadership programs
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Activities that build confidence and participation among emerging leaders
Projects should clearly show how they empower individuals and strengthen community capacity.
Grant Amounts and Funding Levels
Successful applicants can receive up to $1,500, with funding levels varying by location.
Maximum funding amounts are:
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Up to $650 for projects delivered in the ACT
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Up to $1,000 for projects delivered in New South Wales
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Up to $1,500 for projects delivered elsewhere in Australia
Funding is intended to support small-scale, targeted initiatives with clear and achievable outcomes.
How the Funding Works
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Eligible organisations or groups design a leadership-focused initiative
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Applicants submit a proposal outlining activities and expected outcomes
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Applications are assessed based on relevance, feasibility, and community benefit
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Successful applicants receive funding to deliver approved activities
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Funded projects implement initiatives and support LGBTIQA+ leadership development
Applicants should clearly explain how funding will be used and how activities align with program goals.
Why This Funding Matters
LGBTIQA+ communities often face barriers to leadership, representation, and participation.
This initiative is important because it:
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Supports emerging LGBTIQA+ leaders at the grassroots level
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Strengthens community networks and peer connections
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Improves visibility and representation of diverse voices
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Promotes long-term inclusion, resilience, and wellbeing
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Enables locally relevant, community-driven solutions
By investing in people and skills, the program contributes to stronger, more inclusive communities.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants are encouraged to:
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Clearly identify the leadership skills your project will build
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Demonstrate understanding of local LGBTIQA+ community needs
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Propose realistic, achievable activities within the funding amount
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Explain how participants will benefit in the long term
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Show how your initiative fosters inclusion and connection
Strong applications clearly link activities to leadership outcomes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting activities that are not clearly focused on leadership development
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Failing to explain how the community will benefit
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Proposing activities that exceed the funding limits
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Providing vague or overly broad project descriptions
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Not aligning the project with LGBTIQA+ inclusion and wellbeing goals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for this funding?
Organisations and groups working with LGBTIQA+ communities and delivering leadership or wellbeing activities are eligible to apply.
What is the maximum grant amount?
Applicants can receive up to $1,500, depending on where the project is delivered.
Can informal community groups apply?
Yes. Grassroots and community-based groups are encouraged to apply if they work with LGBTIQA+ communities.
What types of projects are prioritised?
Projects that build leadership skills, confidence, participation, and community connection are prioritised.
Does the project need to be based in the ACT?
No. Projects can be delivered across Australia, with different funding caps for the ACT, NSW, and other regions.
Can the funding be used for workshops and training?
Yes. Training sessions, workshops, peer support initiatives, and leadership programs are all eligible.
How should applicants demonstrate impact?
Applicants should explain how their activities will build leadership capacity and create lasting benefits for participants and the wider community.
Conclusion
The Funding to Develop LGBTIQA+ Community Leaders program by the ACT Government offers a practical and accessible opportunity to strengthen leadership, inclusion, and wellbeing within LGBTIQA+ communities. By supporting small-scale, community-led initiatives, the program empowers emerging leaders, builds resilience, and helps ensure diverse voices are represented and supported across Australia.
For more information, visit ACT Government.
