The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is returning on 14 February to 2 March 2025.
The 2025 Festival theme ‘Free to be’ is a celebration of the strides toward true LGBTQIA+ equality while also acting as a global reminder that our fight is far from over, and that we are not truly free until we are all free to be.
In honour of Mardi Gras, we are sharing some upcoming grant opportunities focused on initiatives supporting the LGBTQIA+ communities.
Some of these deadlines are looming – so be quick, and as always, make sure you read the guidelines carefully!
Rainbow Giving Australia GiveOUT Day 2025—Expressions of interest now open
GiveOUT Day is Australia’s only dedicated day for LGBTQIA+ giving, created to address the chronic underfunding of our community’s organisations. On the third Thursday of October each year, the entire rainbow community unites to celebrate, fundraise, and champion the incredible work being done by 120+ LGBTQIA+ non-profits nationwide.
All participating initiatives receive their own fundraising profile on the GiveOUT Day platform. Thanks to the generosity of philanthropic partners, public donations are matched dollar-for-dollar—doubling the impact for every organisation involved!
Pride Foundation Australia Small Grants Program—Open all year round with particular cut off dates throughout the year for assessment purposes.
The program supports projects proposed by individuals and or organisations and or communities who would otherwise be limited by the constraints of other funding programs.
The project needs to directly or indirectly assist, involve and benefit LGBTQIA+ people and promote positive social outcomes and mental health in the community.
Maximum grant value is $2,000.
Lesbians Inc Australia Community Grants Program—Round 1 2025 – Expressions of Interest closing 16 February 2025
Lesbians Incorporated grants will support projects that:
- meet an identified social, cultural, educational, health, welfare, recreational, personal development or legal need of the lesbian community
- target discrimination against lesbians and/or aim to improve the civil rights and/or status of lesbians within the general community
- aim to improve the access of lesbians to programs, services, activities and opportunities available to the general community
- aim to increase the vocational training and/or employment opportunities of lesbians.
Maximum grant value is $10,000. Total grant pool is $10,000.
Kaleidoscope International – Applications closing 17 February 2025, online information sessions 6 and 11 February
The Accelerator Grants are a new and innovative targeted initiative under Kaleidoscope Trust’s S.U.R.G.E. Project aimed at strengthening LGBTI+ organisations and movements across the Commonwealth through capacity building and collective advocacy.
This project is funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Commonwealth-based LGBTI+ rights organisations are eligible to apply.
Working it Out LGBTIQA+ Small Community Grants (TAS)—Applications now open
This grants program is in recognition of the important work that individuals/ communities undertake at the local level to connect and support LGBTIQA+ community members.
The aim of the grants is to promote community connection and engagement, which in turn fosters positive mental health outcomes for LGBTIQA+ people in Tasmania. The grant supports projects/activities/events proposed by individuals, groups, or communities who may not be eligible to apply for other grants.
Maximum grant value is $750.
Tasmanian Government Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer Asexual + (LGBTIQA+) Grants Program 2025 – Applications close 18 March 2025
Through the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, the Tasmanian Government committed to continuing its support for equality in Tasmania.
The Grants Program’s purpose is to provide funding to assist community organisations, tertiary institutions and Local Government to:
- Build capacity of the LGBTIQA+ community,
- Foster inclusion, respect and dignity for LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians,
- Enhance access to services and increase participation for LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians.
LGBTIQA+ Leadership Grant—Applications open 4 times a year. The next round is 3 March to 27 April 2025
This grant supports people who want to develop or improve as an LGBTIQA+ leader. The grant is part of the ACT Government 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.
Maximum grant value is $650 in the ACT, $1,000 in NSW and $1,500 elsewhere in Australia.