Applications open for LGBTIQ+ grants program

By ALLISON HORE

ANZ and Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras have opened applications for their national LGBTIQ+ community grants program. 

The program aims to increase support and inclusivity for the LGBTIQ+ community across the country by providing grants of up to $10,000 for not-for-profit community organisations, charities and individuals.

“We hope the 2020 grants can help more groups and individuals thrive in different ways and we look forward to seeing these take place throughout the year,” ANZ Chief Finance Officer and Executive Sponsor of the Pride Network, Michelle Jablko, said.

Funding provided through the program goes towards a wide range of initiatives including Education and Training, Creation, Arts and Culture, and Community Development which includes sporting clubs.

Since the program began in 2018, 30 grants totalling $200,000 have been given out to community groups across Australia. 

Amongst last years’ recipients was the Asylum Seeker center in Newtown which offers support for asylum seekers living in Sydney. The grant helped the center expand their services to offer LGBTIQ+ friendly legal, health and employment services as well as organising free social events for LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers. 

House of Silky, a collective of Sydney-based QTPOC (queer and trans people of colour) artists also recieved a grant in 2019. The group is made up of nine queer and trans vogue and ballroom artists of Asia-Pacifika and African diaspora. The grant they received helped them to build a space of refuge and improve their competitiveness in performance.

“The program highlights the incredible work of organisations and individuals across sports, arts, music, mental health, wellbeing and beyond and we look forward to supporting those who do so much to enrich the lives of our LBGTIQ+ community,” said Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO, Albert Kruger.

Applications for the program will be open from today, the 1st of September, through to October 4th. The successful applicants will be announced in November.