Successful projects in the latest round of Capital of Equality grants have been announced.

The grants are awarded to initiatives that help remove barriers to equality for Canberra’s LGBTIQA+ communities.

From queer life drawing sessions to inclusive parenting spaces, 14 projects have received grants.

Connection Fund Grant recipients

Connection Fund grants are awarded to individuals and community groups to create a sense of community and belonging for LGBTIQA+ people.

The following projects received Connection Fund grants:

• Canberra Burlesque Academy – Classes, studio time, tailored mentorship, resources, and performance opportunities for LGBTIQA+ artists.

• Nonbinary Chameleon – Production of a 10-minute digital product capturing the autobiographical story of Megan Munro, a queer and disabled person in Canberra.

• Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap – Monthly events showcasing cult classic cinema, including pre-show performances by LGBTIQA+ artists.

• Reclaim Your Power – Ballroom Dancing Workshop – Ballroom and makeup lessons for LGBTIQA+ young people at Belconnen Youth Centre for a Wear It Purple Day event.

• Pride in Every Round – ANU Women's Football Club – Promotion of queer-inclusive soccer by uplifting pride kits and investing in mentorship opportunities.

• Queer Breathwork Canberra – Program of breathwork, meditation, group therapy, embodiment, and social engagement for LGBTIQA+ people.

• Queer Variety Show – Performing arts showcase for people from the LGBTIQA+ and disability communities.

• Queer Run CBR – Community fitness and safe spaces for connection, self-expression and growth.

• FLESH - Queer Life Drawing – A series of queer life drawing sessions to bring together LGBTIQA+ communities in celebration of the diversity of flesh.

• Rainbow Family Zine Series – Creation of resources with LGBTIQA+ parents to help service providers deliver inclusive and needed services.

Partnership and Capacity Building Grant recipients

This grant helps build or expand LGBTIQA+ organisations in the ACT region.

It also helps other community organisations to better support their LGBTIQA+ clients or members.

The following projects received Partnership and Capacity Building Fund grants.

• Rainbow Mob Development – Development of the ACT trans and queer Indigenous youth organisation called Rainbow Mob.

• Rainbow Families ACT – Provides inclusive spaces for LGBTIQA+ parents to connect and participate in parenting courses.

• More Accessible Community Spaces – Supports A Gender Agenda to uplift their capacity to provide more services to transgender, gender diverse and intersex community members with disability.

• The Future of Pink Tennis – Helps Pink Tennis expand its organisation to create an inclusive tennis club for LGBTIQA+ members.

What is Capital of Equality Grants Program?

The Capital of Equality Grants Program aims to support and strengthen Canberra’s LGBTIQA+ communities.

The program has multiple streams of funding.

Both individuals and groups can apply for a grant in the Connection Fund of up to:

• $5,000 for individuals

• $15,000 for not-for-profit organisations and business.

Not-for-profit community organisations can apply for grants in the Partnership and Capacity Building Stream between $25,000 and $50,000.

The program aims to achieve:

• improved understanding of LGBTIQA+ experiences

• improved wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people

• increased participation of LGBTIQA+ communities

• increased capacity and leadership.

How long has the program run?

The program was set up as part of the ACT Government’s Capital of Equality Strategy in 2019.

Since then, it has supported over 100 local projects. These include:

• events

• publications

• resources

• peer-led programs

• new artistic works

• sporting activities designed to improve the social inclusion of LGBTIQA+ Canberrans.

Find out more

Read about previous recipients

Search all ACT Government grants