March comes with some big momentum, plus a few practical ways to stay connected to what’s happening across rainbow communities.
We’re sharing a major organisational milestone for Rainbow Giving Australia, a new opportunity to plug into Sweat with Pride, and a quick wrap of community news, events, and funding opportunities. We’re also spotlighting fresh research on inclusion at work, and linking it back to the community-led organisations we fund who are shifting inclusion in workplaces and teams.
What to expect:
- Rainbow Giving News
- Other LGBTQIA+ Funding Opportunities
- Community
- News
- Events
- Resources
- Ways to Support
1. Rainbow Giving News
ANNOUNCING | A Landmark Win for Giving and Community-Led Change
Rainbow Giving Australia becomes the first LGBTQIA+ organisation to be declared as a Community Charity Trust, paving the way for DGR-1 endorsement.
This is a huge step forward for sustainable, community-led giving, and it strengthens our ability to mobilise more funding for rainbow communities for the long term.
TALKING | In light of Mardi Gras funding challenges, our CEO Em Scott and the need for community to step up
While institutional philanthropy, corporate sponsorships and government funding all have a role to play, Rainbow Giving CEO Em Scott said the power of mobilising community donors should not be underestimated.
"The Mardi Gras funding issues are reflective of the broader landscape within the LGBTQIA+ sector and the challenges the community faces in receiving long-term funding," she said.
"This is an example of where community needs to step up for community…If you see a float for an organisation that interests you, take it as an opportunity to donate."
SWP | CALLING | Hosts for a SWP+ event | Expressions of interest close 8 April 2026
Calling all gyms, sporting teams, social clubs, and event producers: help bring Sweat with Pride to life.
Host your own event this June as part of our national campaign to strengthen rainbow communities. Whether you want to Connect, Move, or Dance, we’ll help promote your event and provide ready-to-use resources.
2. Other LGBTQIA+ Funding Opportunities
PFA | GRANTING | Support for Forcibly Displaced LGBTQIA+ People in Australia | Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions close 5pm AEST Friday 10 April 2026
Pride Foundation Australia (PFA) is proud to announce their first large grant round for 2026 with a total funding pool of $20,000, with a focus on supporting sexuality, sex, and gender diverse (LGBTQIA+) people who have been forcibly displaced and residing in Australia.
Grant applications should be to the value of up to $20,000 over two years (if applicable).
MFET | GRANTING | The Giving Academy Scholarships (CSI) | closes 15 March 2026
Scholarships supported by Minderoo Foundation and Equity Trustees, for eligible applicants including diverse gender identity, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, climate initiative leaders, and small to medium philanthropic orgs with limited PD budgets
3. Community
3.1 News
FDPN | BUILDING | Bridge to Safety - New dedicated support for LGBTIQA+ refugees
For the first time, LGBTIQA+ refugees from Asia and the Pacific will be able to access dedicated support for priority processing in Australia’s humanitarian program. Bridge to Safety is led by Forcibly Displaced People Network (FDPN), with RACS as the legal partner, helping people prepare and lodge humanitarian visa applications and addressing the gap between policy and reality when LGBTQI+ identities are criminalised.
“The program improves access to refugee protection for people who have been left behind for too long. It offers safety, dignity, and the chance to live without fear.” — Dr Renee Dixson
More funding is urgently needed so FDPN can better support people as they arrive in Australia and help bring more people to safety here.
InterAction | REPORTING | Victorian Parliament passes the Health Safeguards Bill, protecting the health and wellbeing of children with innate variations of sex characteristics
"Today we saw history be made. More importantly, however, we saw Victoria stand up for the rights of babies and children with innate variations of sex characteristics. As advocates and activists, today we celebrate and reflect with pride on the many years of work that has led to today's result. But tomorrow, we continue our work in the remaining states and we will persevere until every baby born with an innate variation of sex characteristics in Australia is protected and their bodily integrity and personal autonomy is respected." – Margie McCumstie, Training and Communications Coordinator at InterAction
GEF | TALKING | Gender Expansive Faith: Steff Fenton on ABC RN’s Soul Search
One of our grant partners, Gender Expansive Faith (GEF), was featured on ABC Radio National’s Soul Search last weekend in an episode exploring gender expansive Christianity. The conversation includes guest Steff Fenton (they/them) — a speaker, pastor and author — reflecting on what it can look like when faith communities make room for gender diversity, and what it takes to move beyond rigid, harmful norms.
- Listen Now (54 mins)
SHARING | Some of our amazing grant partners at Mardi Gras parade and Fair Day
- New City Church march for Mardi Gras had approximately 60 people from 10 churches!
- New City Church celebrate Fair Day by giving out queer blessings with seven ministers of faith participating.
- InterAction participated at Mardi Gras. Swim in Ecsta-sea! Where every wave is unique, fierce and free! Be a wave for change - Support Intersex Rights!
3.2 Events
- SYDNEY | GATHERING | Making Rainbow Families Seminar 2026 | Saturday 23 May 2026 | 10am-4pm | A welcoming, supportive space for LGBTQ+ people to learn from experts about starting a family as an LGBTQ+ intended parent. Genea Clinic, Level 3/321 Kent St, Gadigal, Sydney.
- SYDNEY | WALKING | Sex Work: A Legal and Social History Walking Tour (ICLC x SWOP NSW) | Friday 13 March 2026 | 8-10pm | A walking tour of Kings Cross, assemble at El Alamein Fountain, Elizabeth Bay, Gadigal, Sydney.
- AUST | FDPN | WEBINAR | Bridge to Safety: Helping resettle LGBTIQA+ refugees in Australia | Thursday 12 March 2026 | 12pm AEDT | A national program supporting priority processing of humanitarian visas for LGBTIQA+ people from Asia and the Pacific facing persecution. Online via Zoom
- AUST | WEBINAR | Running Meetings That Matter | Thursday 12 Mar 2026 | 1-2pm AEDT | A 1-hour webinar (in association with BoardPro) on making board meetings more strategic and productive, including agenda design, board reports, and decision-making. Online via Zoom
- ASHFIELD | The Queer Careers Expo | 12-13 June 2026 | 10am-4pm | Australia’s first two-day career expo focused on showcasing inclusive, safe workplaces for the LGBTQIA community. If you’re interested in taking part in this landmark event, they’ve just opened Expressions of Interest for Stallholders.
3.3 Resources
DCA | REPORTING | Inclusion @ Work Index 2025–2026 (DCA)
New research from Diversity Council Australia (DCA) shows:
- 59% of workers reported their organisation was inclusive in 2025
- Only 35% reported their manager was inclusive
- 25% experienced discrimination and/or harassment at work in 2025
- Learn More
RGA | FUNDING | Community-led organisations
Working to build safer, more inclusive workplaces and teams. Three from our current Amplify Pride cohort include:
- Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC) - strengthening LGBTQIA+ legal support nationally, including support that helps people navigate workplace discrimination and unfair treatment.
- Pride Cup - helping clubs and teams reduce discrimination and build cultures of belonging through education, advocacy, and Pride Games.
- Inclusive Rainbow Voices - advocating for the visibility and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people with disability, supporting more inclusive workplaces and systems.
GPP | HEARING | Your say: LGBTQI Pathways Study | Closes 21 April 2026
A global survey by Global Philanthropy Project (GPP) and ILGA World (ILGA) building evidence about the work LGBTI civil society organisations do, the funding received, and where the gaps are, to support better targeted funding and advocacy.
Help shape the future of funding for LGBTI communities worldwide
RGA | HEARING | Your Say: Community Feedback Form
We hope to gather input from our communities about the vision and priorities of Rainbow Giving Australia, and how we can best support the LGBTQIA+ community. Please share your thoughts, insights and hopes, and any concerns
Sending love from the Rainbow Giving Australia Team
4. Ways To Support
- Make a Donation
- Leave a Legacy of Love By leaving a gift in will, you can help ensure LGBTQA+ communities continue to thrive for generations to come.
Rainbow Giving Australia: Working towards an empowered, sustainable and united rainbow community
Rainbow Giving Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work. We pay our respects to all Elders past and present. Rainbow Giving Australia is committed to working with First Nations LGBTQIA+ organisations and initiatives to mobilise the resources they need for their important work.
This always was and always will be Aboriginal land. Sovereignty has never been ceded.