RISING | A new dawn for rainbow giving in Australia
What an epic month! We launched our pilot year of Rainbow Giving Circle with the first Aurora Nights in Sydney, connected the extraordinary Kevin Jennings with leaders across the region, went to Brisbane for the Philanthropy Australia Conference, brought our Amplify Pride grant partners together in person for the first time and, behind the scenes, continued momentum on our 2027 Grants, GiveOUT Day and our CEO transition.
I am still buzzing from it all. I am exhausted, absolutely thrilled, fiercely proud and more hopeful than ever about what we are building together.
Jones Jones (they/them), Acting Co-CEO
HOSTING | Kevin Jennings at Aurora Nights
“What Rainbow Giving is doing in Australia is one of the most exciting philanthropic initiatives I have ever seen” – Kevin Jennings
Earlier this month, we hosted Aurora Nights to mark the launch of the pilot year of Rainbow Giving Circle, our new community-led collective giving program. Special guest speaker Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal (US), was so moved that he became a Founding Member of the Circle himself. If you or someone you know would like to join him and be a part of our fresh way to give to LGBTQIA+ communities, please get in touch. We’d love to welcome you.
REFLECTING | What Kevin Jennings reminded me about hope: a personal reflection from Jones
“I knew Kevin’s professional story before he arrived in Sydney: a lifelong advocate, movement leader, educator and fundraiser whose work has helped shape LGBTQIA+ progress in the United States. What I could not fully anticipate was the warmth, generosity and joy he would bring to every room – and how much I would personally take from our time together.”
CALLING | more supporters to help meet demand for 2027 Grants
This year, we received 142 expressions of interest across our 2027 Ignite Pride and Queer Futures Fund grants, reflecting both the extraordinary breadth of community-led work and the scale of unmet need. On Monday (28 September), applicants will hear whether they have progressed to the next stage.
Supporters, we need you in this with us. Our 2027 grant pool needs a top-up. More funding means more LGBTQIA+ communities supported, more bold ideas backed and more change made possible. If you are collaborative and trust-based with $5,000 to $20,000 to contribute, please contact us at info@rainbowgiving.org.au.
REPORTING | Sweaty Bettys at a workout
How we made Pride Month count: a look back at Sweat with Pride 2026 by Jake
This past June, 1,829 Sweaty Bettys moved for 21 minutes each day, rallied their supporters and raised over $240,000 to strengthen rainbow communities. In a new blog post, campaign lead Jake takes a look back at how we turned 30 days of Sweat into 365 days of Pride, with inspiring results.
APPROACHING | GiveOUT Day 2026: Make an early move today
There‘s no need to wait until GiveOUT Day on 15 October. Early donations are now open for over 100 LGBTQIA+ causes, with dollar matching so eligible gifts go twice as far.
You can also register a Gathering for your favourite cause and bring people together to fundraise, or post a love note to a cause’s profile to inspire others. No matter your move, start by finding a cause that speaks to your heart.
WELCOMING | Tasha!
Say hello to Tasha Casey (she/her), who recently joined the Rainbow Giving team as our new Marketing Coordinator. Originally from Ireland, Tasha moved to Sydney seeking adventure and community, and we’re delighted that she’s chosen to find it with us.
SPOTLIGHTING | Funding Opportunities
Adelaide Film Festival (AFF) and Pride Foundation Australia (PFA) will provide a $60,000 grant for one short film production for LGBTQIA+ Australian storytellers at all career levels.
Pride Foundation Australia (PFA) Small Grants of up to $1,000 are available for projects from individuals, organisations and communities who'd otherwise miss out. Projects must assist, involve or benefit LGBTQIA+ people, and promote positive social outcomes and mental health.
HIGHLIGHTING | Community
We’re proud to support ACON’s Honour Awards as a community partner. Join the finalists, community leaders and celebrity guests in celebrating the dynamic spirit of NSW's rainbow communities at an inspirational awards ceremony and fabulously fun cocktail party.
- Where: Paddington Town Hall, Sydney/Gadigal
- Cost: General Admission $45, Mob Tix $35
- Bookings: online via ACON Honour Awards
Across 17 days, Newcastle Pride (NEPR) is back with a variety of family-friendly activities, parties and shows, from music bingo to poetry reading. The festival’s flagship Pride Parade will take place on 24 October as one of the many free events on offer.
With support for regional Pride festivals and grassroots projects across Queensland, the grants will help a variety of community organisations turn their ideas into action throughout the year.
RELYING | On Generosity
We rely on the generosity to help us back community-led causes that change lives. Every gift strengthens the ecosystem of rainbow love, care and creativity that enriches us all.
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.