ANZ and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have announced that applications are now open for its national LGBTQI+ community grants program.
Now in its third year, the ANZ and Sydney Mardi Gras Community Grants program aims to increase support and inclusivity for the LGBTIQ+ community nationwide by providing grants of up to $10,000 to LGBTIQ+ not-for-profit community organisations, charities and individuals.
ANZ research commissioned earlier this year found that the majority of Australia’s LGBTIQ+ community have been the victim of hurtful or homophobic language (69%) in the past 12 months.
By contrast, less than half of non-LGBTIQ+ Australians believe that there’s an issue with hurtful language directed at the community (41%), demonstrating the need to further support the community, and groups helping champion inclusion.
“As advocates of diversity, inclusion and respect, ANZ is proud to launch the program for the third consecutive year, continuing to show our unwavering support for Australia’s LGBTIQ+ community,” said ANZ Executive Sponsor of the Pride Network and ANZ Chief Finance Officer, Michelle Jablko.
“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”.
The ANZ & Sydney Mardi Gras Community Grants program provides financial funding for a wide range of purposes including Education and Training; Creation, Arts and Culture; and Community Development. To date, 30 grants have been given out since 2018 totalling $200,000.
“We are delighted to officially open applications for the 2020 program, working in collaboration with ANZ to continue to provide funding to a diverse range of recipients under the LGBTIQ+ umbrella,” said Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO, Albert Kruger.
“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.”
Applications for the ANZ and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Community Grants are now open and close 4 October. Successful applicants will be announced week commencing 16 November 2020. For more information, visit: www.anz.com for details.
Image: photo by Joyce McCown on Unsplash