Rainbow Giving Australia launches with $1m for LGBTQIA+ causes

This week, The Aurora Group and GiveOUT, two community-led LGBTQIA+ funders, announced their merger to become Rainbow Giving Australia. This union creates a national LGBTQIA+ foundation dedicated to empowering Australian rainbow communities.

As a one-stop-shop for rainbow funding, Rainbow Giving Australia will champion the needs of the community and amplify support for grassroots LGBTQIA+ initiatives.

Over the past 25 years, The Aurora Group and GiveOUT have jointly paved the way for a stronger LGBTQIA+ sector by investing in grassroots organisations that tackle pressing community issues. In 2020, before formally partnering, the two organisations raised and distributed $226,690 to rainbow communities. Since then, they’ve continued to build momentum, collaborating on research like the Where are The Rainbow Resources report, and establishing the Amplify Pride Fund, which distributed more than $450,000 in only two years.

This year, thanks to more than $500,000 raised on GiveOUT Day and an additional $500,000 to be granted via the Amplify Pride Fund and Ignite Pride Fund, Rainbow Giving Australia will distribute $1 million to LGBTQIA+ communities across the country.

The merger recognises a shared vision, successful track record and the urgent need to maximise resources for the LGBTQIA+ sector. Backed up by an extensive due diligence process demonstrating its value to both organisations and the sector at large, this merger aims to transform the national funding landscape for LGBTQIA+ community leaders, organisations, and initiatives. Signature events such as Aurora Ball and GiveOUT Day will continue under Rainbow Giving Australia’s banner.

GiveOUT Day 2024 saw tremendous growth, mobilising more than half a million dollars for 120 LGBTQIA+ organisations and projects, including nearly $100,000 for those focussed specifically on trans and gender diverse communities. This marks a 23.5% increase in funds compared to 2023 – a testament to rising community support.

“By joining forces, we are amplifying our impact and setting a stronger foundation for the future of our community,” said Rainbow Giving Australia CEO, Em Scott. “This is about mobilising much needed funding, but it’s also about unity, and empowering our communities to lead and thrive. We are stronger together, and together, we can work towards a safer and more inclusive Australia for all.”

“We are incredibly excited about the future,” said Jones Jones, Head of Community and Grants. “This is a powerful moment of unity for the LGBTQIA+ movement, and we are proud to continue our work with renewed energy and purpose. Together, we will create lasting change that strengthens the resilience of our community and ensures that all LGBTQIA+ people have the support and resources they need to thrive.”

Leaders in the LGBTQIA+ and philanthropy sectors have expressed their support of the formation of Rainbow Giving Australia, including Anna Brown, CEO of Equality Australia and Maree Sidey, CEO of Philanthropy Australia.

“Rainbow Giving Australia is an opportunity for the sector and wider public to grow giving in this space and invest in LGBTQIA+ communities to drive their own solutions. It will supercharge the impact of hardworking frontline organisations and create exciting opportunities for innovation and knowledge sharing,” said Maree Sidey, CEO of Philanthropy Australia, adding “the marker of a truly inclusive, equitable and vibrant civil society is one in which everyone can thrive. The success of Rainbow Giving Australia will surely take us a big step forward toward this.”

“Since the successful campaign for marriage equality, Equality Australia has grown alongside and directly benefited from the amazing work of Aurora Group and GiveOUT. The generosity of these two organisations has helped Equality Australia achieve a raft of legal and social reforms for LGBTIQA+ people in NSW and across Australia. We’re excited to see what this next chapter will bring,” commented CEO of Equality Australia, Anna Brown.https://rainbowgiving.org.au/