The Victorian Government provides funding for organisations that support the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ youth.
On August 28, Minister for Equality Martin Foley announced a $160,000 round of HEY Small Grants for projects that support LGBTI young Victorians and promote their rights, health and wellbeing. The announcement came fittingly on Wear It Purple Day, which is about respecting and supporting LGBTI youth to be proud of who they are.
Organisations that work with, or are interested in working with, same-sex attracted and sex or gender diverse (SSASGD) young people have the opportunity to apply for grants of either $10,000 or $40,000. These grants are available for innovative projects, including initiatives such as social support and activity groups, gay/straight alliances, and information and referral. The grants program will be administered by the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic).
Georgie Ferrari, YACVic CEO, said, “We’ve seen some fantastic initiatives funded in the past: an animation aimed at telling the stories of SSASGD youth from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; an initiative that aimed to support young Jewish SSASGD people; the development of resources to work with young people in schools; research into and resources aimed at young SSASGD carers and many more.”
“We’re really looking forward to seeing the diverse range of activities seeking funding support this year,” Ms Ferrari continued.
Minister for Equality Martin Foley commented, “Equality is not negotiable for this Government. While we work to remove discrimination from Victorian laws, we are proud to support individuals and organisations who are working to remove it from our society.”
Offered for the last four years, the HEY Small Grants have provided over $800,000 in funds to community organisations working to promote the mental health and wellbeing of SSASGD young people.
The grants funding is part of the $5.9 million secured by the Andrews Labor Government in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget to support programs that promote the rights, mental health and wellbeing of LGBTI Victorians.
Applications are now open and will close on 30 September.
The applications are assessed by a broad-based committee made up of community members, a state government representative and three SSASGD young people.
Click here for more information on guidelines and assessment criteria.
