On Thursday, October 17, and in the weeks before it, Australia will unite for GiveOUT Day, celebrating the remarkable efforts within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Despite numerous challenges, this community continues to thrive through resilience and solidarity. This year’s GiveOUT Day highlights the strength, diversity, and impact of LGBTQIA+ organisations driving meaningful change while raising essential funds for their work.
Em Scott, CEO of GiveOUT, emphasised the importance of community-driven efforts: “LGBTQIA+ organisations in Australia do extraordinary work, yet they receive less than 5 cents of every $100 donated. GiveOUT Day is about bridging that gap and empowering these groups to continue their vital missions—from mental health support to advocacy.”
This year, GiveOUT Day aims to raise over $450,000 to support organisations across the rainbow spectrum, enabling them to continue offering life-changing services. Powerful examples include Switchboard Victoria, which provides crucial mental health support through peer-driven services to LGBTQIA+ Australians nationwide, and BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation, which focuses on the well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ individuals, creating culturally safe spaces for community building and support.
With 18.9% of young Australians (aged 18-24) identifying as LGBTQIA+, the need for specialized, community-led support is critical. Many grassroots organizations, often volunteer-led, tirelessly provide these vital services. However, 40% of these groups operate on less than $10,000 a year, making public support on GiveOUT Day more important than ever.
Join the LGBTQIA+ community on October 17, 2024, and help brighten the future for LGBTQIA+ communities in Australia. Thanks to the generosity of philanthropic partners, including Sidney Myer Fund, Fay Fuller Foundation, Slingsby Foundation, The Wyatt Trust, and The Reichstein Foundation, every donation made before or on October 17 will be doubled, maximizing the impact of every contribution.
GiveOUT Day is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a national celebration of community strength and the power of collective giving. Together, we can uplift our vibrant rainbow communities, ensuring they have the resources to lead full and meaningful lives. To learn more or donate, visit GiveOUTDay.org.au.
