Pride in Action: Funding Opportunities Supporting LGBTQI+ Communities

As Pride celebrations fill the streets here in Brussels, we take the opportunity to highlight several funding calls that support LGBTQI+ communities across the globe. These initiatives aim to foster visibility, equality, and empowerment. Below is a curated list of current funding opportunities, each with a short overview to help organizations identify the right fit for their work.

🏳️‍🌈 National Pride Grant Program for LGBTQIA+ Small Businesses (U.S.)

Program Overview:
A grant program supporting LGBTQIA+-owned small businesses across the U.S. with funding to strengthen operations, visibility, and community impact.

Eligibility:
LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and small business owners based in the United States.

Focus Areas:
Entrepreneurship, visibility, resilience of LGBTQIA+ businesses.

Deadline & Submission:
Rolling basis.
Official Link

🌈 LGBTIQA+ Leadership Grant Program (Australia)

Program Overview:
This program funds projects that build leadership capabilities among LGBTIQA+ individuals, with a focus on community-based change.

Eligibility:
Individuals or organizations in Australia working on leadership development for LGBTIQA+ communities.

Focus Areas:
Leadership, community resilience, advocacy training.

Deadline & Submission:
Ongoing.
Official Link

⚧️ "I Know Gender 1-2" – UN Women (Global)

Program Overview:
An open-access training programme from UN Women designed to increase awareness and advocacy around sexual and gender diversity as a human rights issue.

Eligibility:
Civil society organizations, educators, and development professionals worldwide.

Focus Areas:
Gender diversity, human rights, educational resources.

Deadline & Submission:
Open-access; participation via self-enrollment.
Official Link

🌈 Pride Foundation Australia – Small Grants Program

Program Overview:
Supports small-scale initiatives advancing LGBTIQ+ inclusion and well-being across Australia, particularly those led by or for underrepresented groups.

Eligibility:
Non-profit organizations based in Australia.

Focus Areas:
Community support, mental health, youth, disability, asylum seekers.

Deadline & Submission:
Ongoing, reviewed quarterly.
Official Link

🏳️‍⚧️ Embassy-Funded Human Rights Projects (Sri Lanka)

Program Overview:
The Embassy of the Netherlands in Sri Lanka funds local civil society initiatives that promote and protect human rights, including LGBTQI+ rights.

Eligibility:
Registered NGOs and civil society groups in Sri Lanka.

Focus Areas:
Rule of law, inclusion, freedom of expression, LGBTQI+ advocacy.

Deadline & Submission:
Deadline available on the official call.
Official Link

🏳️‍🌈 Fund for Local Cooperation – Lebanon

Program Overview:
Finland’s Embassy in Beirut provides support to Lebanese civil society initiatives promoting democracy, equality, and human rights, including SOGIESC rights.

Eligibility:
Local civil society actors in Lebanon.

Focus Areas:
Equality, inclusion, civic engagement, gender and sexual diversity.

Deadline & Submission:
Check official announcement for current cycle.
Official Link

🌈 ACON’s Diversity Days Grants (Australia)

Program Overview:
Funding for community-led events and initiatives that celebrate LGBTQI+ diversity and raise awareness as part of ACON's Diversity Days calendar.

Eligibility:
Organizations and groups in New South Wales, Australia.

Focus Areas:
Visibility, celebration, cultural inclusion.

Deadline & Submission:
Applications open for specific Diversity Days throughout the year.
Official Link