Aurora's Small Grants Program Makes A Big DifferenceThe Aurora Group’s small grants program is now open and eligible GLBT community groups are urged to apply

The program is open to charitable organisations that are seeking funds for work focused on benefiting the GLBT community in NSW and who do not receive regular funding for their programs from government or community fundraising. Organisations can apply for up to $5,000 for projects.

Adam Niewand, Aurora Chair says: “Thanks to our amazing supporters who have contributed this year through donations or by attending our fundraising events Fat Tuesday and the Annual Ball, we can once again support a diverse and vital group of organisations in our community through the small grants program.

“We would love to hear from those organisations in need of support from The Aurora Group – assisting the NSW GLBT community is at the very core of what we do and we are looking forward to making a difference to more of our community.”

Giving back to the Community

The 2012-2013 Small Grants program distributed more than $30, 000 to a range of GLBT support, education and community groups including peer support groups for same-sex attracted women with cancer and GLBT clients of the Wayside Chapel, a theatre production addressing same-sex domestic violence, education and support to tackle homophobia in non-metropolitan areas such as Broken Hill and the Central Coast, foster carer support, health and nutrition up-skilling at The Gender Centre and support for the GLBT Indigenous population of La Perouse.

Since 2004

Small grants began in 2004, when for the first time Aurora had enough funds to distribute grants to five different community organisations. Since then Aurora has disbursed funds to more 40 important community organisations in NSW.

In addition, Aurora also continues to support its major beneficiaries, Twenty10 incorporating Gay and Lesbian Counselling Services.

The Aurora Group is a charity that raises funds to disburse to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community organisations. It is the fundraising organisation people choose when they want their money to benefit the community as a whole and not just one specific cause.

The Giving Back Program

The small grants program is made possible through two main avenues of fundraising – a Giving Program, which allows individuals to make tax deductible donations to Aurora on a regular basis, and fundraising events organised by Aurora, such as the Aurora Annual Dinner and Ball, unique celebrations that also bring fun, glamour and joy to our community.

Unfortunately due to limited funds, not all applications will be successful and not all successful applications will necessarily receive the full amount requested. The average grant is $2,500 – $3,500 although applicants can apply for up to $5,000.

A decision on successful applicants will be made based on the aims and objectives of Aurora, priority will be given to those organisations and projects that most closely fit with those aims.