Aurora prides itself on the support it provides to a wide range of issues in GLBT communities in New South Wales, particularly those that struggle to gain the support of government or other community fundraising.
We use a mix of open grant applications and our own research and networking to ensure that we can make the best contribution to the community with the funds we have available.
Small grants of up to $5000 can be applied for in a small grants round. Larger grants are made only by the initiation of the Aurora Trust or Board.
On this page you will find information on how to apply to Aurora for a grant and a rough guide to the timeline we follow.
Our small grants program is now open. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 7 October 2011.
Grants Eligibility
DGR Status
As a charitable foundation that offers tax deductions for donations, we are only able to give grants to organisations that hold Deductible Gift Recipient Status (Item 1) with the Australian Taxation Office.
To find out how to obtain endorsement as a Deductible Gift Recipient, visit the Australian Taxation Office by clicking here.
For the benefit of GLBT communities in NSW
Your organisation does not need to be a GLBT community organisation, but the work we are seeking for funding must be focused on providing a benefit to GLBT communities in NSW.
In acknowledgement that there are more options to fund projects addressing HIV/AIDS compared with other issues affecting GLBT communities, Aurora chooses to exclude HIV/AIDS projects from its eligibility criteria.
Are there things Aurora does not fund?
Please note Aurora does not provide funding for the following:
- Entertainment events such as dance parties and picnics
- Existing and on-going wages/positions within an organisation
- Projects that receive on-going funding from other sources (eg: Government funded projects)
- Airfares, accommodation and personal expenses
- Advertising
- Capital works or office equipment
- Projects that don’t meet Aurora’s aims
Timeline
An announcement of small grants being sought will be made in early September. Guidelines will be available from this website with an online form or downloadable form. Applications are due by the first Monday in October.
Decision making happens over October and November and successful applicants are informed before the Christmas break. It is advisable that funded projects not be due to begin until after 1st February of the following year.
Reporting
Successful applicants are required to provide a progress report on their project by 1st June and a final acquittal of the project by 31st August.
If the project is not finished by this date another progress report is still required before that organisation can apply for funds again. You can download the acquittal form by clicking this link.
For more information, email grants@auroragroup.com.au.
How to apply
1. Plan your project and start speaking to potential partners.
2. Download the Aurora Funding Guidelines 2011-12 and Aurora Funding Grant Application Form 2011-12.
3. Submit your application by e-mailing grants@auroragroup.com.au
The application asks you to explain the following:
- Who your organisation is and its aims
- Proof of DGR Item 1 Tax status
- What you require the funds for (e.g.: a special project)
- How much you require. Please be specific here and provide a basic breakdown of your budget. Please note that grants up to $5,000 are offered – please ask only for what you really need, because we only have so much to go around.
- The time period the funds will be spent in.
- How your project or activity will benefit the lesbian, gay and/or transgender community.
For more information, email grants@auroragroup.com.au.
