Grant program opens further opportunities for Queensland women and girls

Round two of the Investing in Queensland Women grant program is now open to organisations delivering female focused initiatives aiding them in their economic recovery.

Attorney-General and Minister for Women and for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman today invited Queensland organisations to apply for the grants as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to addressing the unique issues faced by women and girls.

“I’m pleased to announce applications are now open for round two of the grant program, with this funding going to organisations to support women who face a range of adversities,” Minister Fentiman said.

“We were overwhelmed with the positive response to round one of the Investing in Queensland Women grant program, with more than 160 applicants and 32 successful organisations showing just how comprehensive these issues are for our communities.

“We know women experience gender inequality and violence at a high rate – and this increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Palaszczuk Government has a strong track record of investing in frontline and community organisations and partners, who will use this funding to help women achieve and succeed and be safe and secure.

“Our aim is to continue to assist these community groups as they promote and protect the rights, economic security and the general wellbeing of Queensland women.”

Chair of the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation and Co-Chair of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council, Vanessa Fowler, said the funds their foundation received through the grants program will assist in delivering educational forums to local Hockey Clubs. 

“It is important for us to educate young people about respect and healthy relationships and sporting clubs is where we find enthusiastic young people,” Ms Fowler said. 

Successful round one recipients will deliver a range of programs, including consent and respectful relationships workshops, the distribution of resources to remote regions, the creation of a safe space for girls to connect and engage in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), community-led and culturally appropriate DFV action plans and mentoring programs with sporting clubs.

Minister Fentiman said round two initiatives can include a range of gender equality issues, relating to health, leadership, safety, youth advice and education – including resources for culturally and linguistically diverse women.

“We are especially seeking applications that help prevent and respond to the issues of domestic and family violence, and sexual assault given the impact of violence on women’s equality,” she said.

“Targeted campaigns, events, resources and training workshops – every initiative helps and counts as we work to raise awareness and increase safety for the women in our State.”

The three categories of funding available for applicants include:

• Category 1: up to $5,000 for small initiatives such as targeted campaigns or events (e.g. awareness raising event, workshop or training for small groups, or development of resources such as posters)
• Category 2: up to $10,000 for larger initiatives which will operate on a broader scale or are more sustainable in nature (e.g. medium to large scale campaign, development of resources such as videos, or a series of workshops or events)
• Category 3: up to $15,000 for substantial initiatives which are undertaken jointly between two or more organisations or community groups, with favourable consideration given to applications where there is a matched contribution to the initiative from the initiative partners.

“Organisations across the State are encouraged to consider an initiative that could benefit their local community and help ensure women can participate in all opportunities available to them as we strive towards a gender equal future,” she said. 

Submissions for round two close on 31 July 2021.

Full details on the grant program, including how to apply, are available at www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/grants-for-queensland-women

A full list of round one recipients of the Investing in Queensland Women grants program is available at https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/grants-for-women/resource/ec40d25a-b0d7-4501-9957-d6ab7da946d3

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Media (FENTIMAN): Penni Pappas – 0438 747 540