The Aurora Group and GiveOUT announce merger as one million dollars distributed for LGBTQIA+ communities

19 November 2024 - Today The Aurora Group and GiveOUT, two LGBTQIA+ community-led funders, have announced they are merging to form Rainbow Giving Australia.

This union brings together the strengths of both organisations, creating a bold national LGBTQIA+ community foundation dedicated to empowering Australian rainbow communities. As a one-stop-shop for rainbow funding, Rainbow Giving Australia will champion the needs of the community and amplify support for grassroots LGBTQIA+ initiatives.

Over the past 25 years, The Aurora Group and GiveOUT have jointly paved the way for a stronger LGBTQIA+ sector by investing in grassroots organisations that tackle pressing community issues.

In 2020, before formally partnering, the two organisations raised and distributed $226,690 to rainbow communities. Since then, they’ve continued to build momentum, collaborating on research like the Where are The Rainbow Resources report, and establishing the Amplify Pride Fund, which distributed over $450,000 in only two years.

This year, thanks to over $500,000 raised on GiveOUT Day and an additional $500,000 to be granted via the Amplify Pride Fund and Ignite Pride Fund, Rainbow Giving Australia will distribute $1 million to LGBTQIA+ communities across the country.

The merger recognises a shared vision, successful track record and the urgent need to maximise resources for the LGBTQIA+ sector. Backed up by an extensive due diligence process demonstrating its value to both organisations and the sector at large, this merger aims to transform the national funding landscape for LGBTQIA+ community leaders, organisations, and initiatives. Signature events such as Aurora Ball and GiveOUT Day will continue under Rainbow Giving Australia’s banner.

GiveOUT Day 2024 saw tremendous growth, mobilising over half a million dollars for 120 LGBTQIA+ organisations and projects, including nearly $100,000 for those focussed specifically on trans and gender diverse communities. This marks a 23.5% increase in funds compared to 2023 - a testament to the rising community support.

"By joining forces, we are amplifying our impact and setting a stronger foundation for the future of our community," said Rainbow Giving Australia CEO, Em Scott. “This is about mobilising much needed funding, but it's also about unity, and empowering our communities to lead and thrive. We are stronger together, and together, we can work towards a safer and more inclusive Australia for all.”

"We are incredibly excited about the future," said Jones Jones, Head of Community and Grants. "This is a powerful moment of unity for the LGBTQIA+ movement, and we are proud to continue our work with renewed energy and purpose. Together, we will create lasting change that strengthens the resilience of our community and ensures that all LGBTQIA+ people have the support and resources they need to thrive."

Leaders in the LGBTQIA+ and philanthropy sectors have come out in support of the formation of Rainbow Giving Australia, including Anna Brown, CEO of Equality Australia and Maree Sidey, CEO of Philanthropy Australia.

“Rainbow Giving Australia is an opportunity for the sector and wider public to grow giving in this space and invest in LGBTQIA+ communities to drive their own solutions. It will supercharge the impact of hardworking frontline organisations and create exciting opportunities for innovation and knowledge sharing” said Maree Sidey, CEO of Philanthropy Australia, adding “the marker of a truly inclusive, equitable and vibrant civil society is one in which everyone can thrive and the success of Rainbow Giving Australia will surely take us a big step forward toward this.”

“Since the successful campaign for marriage equality, Equality Australia has grown alongside and directly benefited from the amazing work of Aurora Group and GiveOUT. The generosity of these two organisations has helped Equality Australia achieve a raft of legal and social reforms for LGBTIQA+ people in NSW and across Australia. We’re excited to see what this next chapter will bring” commented CEO of Equality Australia, Anna Brown.

Despite progress, LGBTQIA+ communities continue to face systemic barriers to equality, particularly trans and gender diverse communities, intersex communities and LGBTQIA+ communities that experience intersectional marginalisation or discrimination. This is particularly prominent when it comes to funding, with joint research by The Aurora Group and GiveOUT revealing that for every $100 donated to Australian charities, LGBTQIA+ charities receive a mere 5c.

Against this backdrop, the decision to merge is timely. Despite significant progress, there is an alarming risk in attacks on LGBTQIA+ events and communities and the spread of anti-trans disinformation in the media and online. Not only will the merger provide a unique opportunity for a transformation of the national funding landscape for LGBTQIA+ organisations, but Rainbow Giving Australia will future-proof the important work of providing funding to rainbow communities across Australia for generations to come.

Rainbow Giving Australia’s values will remain rooted in the central tenets of The Aurora Group and GiveOUT; community, equity, integrity, transparency, and rigour.

Rainbow Giving Australia is supported by committed community donors, and a cohort of philanthropic foundations, including significant support from Snow Foundation and Sidney Myer Fund. Rainbow Giving Australia is proud to be offering a joint grant program in partnership with Pride Foundation Australia, focusing on regional and remote communities.