A record-breaking number of LGBTQIA+ causes are joining GiveOUT Day 2026 to raise funds for the sector.
A total of 150 LGBTQIA+ not-for-profit organisations and projects are taking part this year in one collaborative campaign to highlight the unity of the sector.
The day is run by Rainbow Giving Australia and allows donations to go directly to the LGBTQIA+ cause the donor chooses.
Acting chief executive Lee Crockford said days like GiveOUT Day were important because many LGBTQIA+ causes did not have funding beyond 12 months.
“Recent data shows us that 68% of LGBTQIA+ causes do not have secure resourcing beyond 12 months. GiveOUT Day exists to change that,” he said.
GiveOUT’s marketing and engagement manager Jake Smith told Gay Sydney Daily this was because traditional funding was often tied to political or commercial outcomes, which were rarely in the community’s favour.
“Causes typically rely on short-term grants and the generosity of community members to keep operating. GiveOUT Day mobilises that generosity at a larger scale than any one cause could achieve alone,” Smith said.
According to the Pointing to Progress report, demand for the services of LGBTQIA+ not-for-profit groups has also increased by 74% over the past 12 months, meaning funding has never been more crucial.
“It’s no secret that the current climate has made life more difficult for many in our LGBTQIA+ communities,” Smith said.
“As a result, more of us are seeking support from services that understand our unique needs, particularly in healthcare, legal assistance and social inclusion.”
This year, supporters are being asked to ‘Make Your Move’ and show love for LGBTQIA+ communities through three actions.
Give, the primary action, lets supporters choose an LGBTQIA+ cause they love and make a donation, with dollar matching from generous funding partners.
Gather lets supporters bring people together to fundraise for a cause, whether it’s a morning tea, a workout or a trivia night.
Every registered Gathering goes into the draw for a $200 bonus donation to the host’s chosen cause.
The final action is Gush, where supporters share a love note for a cause, with each love note going into the draw for a $100 bonus donation to the cause it’s written for.
Last year’s GiveOUT Day raised more than $635,000, and this year’s campaign has already raised $150,000 ahead of the big day.
To find a cause and donate, or to register a Gathering, supporters can head to giveoutday.org.au/donate.
