New round of women’s funding grants announced

National women’s non-government organisations are now invited to apply for up to $50,000 in funding under the Australian Government’s 2004-05 Women’s Development Programme, the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women, Senator Kay Patterson, said today.

In 2003-04 more than $500,000 has been distributed to develop projects such as a communication skills workshop for health professionals who treat cancer patients from multicultural, Indigenous and geographically isolated communities.

“The funding will continue to build womens’ capacities in a range of areas, and I strongly encourage eligible national women’s organisations to seek funding for projects which improve the status of women in Australia,” Senator Patterson said.

“The grants are available in two categories – for development projects and for capacity building activities.”

Funding of up to $50,000 is available for projects or research relevant to current women’s issues, but is not intended to cover day-to-day operational costs.

In addition, organisations which want to strengthen their operational effectiveness and increase their ability to contribute to the development of public policy can apply for capacity building grants of up to $25,000.

Current grant recipients include the Australian Multiple Birth Association, the Australian Women’s Motorsport Network, Project Respect, the Australian Breastfeeding Association and the Women Industry Network Seafood Community.

In last year’s funding round, 14 national women’s organisations received funding totalling nearly $520,000 for projects and activities ranging from a history of Indigenous nursing to mentoring women in the automotive industry.

“The Women Development Programme is just one of a series of initiatives now being successfully developed and implemented to improve the status of women across Australia,” Senator Patterson said.

Potential applicants should read the Application Guidelines before putting forward a proposal. Application details are available on the Office of the Status of Women website. Applications close at the end of May 2004.