Turning conversation into action this International Women’s Day
Every man has a choice: to listen or ignore.
Every year, International Women’s Day sparks conversations about equality, safety, and opportunity. But talk isn’t enough. Real change requires investment, whether in funding, support, or strategic guidance.
Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories from women in my life from my family, friends and colleagues about injustice, maltreatment, and missed opportunities. These stories are often invisible to men who don’t ask. But if you listen, you’ll hear them everywhere.
This past year in Ballarat, the issue of women’s safety has been impossible to ignore. Tragic events have sparked a deeper conversation about what real action looks like, not just words, but funding, opportunities, and meaningful support.
This year, I’m taking action in a way that’s tangible and meaningful, by helping women-led initiatives access funding and strategic support.
Funding opportunities for women-led initiatives
Across Australia, there are grants and investment programs that support women in leadership, safety, business, and economic participation. If you’re working on a project that advances gender equality or women’s economic empowerment, here are some key funding opportunities:
Victoria
- Change Our Game Community Activation Grants – Supports women and girls in sport and active recreation.
- Catalyst Grants – Women’s Health Research Priorities – Funds projects improving women’s health.
New South Wales
- 2024-25 Supporting Women in Business Grants – Funds projects that support women in small business.
- Women in Business (TAFE NSW) – A free online program for women starting or growing a business.
Queensland
- Female Founders Co-Investment Fund – Helps women-led startups raise early-stage capital.
- Accelerating Female Founders Program – Business development support for women leading innovative enterprises.
Western Australia
- Women in Non-Traditional Trades Scholarship – Scholarships for women pursuing trades.
- Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing Projects – Multiple projects supporting women’s safety and wellbeing.
South Australia
- SA Women in Business Advisory Program – Provides business support for women.
Australian Capital Territory
- ACT Women’s Return to Work Grant – Funding for women looking to upskill and re-enter the workforce.
National Programs
- Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship – Supports women in climate and energy industries.
- Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships – Employer grants to encourage women in STEM careers.
For a full list of 40+ funding programs for women, download my International Women’s Day Funding report below👇
How I’m taking action
This International Women’s Day, I’m offering ANY women-led initiative seeking funding (Australia-wide):
💜 A free 30-minute strategy session to help identify funding, and
💜 A tailored grant report with relevant funding options, and
💜 A peer review of any draft grant application you write in the next six months that supports initiatives helping women.
The offer must be initiated before 10 March 2025.
To take up this offer book your strategy session below.
Real change happens when we invest in solutions, not just conversations. If you’re leading a project that supports women, I’d love to help you secure the funding you need. Let’s turn conversation into action.
❤️
Simon Coutts
Simon is the Director and Founder of Grantus, a trusted advisor in strategic funding, complex problem solving, and stakeholder management, driving growth and public benefit for organisations dedicated to making a lasting impact. Book a ‘Borrow My Brain‘ session with Simon.
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