Released 05/07/2021
Applications are now open for the 2021 Audrey Fagan Young Women Enrichment Grants, which give girls and young women the opportunity to realise and achieve their dreams in a collaborative relationship with a mentor, supported by grants of up to $2,000.
Girls and young women aged between 12 and 18 are eligible to apply for a one-off grant which can be used to fund projects in collaboration with experienced mentors. The grants provide opportunities for young women to make decisions, take responsibility, and initiate projects under expert guidance. The ACT Office for Women can help with sourcing a mentor if necessary.
Last year’s grants supported initiatives to establish a Girls STEM club, the development of a hand-dyed artisan wool business with proceeds to support young LGBTIQA+ people, as well as the creation of a book for children about gender equality.
One of last year’s grant recipients, Lochana Radaliyagoda, used the funding and mentorship opportunity to write a children’s book on gender equality. She said:
“As a young woman with a passion to fight against gender inequality, the Audrey Fagan Young Women Enrichment Grant has helped me to take my first step in making a difference. This grant gives me the opportunity to take on writing and publishing a children’s book to pursue that passion. My advice to other young women is to see this grant as an opportunity and apply for it, as it’s a gift to get your journey started to help you where you want to go.”
The Enrichment Grants are a component of the Audrey Fagan program that was established in 2007 to honour former ACT Chief Police Officer Audrey Fagan and her contribution as an inspirational leader and mentor for young women.
These grants offer a brilliant opportunity for young women and aim to increase women’s participation in decision-making and leadership roles now and into the future.
Grant applications close at 5.00pm on Monday 26 July 2021. For more information on the grants program and on how to apply visit www.communityservices.act.gov.au/women or contact the ACT Office for Women at women@act.gov.au or phone 6205 1075.
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Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases