Published on: 7th July 2026
As we enter a new financial year, Deaf Connect is excited to renew our grants and sponsorships program. These are allocated to empower Deaf Australians, along with funding activities and organisations which benefit the Deaf community.
Funded by the Deaf Lottery, these grants aim to help individuals and groups achieve their goals, whether they are recreational, career-oriented, or focused on well-being.
Grant Categories
- Individuals and Groups: For personal or community projects that demonstrate value to the Deaf community as a whole.
- Community Events: For events delivered by or for the Deaf community, or events that aim to improve language access for Deaf individuals.
- Partnership Building: For organisations looking to develop a long-term association with Deaf Connect. These partnerships involve ongoing, mutually beneficial support beyond a single project or event and have the capacity for long-term collaboration.
- Service Growth (Internal Only): For the development of new service offerings and projects within Deaf Connect.
How to Apply
If you have a project that aligns with these goals, we encourage you to apply.
Visit our website or contact our team for more information.
2025–26 Grants and Sponsorships
From 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, we supported a diverse range of community-led events and initiatives across Australia. Check out a few highlights from the past financial year.
Flow Festival 2025
In September 2025, we were proud to support Flow Festival as Visionary Sponsor. The event created a powerful platform for Deaf artists to share their work, tell their stories, and connect with audiences in new ways. It also helped spotlight the depth of creativity within the Deaf arts community and strengthened opportunities for inclusive participation in the arts sector.
Auslan Teachers Conference
Also in September 2025, we supported the Auslan Teachers Conference as Platinum Sponsor. Held at Melbourne Polytechnic during National Week of Deaf People, the conference brought together educators, leaders, and advocates from across the country. The focus was on strengthening Auslan teaching practice and building connection across the education community.
Sign On Screen Festival
In May 2026, sponsored Sign On Screen, an accessible film festival held in Canberra and delivered in partnership with the Australian National University, the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, and Deaf Connect. The program showcased films and television featuring Deaf characters and Deaf-led storytelling, offering audiences a chance to engage with diverse narratives on screen.
Crossing Borders Youth Camp 2026
To mark Auslan Day 2026, we supported the Crossing Borders Youth Camp, a five-day immersive experience for Deaf and hard of hearing young people aged 12–17. Held in the Yarra Ranges in Victoria, the camp combined outdoor adventure, leadership development, cultural exchange, and community connection in a fully accessible, Auslan-rich environment.
This is just a snapshot of the grants and sponsorships supported throughout the 2025–26 financial year.
If you have a project or initiative that you think would benefit our Deaf community, apply today!