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Applications are now open for the 2019-20 ACT Women’s Grants Program, with $180,000 available for initiatives aimed at improving the status and lives of women and girls in the ACT, and initiatives that aim to prevent violence against women.

The Women’s Safety Grants, totalling $100,000, will support projects to reduce violence against women and their children. The Participation Grants, totalling $80,000, will support innovative projects that improve the status of women and girls in the ACT.

Last year, YWCA Canberra received a grant towards the Bystander Approaches at Workplaces Project, to strengthen the capacity of private smaller employers to support female employees who have experienced sexual, domestic and family violence within and outside the workplace.

Grants were also allocated to some other great initiatives, including:

• outward Bound Australia for the Women of Courage project to engage women who have experienced domestic or family violence in a five-day wilderness adventure therapy program; and
• the Domestic Violence Crisis Service for the Smart Accommodation project seeking to support women in need of emergency accommodation with financial assistance for rental or mortgage costs.

If you have an innovative idea or proposal to assist women in the community to feel safe, respected and reach their full potential, you should apply. Both individuals and community organisations are encouraged to do so.