Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is proud to announce the return of a joint partnership with Google for the SGLMG Community Parade Grants Program in 2018. The program provides support to individuals, community groups and not-for-profit groups to aid in the creation of their parade entries, and to take their ideas to the next level.

2018 marks the very special 40^th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. As such, the SGLMG Community Parade Grants Program will give parade participants the means to create some extra fabulous floats in celebration of the anniversary.

SGLMG CEO Terese Casu said: “Brought in for the first time in 2017, the Community Grants Program was a huge success and helped community groups to really excel in their creative ideas. We hope the return of the grants program gives way to an even more spectacular show of entries to help celebrate our 40th anniversary.”

KJ Pittl, Gayglers Sydney lead, Google Australia, said: “We had a ball supporting the Mardi Gras Parade Grants last year, and we’re thrilled to be providing more funding to help community organisations create their own memorable parade experiences in 2018. We are proud to partner with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and to continue supporting Australia’s LGBTQI community.”

The SGLMG Community Parade Grants program is currently accepting applications. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, and will be awarded to the most compelling applicants who can demonstrate a clear message, excellent organisation skills, relevance to the LGBTQI community and a high level of artistic merit.

With more than 12,000 participants, the Mardi Gras Parade is the Mardi Gras’ flagship event, and is the perfect opportunity for individuals and groups to showcase their work in the largest night-time parade of its kind in the world.

Applications close 5pm Friday 12 January 2018. Find out more about how to apply here.

See which floats recieved Community Parade Grants Program funding for 2017’s Parade here.