Pointing to Progress Research

Pointing to Progress, the national research project to understand the capacity strengths and needs of the LGBTQIA+ sector in Australia, has returned for its biennial snapshot in 2026.

The survey is open 1–31 May, and by participating your organisation can be considered for a $5,000 capacity-building grant.

Pointing to Progress and its insights aim to:
‍- Support LGBTQIA+ initiatives in understanding their own capacity strengths and weaknesses.
‍- Underpin advocacy efforts that build the capacity of LGBTQIA+ initiatives.
‍- Build funders' understanding of resourcing challenges and opportunities.
‍- Uncover opportunities for both intra and extra-sector collaboration and contribution.
‍- Create longitudinal insight into the shifting capacity needs of LGBTQIA+ organisations.

Supports Australian-based initiatives creating positive outcomes for LGBTQIA+ individuals or communities

Who can complete the survey?
‍- Any Australian-based initiative creating positive outcomes for LGBTQIA+ individuals or communities is eligible to complete the survey.
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How long does the survey take to complete?
‍- On average, it takes about 10–20 minutes to complete the survey.

How will the findings of the data be used?
‍- The results are aggregated into a summary report that will be shared publicly with the LGBTQIA+ sector, government, media, researchers, philanthropists, and business with the aim to improve support and resourcing for the LGBTQIA+ sector.

At the end of the survey, you'll have the option to opt-in to be considered for a $5,000 capacity-building grant for your LGBTQIA+ initiatives.

To be eligible for the $5,000 capacity-building micro-grant, an initiative must:
- Complete the Pointing to Progress 2026 survey
- Be based in Australia and working to create positive outcomes for LGBTQIA+ communities in Australia
- Indicate within the survey that they wish to be considered for the grant
- Provide a short description of how the funds would be used to strengthen their initiative and address a defined capacity need
- Demonstrate that the proposed use of funds will contribute to improved outcomes for LGBTQIA+ people and communities
- Due to Pride by Side’s constitution, only initiatives (or auspiced initiatives) with a not-for-profit operating model in service to LGBTQIA+ people and communities are eligible

Only one application per initiative will be considered. If multiple responses are submitted by the same initiative, Pride by Side will treat them as a single application.