About Organisation
Rainbow Railroad is a non-profit organisation dedicated to ensuring the safety and dignity of LGBTQI+ individuals whose lives are at risk due to persecution, conflict, or forced displacement. Working globally, the organisation provides emergency support, relocation assistance, and builds capacity within grassroots and community-led movements to respond to crises affecting queer and trans communities. Its programmatic focus includes forced displacement, protection from rights violations, and strengthening local civil society networks. Through the Crisis Response Fund, Rainbow Railroad channels flexible, low-barrier funding to organisations responding to urgent, displacement-producing emergencies, recognising that grassroots groups are best placed to provide effective and timely support.
About the Grant
The Crisis Response Fund (Round 4) invites applications from grassroots LGBTQI+ organisations across the Asia-Pacific region (including for example Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu) to respond to and mitigate crises that disproportionately impact LGBTQI+ individuals and communities. The grant supports three main streams: (A) Crisis & Emergency Response Services, (B) Crisis Capacity Building, and (C) Crisis Advocacy. Eligible projects include emergency shelter, food/medical supplies, mental-health support, capacity-building training, advocacy campaigns, and policy research. The fund provides micro-grants (one-time funding) to local organisations, emphasizing flexibility, speed and frontline relevance.
Who can Apply?
Applicants must be grassroots or community-led organisations operating in the eligible Asia-Pacific countries listed. Both registered and unregistered organisations may apply, but preference is given to those that are LGBTQI+-led, or have a strong track record of supporting queer or trans populations facing displacement. Projects must address an identified crisis (humanitarian, protection, displacement, health, or environmental) with a strong link to LGBTQI+ vulnerability. The organisation should demonstrate organisational capacity in project delivery, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, and financial accountability. Funding is one-time only (no long-term or multi-year core funding), and the budget must align with the proposed activities. Applications must be submitted in English, with budgets in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
How to Apply?
Complete and submit the official application form available via the Rainbow Railroad website, select the “Crisis Response Fund Round 4 – Asia-Pacific” stream, and upload all required documents (organisation profile, project description, budget, timeline, crisis context). Ensure the application is filled out accurately in English, including budget in CAD. Shortlisted applicants may be asked for supplementary information.
Application Deadline
Applications for Round 4 of the Crisis Response Fund must be submitted by 31 October 2025 at 5:00 pm EST.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
