The PBA Education Fund
Help Change A Life Through The Power Of Education
Our Purpose
We believe that financial inequality and missed opportunities early in life should never be a barrier to self-improvement or self-actualisation in later years.
The PBA Education Fund was created to empower LGBTQIA+ people over the age of 30 to change the trajectory of their lives through the power of education.
The Fund provides a financial grant annually to LGBTQIA+ individuals who want to undertake a formal learning & development program in order to create positive change in their own lives, or through them, the lives of others in our community.
We work with individual donors, corporate partners and community organisations to fund our scholarships and value every contribution, no matter how small.
Donate now, or to discuss corporate partnership opportunities, please contact the Chair of the Fund Committee here.
Education Fund Committee
Chris Colwell
(he/him)
Emily Evison
(she/her)
Elliot Thomas
(he/him)
Can Education Change Your Life?
We know that education has the power to change lives. The PBA Education Fund supports this by providing financial grants to help undertake a formal course of study that will create a pathway to achieving life goals.
Whatever course you choose, or the learning and development path you want to take, the study program should be with an accredited institution and should meaningfully benefit your life, or through you, the life of others in the Australian community.
The scholarships awarded are grants between $2,500 and $10,000 for the duration of your studies. The grants may be broken down into payments made over a number of years, depending on the course chosen and your individual circumstances.
PBA Education Fund Scholarships
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for consideration for a scholarship you must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
- self-identify as LGBTQIA+
- be over the age of 30 years as at the date of application
- be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- reside within New South Wales
- have chosen a course of study (a tertiary degree or vocational training) in a business and other professional discipline from a university, TAFE or other registered training organisation within Australia;
- are eligible to be admitted (or already admitted) to such a course;
- have not previously been a recipient of a PBA Education Fund scholarship; and
- are not in receipt of an employer contribution or a government training program that fully funds their study program
Supporting Documents
When applying for the scholarship please ensure you provide the following documentation:
- Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Prior academic results (if any)
- Current curriculum vitae
- Please note, if you are successful in your application, references to be available upon request
Selection Criteria for Grant Applicants
Eligible applicants will be assessed for a Scholarship by the Selection Committee on the following selection criteria. You:
- are clear about where your studies may take your career and how it many benefit your life or through you, the lives of other people in the Australian Community
- can demonstrate sufficient motivation and commitment to completing your studies and have some understanding of the rigours of academic life
- can clearly articulate how your proposed studies will support your career goals and contribute to your personal development.
- demonstrate how your studies may, directly or indirectly, create positive outcomes for others, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia.
- show strong motivation and commitment to completing your studies, along with an understanding of the demands and rigours of academic life.
Timeline
Applications
Open
1 May 2026
Applications
Close
30 June 2026
Applications
Assessment Period
Throughout July 2026
Successful Applicants
Notified
End July / Early August 2026
Applications Open – 1 May 2026
Applications Close – 30 June 2026
Application Assessment Period – Throughout July 2026
Successful Applicants Notified – End July/Early August 2026
Please Note: timelines for assessment & notification are an indicative guide, and may vary depending on the number of applications received. The PBA Education Fund Committee reserves the right to change process milestone dates based on future administrative requirements. Should any date changes occur, all existing applicants will be notified promptly. For more information, please contact admin@thefund.org.au.
Become a partner in someone's education journey.
Our corporate partners can make a real difference to the lives of LGBTQIA+ people, and our community through their generous support of our scholarships, campaigns and major events.
Our Current Partners
At MCC Welfare Services Inc., we provide a range of welfare assistance and support services to those within the LGBTQIA community. MCC Welfare Services has assisted over 3000 people and look forward to adding to the lives of many more. We’re proud of our long history of community support in and around New South Wales.
Our Past Partners
Volmac Group entered the partnership with the PBA Education Fund in 2024 to establish the Volmac Group Scholarship. The 2024 Scholarship in amount of $2500 was awarded to Sinead Lewis for her Diploma of Counselling at Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors.
“I am so grateful to have received the Volmac Group scholarship as it has bolstered my confidence to further pursue my career, which will
allow for me to give back to my community in meaningful ways."
Sinead Lewis
2024 Volmac Group Scholarship holder
Charity Status
The Pride Business Association (PBA) ABN 30 660 775 528 is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
The PBA Education Fund, an initiative of the PBA, is a registered deductible gift recipient and all donations to the Fund are tax deductible.