OUTREACH PROGRAMME

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

The Rainbow Games Outreach Programme focuses on ensuring that barriers faced by potential LGBTQI+ participants of the Rainbow Games 2026 can be overcome. Barriers include financial difficulties, discrimination and/or marginalisation in the country they reside. At this point, countries include Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands (Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia).

Th outreach programme contributes to the games’ vision to enhance social inclusion for our communities and is especially important for potential participants from countries which are not accepting of LGBTQI+ identities. Equally, our communities in Aotearoa New Zealand can learn and grow from meeting and playing with Rainbow peoples from around Oceania.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to create inclusive and empowering sports and recreation events that foster active participation, promote Turangawaewae, Manamotuhake, Hauora and Manaakitanga and to celebrate the diverse rainbow communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific.

OUR VISION

Our vision is to create a future where rainbow communities are empowered and fully included in sports and recreation. By participating in the Rainbow Games events, we envision a society that embraces and supports the diverse identities and expressions of our communities, where all individuals feel safe, accepted, and valued. We strive to build vibrant and inclusive events that promotes diversity, equity, and wellbeing, and contributes to a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive future.

Fund Objectives

Funding will be put toward participant costs which demonstrate alignment with the outcomes of the outreach programme.

Fund objectives

The Rainbow Games 26 Outreach Programme supports potential participants (both individuals and teams), by helping create opportunities for disadvantaged and/or marginalised Rainbow people to attend and compete in the event. We can do this by:

  • Funding full or partial registration fees for a chosen sport for an individual, team or partial team.
  • Funding travel, transport and accommodation costs for an individual, team or partial team.
  • Funding respite or care costs for dependents of participants, either playing individual or team sports.
  • Funding sports equipment, uniforms or other miscellaneous kit.
  • Support legacy activities arising from Rainbow people participating in the event and potential to play in subsequent games.

International Funding Details

Who can apply

To be eligible to apply for the Outreach Programme Rainbow people must:

  • Identify as queer or LGBTQI or gender or sexuality-diverse.
  • Be planning to play in a current competition of the Rainbow Games 2026 in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland.
  • Come from a country or area in Oceania only whose laws or social attitudes disadvantage or marginalise members of rainbow communities (see map below).
  • Are suffering financial or social hardship.
  • Have values which align with the values of the Rainbow Games.

Legal entities may make application on behalf of individuals. These entities include incorporated societies, registered companies, and trusts.

Applications not meeting any of these criteria will be declined for funding on eligibility grounds.

Applications must be received by 12 noon on Friday 18 September 2026. Applications should be completed either electronically or physically (and scanned) to kiaora@rainbowgames.co.nz. Applicants will be informed on or before 30 September 2026.

How to Apply

Complete the application form at this link. Email through to kiaora@rainbowgames.co.nz by 18 September 2026.

What's Funded

The Outreach Programme is limited to on-site support in Aotearoa New Zealand as well as travel to and from the event, including all related formalities. Money is not paid directly to participants but will be paid for the services required.

As the funds for the Outreach Programme are limited, a selection process based on clear criteria defined below will be used. Unfortunately, not all applicants can be supported, and the following criteria will be applied:

  • The applicant is from a region or country whose laws or social mores disadvantage or marginalise Rainbow people and communities.
  • The applicant faces significant hardship and can evidence that they need financial assistance to attend and participate.
  • The applicant identifies with a queer identity or group which is underrepresented or excluded in relation to other Rainbow individuals, groups or communities.
  • The applicant can evidence that inclusion in sport at the games will enhance their sense of social inclusion and benefit their mental and physical well-being.

​​​​​​​What’s Not Funded

  • Entities or organisations.
  • People aged under 18 years of age at the start date of the event.
  • People outside of the geographic area indicated in the Oceania map.

Aotearoa Support Programme Funding Details

Who can apply

To be eligible to apply for the Aotearoa Support Programme Rainbow people must:

  • Identify as queer or LGBTQI or gender or sexuality-diverse.
  • Be planning to play in a current competition of the Rainbow Games 2026 in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland.
  • Are suffering financial or social hardship.
  • Have values which align with the values of the Rainbow Games​​​​​​​.

Legal entities may make application on behalf of individuals. These entities include incorporated societies, registered companies, and trusts.

Applications not meeting any of these criteria will be declined for funding on eligibility grounds.

Applications must be received by 12 noon on Friday 04 September 2026. Applications should be completed either electronically or physically (and scanned) to kiaora@rainbowgames.co.nz. Applicants will be informed on or before 18 September 2026.

How to Apply

Complete the application form at this link. Email through to kiaora@rainbowgames.co.nz by 04 September 2026.

Whats Funded

The Aotearoa Support Programme​​​​​​​ s limited to on-site support in Aotearoa New Zealand as well as travel to and from the event, including all related formalities. Money is not paid directly to participants but will be paid for the services required.

As the funds for the Programme are limited, a selection process based on clear criteria defined below will be used. Unfortunately, not all applicants can be supported, and the following criteria will be applied:

  • The applicant faces significant hardship and can evidence that they need financial assistance to attend and participate.
  • The applicant identifies with a queer identity or group which is underrepresented or excluded in relation to other Rainbow individuals, groups or communities.
  • The applicant can evidence that inclusion in sport at the games will enhance their sense of social inclusion and benefit their mental and physical well-being.

​​​​​​​What’s Not Funded

  • Entities or organisations
  • People aged under 18 years of age at the start date of the event
  • People who permanently reside outside of Aotearoa New Zealand, as they can apply to the RG26 International Outreach Programme instead. ​​​​​​​

Turangawaewae

A sense of place and belonging

More about turangawaewae

Mana motuhake

Self-determination

More about mana motuhake

Hauora

Enhancing wellness

More about hauora

Manaakitanga

Supported approach

More about manaakitanga