AUBREY BEQUEST FY26

Call for Submissions: The Aubrey Bequest – Funding for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

The Aubrey Bequest was established through the generosity of Brian Kenneth Aubrey, who in 2016 left funds to Quaker Service Australia (QSA) to support refugees and asylum seekers worldwide. The Bequest funds projects that promote well-being, resilience, skills development and protection, in line with QSA’s commitment to dignity, non-discrimination, and the principle of “do no harm.”

Who Can Apply

Non-profit organisations, community groups and individuals working to improve the lives of refugees and asylum seekers are invited to apply. Projects can focus on:

• Supporting specific needs within refugee and asylum seeker populations (e.g., gender, age, disability, cultural needs)
• Enhancing well-being, long-term resilience, and skills development for resettlement
• Providing short-term financial or social relief
• Advocacy and protection of refugee rights

Funding Criteria

Projects should be safe, sustainable and aligned with QSA’s strategic focus on building positive peace. For QSA, positive peace means actively promoting justice, reconciliation and the well-being of all people by addressing the root causes of inequality, fostering inclusive communities and supporting strong, participatory civil institutions.

QSA will not fund projects that:

• Benefit individuals exclusively
• Support political parties, proselytising, terrorism, or unsafe activities
• Include future debt or retrospective cost

Funding amounts:  QSA is looking to fund projects in Australia and internationally with budgets of up to $30K.  We are also open to considering exceptional projects with larger budgets where they clearly meet our criteria.

Application Details

• Submit a 2–4 page proposal including project objectives, activities, timelines, budget, risks, and evidence of prior work.
• For Quakers, confirmation of Local and Regional Meeting support is required.
• Applications close Friday, 10 October 2025 (FY26 round).
• All queries and submissions to administration@qsa.org.au

Due Diligence and Compliance
All funded projects undergo QSA due diligence, including counter terrorism and other compliance checks.  Applicants are expected to operate in line with QSA’s Code of Conduct, Child Safeguarding, PSEAH, and Complaints/Whistleblower policies, and the ACFID Code of Conduct.  Reporting and acquittals are required at intervals determined with QSA.

Disclaimer
QSA support does not provide citizenship rights, legal advice, migration services, or direct sponsorship.

Please download Guidelines for the Aubrey Bequest FY26 grant applications below:

Aubrey Bequest Funding Guidelines 250916