Listed below are projects that Voiceless would be interested in supporting through our Grants Program. These projects are based on our priorities. If you think that your organisation has the necessary skills, capacity, resources and experience to make one of these projects a success, we encourage you to think about applying for a Voiceless Grant.

Alternatively, for ideas of activites you might wish to undertake as an individual, please visit our activity ideas page in the 'Make a Difference' section of our website.

Education and lobbying

●  Transportation of animals
The long distance transport of farm animals, within and from Australia, involves some of the worst cruelties perpetrated upon animals in this country. Voiceless would like to fund a project which raises community awareness about this issue, or which encourages government to improve and strengthen current laws and requirements. Applicants should be aware that the Australian government recently prepared draft standards and guidelines for the land transport of livestock and invited public comment. Follow this link for further information.

●  Influencing the political system
The American book Get Political for Animals: and Win the Laws they Need by Julie Lewin, is a comprehensive manual for animal advocates on how to effectively mobilize voters and influence politicians to create animal-friendly policies and laws. Australia needs a similar manual on how to influence the political system to create legislative change for animals. Voiceless welcomes applications by political scientists or experienced lobbyists to create such a manual.  Applicants may also consider referring to 'The Animals' Platform', produced by the Animals and Society Institute, for further inspiration.


Public Outreach

●  Farm Education Stand
Grassroots education & awareness is an important part of initiating change towards the treatment of farm animals in intensive farming.  Voiceless would like to fund a farm animal education stand at a public event, such as the Royal Easter Show or at a series of events such as exhibitions, conferences and festivals aimed towards a mainstream audience.  The grant could include educational resources, equipment, show bags or other vital materials.

●  Community Service Announcements
Television can be a great educational tool and Voiceless would like to fund a Community Service Announcement or advertisement that promotes respect and compassion for animals – such as raising awareness of farm animal issues and/or promoting a humane lifestyle and/or vegetarianism/veganism.

Voiceless believes that it is imperative to create a large body of sound academic research in order to encourage debate and discussion on issues relating to animals. Some suggested topics include:

1.    ‘Conservation’ hunting in Australia – welfare issues.
2.    1080 poison – welfare issues.
3.    Values and attitudes to farm animals – social research study.

Alternatives to leather shoes and bags are hard to come by in today’s fashion. Vegans who do not wear wool or silk have even greater difficulty. Voiceless would like to fund a well promoted fashion award where animal friendly fashions are promoted to the community through a public event.

●  Humane Index
In the United States, The Humane Society researches and measures how humane the US’s 25 largest cities are. Based on how well they meet 12 different ‘humane’ criteria, the cities are ranked on the Humane Index. Voiceless would like to fund the introduction of a Humane Index in Australia.