Canva was founded on the belief that everyone should have the ability to design, communicate, and share their ideas—regardless of background, skill level, or resources. This principle shapes both our product and workplace.
Empowering and celebrating the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community continues to be at the heart of our ongoing partnership with Sydney Mardi Gras. Now, in our fourth year, we’re thrilled to embrace the 2025 theme: Free to Be.
This year, our commitment to inclusivity came to life in three powerful ways — Parade grant sponsorship, our very own Canva Parade float and volunteering opportunities for Canvanauts.
Empowering the community to shine through Sydney Mardi Gras Parade Grants
We’re excited to have launched a new two-year commitment as the sponsor of the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade Grant, a program designed to empower LGBTQIA+ non-profits and community groups to participate in the iconic parade.
Thanks to the grant, we were able to bring a fully decorated truck, with our own music and were able to really hold our space at the parade
As part of the program we provided 15 grants, each worth $5,000, to nonprofit organisations, charities, and community groups. These grants help fund travel, rehearsals, float production, costumes, and materials -empowering groups to take part in the Parade when they might not otherwise have had the resources to do so.
We also created a collection of templates and ran mentoring sessions to assist them with their grant application process.
Thanks to Canva’s super easy design platform, we’ve been able to bring our vision to life and stand out in the crowd.
Who we supported
Asexuals Australia, Bobby Goldsmith, Trans Pride Australia, Taiwan Pride in Sydney, Sydney Women's Baseball League, Emerald City Kickball, ACON First Nation, Autism Spectrum Australia, Turkish Queers, Queer Arab Alliance, Mid North Coast Pride Float, Queer Roller Derby, Trans and Gender Diverse Blue Mountains and Sydney Gay Casineros were all recipients of Mardi Gras Parade Day Grants in 2025.
This grant has empowered us to participate in the parade by providing us with the opportunity to amplify transgender and gender-diverse voices on one of the world’s biggest LGBTQI+ stages.
Our Parade Entry: ‘Designed to Werk’
At Canva we’re committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can do the best work of their lives and we were delighted to empower LGTBTIQA+ Canvanauts and their allies to take part in the Parade day. This year the theme for our float, Designed to Werk, was a bold statement about self-expression, creativity, and the power of coming together as a community.
The energy and excitement was palpable as sixty Canvanauts danced their way down Sydney's Oxford Street, proudly wearing their Canva t-shirts.
You could truly sense the pride, unity, and community on Parade day
Canvanauts say that participating in the Parade was a deeply meaningful experience and a peak Canva moment.
I couldn’t be more grateful to be part of a company that wholeheartedly celebrates belonging and inclusion. Canva’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community isn’t just words - it’s action.
Volunteering: Canvanauts Making an Impact
One of the ways we empower our team to live our value of Being a Force for Good is through volunteering. Beyond the parade, Canvanauts dedicated their time to volunteer at the Mardi Gras’ Fair Day. From setting up stalls to collecting donations and working backstage, the team truly stepped up for the community.
We’re still buzzing from Mardi Gras 2025 and we can’t wait to see the partnership continue to come to life next year!
