Bupa Foundation Community Grants 2026

Stream 1: One-off grants of $10,000 (20 grants available)
Stream 2: One-off grants of $25,000 (10 grants available)
Stream 3: One-off grants of $50,000 (6 grants available)
Applications close 16 October 2026 or when 550 applications are received

The Bupa Foundation Community Grants program funds innovative, capable organisations working to prevent and control disease. As a health promotion charity, the Foundation supports projects and initiatives designed to positively impact the communities where Bupa operates across Australia and New Zealand.

For the purposes of this program, diseases include any mental or physical ailment, disorder, defect or morbid condition, whether of sudden onset or gradual development and whether of genetic or other origin. Examples include asthma, cancer, clinical depression, diabetes, heart disease, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder and viral infections.

Since 2019, the program has awarded over $2 million to organisations that build mentally healthy and resilient communities and support a healthy planet for healthy people.

Key Requirements

Projects must clearly align with the Foundation’s purpose of preventing and controlling diseases and deliver a positive impact under at least one of three key focus areas: Healthier People, Healthier Communities or Healthier Planet.

Applications must be for a distinct project rather than business-as-usual or general operating costs, and must demonstrate outcomes and impact including who will benefit, how many people will be reached and expected health benefits.

Where the majority of program participants are First Nations people, the applicant must be a First Nations-led organisation or operate a First Nations-led program, with at least 50% board or leadership representation.

Organisations undertaking national-scale projects, or working across a minimum of two states, will be looked upon favourably. Applications demonstrating endorsement by a Bupa employee, connection to a Bupa business, commitment to diversity and inclusion, support for Indigenous communities, opportunities for Bupa employee engagement or committed co-funding will also be viewed favourably.

Applications are submitted online through the Australian Communities Foundation Grants Portal using access code BUPA2026. Full eligibility conditions, terms and FAQs are set out in the official program guidelines, which applicants should review before preparing a submission.

What is eligible for funding?

Projects must relate to at least one of the following themes:

Healthier People

Grow the next generation of healthy and resilient children and young people
Strengthen social connection to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing
Support people to take preventative action to improve their health and wellbeing

Healthier Communities

Close the gap in health inequity experienced by First Nations peoples
Foster inclusion, participation and improved wellbeing for vulnerable people
Promote healthy ageing and wellbeing for older people

Healthier Planet

Improve health and wellbeing through increased access to nature-based activities
Support community-led climate and environmental restoration initiatives
Strengthen community resilience to climate-related health impacts

What companies are eligible for funding?

Applicants must be registered in Australia or New Zealand as a not-for-profit or charitable organisation through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission or Charities Services, and hold a current ABN or NZBN. Government schools without charity status are eligible to apply.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here.

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

This grant is open

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