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Call our office on 03 8567 7500Business hours 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
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Fill out an assesment form today CommBank Next Chapter Innovation 2026
- Successful applicants receive a one-off payment of either $100,000 or $200,000, as decided by CommBank
- The maximum payment per successful application is $200,000
- Funding must be spent on the project described in the application, not on service delivery, salaries or wages
- Unspent funds must be refunded at the end of the 12-month term, unless CommBank approves a revised timetable
- Partners also get access to executive support and mentoring
- Applications close: 2 November 2026
Next Chapter Innovation is part of CommBank Next Chapter, the Commonwealth Bank's commitment to help end financial abuse and support people towards long-term financial independence. The program partners with community organisations to develop practical, innovative responses to financial abuse.
The 2026 round focuses on financial abuse of older people. It funds projects that help prevent, identify or respond to this abuse. Financial abuse is one of the most common forms of elder abuse, and almost one in six older Australians reported experiencing abuse in the past year, according to the National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study 2021.
Since launching in 2023, the program has supported projects addressing technology-facilitated abuse, dowry abuse, financial abuse in small businesses, recovery after abuse, and financial abuse in First Nations communities.
Key Requirements
Projects must help prevent, identify or respond to the financial abuse of older people, and be fully delivered within 12 months of receiving funding. Funding must go to Australian-based programs only.
The payment can only be used for the project described in the application. It can’t fund ongoing service delivery or salaries and wages. Successful partners must take part in progress meetings and an evaluation survey or interview, and agree to be featured in CommBank’s promotion of the program.
Consortiums can apply but must nominate one organisation as the lead applicant. The payment can’t be passed to a third party or related entity without CommBank’s approval.
Eligibility and program conditions are set out in full in the Next Chapter Innovation guidelines.
What is eligible for funding?
Innovative projects that help prevent, identify or respond to the financial abuse of older Australians. CommBank is particularly interested in solutions shaped by lived experience, frontline expertise and strong community connections.
What companies are eligible for funding?
Applicants must hold an ABN and an Australian bank account in their own name, and be one of the following:
- An Australian-based charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
- A company registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC)
- An established social enterprise with current Social Traders Certification
Organisations, or their directors or office holders, with adverse findings such as enforceable undertakings, banning orders, civil penalties or criminal convictions aren’t eligible.
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.