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ACT Mental Health Adults and Older People Grant

ACT Mental Health Adults and Older People Grant

  • Approximately $3.5 million per year (GST exclusive) in total funding available
  • Applications close: 14 October 2026
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This grant opportunity supports the ACT Government's investment in the mental health non-government organisation sector for adults and older people, forming part of the Territory's Mental Health Commissioning approach.

The grant aims to support the mental health and wellbeing of adults and older people through targeted and integrated services, with a particular focus on people with complex and ongoing mental health needs. It aligns with the Mental Health NGO Strategic Investment Plan, which supports a shift toward more integrated and person-centred services, a stronger focus on outcomes rather than activity, and improved access and equity across the service system.

While funding is allocated through a grant process, assessment considers not only the activities proposed but also the extent to which services contribute to outcomes, address identified community needs, complement existing services and strengthen the overall mental health service system.

Key Requirements

Services must be delivered in the ACT and demonstrate alignment with the investment focus and grant outcomes. Priority is given in order to Community Connection and Supports, Prevention and Promotion, and Early Intervention across the Support Needs Spectrum.

Applicants must demonstrate how services will respond to the needs of priority groups, including carers and families of people with mental illness, LGBTIQA+ adults and older people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Funded services must deliver safe, inclusive and non-discriminatory services, embed trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice, involve people with lived experience in service design and delivery, provide cohesive and coordinated services, and be evidence-informed and person-centred.

Applicants must maintain appropriate accreditation such as the National Safety and Quality Mental Health Standards for Community Managed Organisations, ensure staff hold relevant qualifications and Working with Vulnerable People registration where applicable, and maintain risk management frameworks and business continuity plans.

Applications must address all mandatory criteria including governance structures, quality improvement processes, cultural competency approaches, information management, risk management, insurance, accreditation, financial viability and legislative compliance. A witnessed statutory declaration must be uploaded to support the governance and compliance declaration.

Full eligibility conditions, assessment criteria, program logic requirements and application templates are set out in the official grant requirements, which applicants should review before preparing a submission.

What is eligible for funding?

Service types that may be funded include, but are not limited to:

  • Group support activities
  • Mutual support and self-help programs
  • Personalised support
  • Counselling, support, information and referral
  • Family and carer support
  • Care coordination
  • Mental health promotion
  • Mental illness prevention initiatives

Priority will be given to services that provide targeted supports to adults and older people with complex and ongoing needs including co-occurring alcohol and other drug needs or housing stress and homelessness, support people exiting the detention system including long term forensic mental health settings, provide access to psychosocial services improving quality of life and social connections, focus on the needs of specific groups, and recognise and support the role of carers and families.

What companies are eligible for funding?

To be eligible, applicants must have an ABN or ACN, be registered for GST, have an account with an Australian financial institution, and be financially viable to deliver the proposed service over the term of the grant.

Applicants must be one of the following entity types: an incorporated organisation in Australia, a company limited by guarantee, an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust, a joint consortia application with a lead organisation, or an organisation registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

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.