Stronger Communities Programme – Round 10

Grants of $2,500 to $20,000 per project
Covers up to 100% of eligible costs for not-for-profits and other eligible organisations
Each federal electorate has up to $150,000, shared across a maximum of 20 projects
$22.5 million available nationally over two years
MP nominations close at 5:00 pm AEDT on 30 November 2026, and invited applications close at 5:00 pm AEDT on 19 January 2027

The Stronger Communities Programme gives community organisations $2,500 to $20,000 for small capital projects that benefit their local community, such as hall upgrades, sports and play equipment, defibrillators, solar panels, accessible facilities and war memorials. Projects must be nominated by the local federal MP, who then invites the organisation to apply. MP nominations close on 30 November 2026, and invited applications close on 19 January 2027.

The program is funded by the Australian Government and run by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources on behalf of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts. It funds projects in all 150 federal electorates, with each MP choosing projects in consultation with a local community committee.

Key Requirements

Invitation process

Your federal MP must nominate your project after consulting a local community committee
The department then checks the nomination and sends you a link to apply
Only invited organisations can apply, and being invited doesn’t guarantee funding

Project requirements

Be located in the nominating MP’s electorate, based on the 2025 federal electorate boundaries
Support at least one program objective, such as tourism, First Nations recognition, veterans, newly arrived migrants, students, health, emissions reduction, climate resilience, disability access or gender equality
Have at least $2,500 in eligible spending, or $5,000 for local councils
Have a total cost of no more than $50,000
Be completed by 31 March 2028

Organisation requirements

Hold an ABN
Show not-for-profit status through incorporation, ACNC registration, constitutional documents or legislation
Local councils must declare they can fund at least 50% of the project

New for Round 10
Projects can now also support climate adaptation and resilience, native plants and animals, positive mental or physical health, and community participation that promotes tolerance and social cohesion.

You can start your project from the date you submit your application, but at your own risk. Costs from before you submit aren’t eligible. The program objectives and their matching activities are set out in the Stronger Communities Programme Round 10 guidelines.

What is eligible for funding?

Small capital projects linked to at least one program objective, such as:

Tourism: fit-outs or extensions to tourism premises, information signage, and tourism websites
First Nations recognition: NAIDOC Week celebrations, First Nations art and signage, and cultural spaces
Veterans: new or upgraded war memorials, commemorative signage and flags, and facilities for veterans and their families
Newly arrived migrants: welcome events and websites for non-citizens who arrived within the last five years
Community facilities and equipment: upgrades and equipment for community centres, Scout and Girl Guide halls, Men’s Sheds, CWA halls, libraries and sports grounds
Technology: websites, apps, CRM software, audio-visual and ICT equipment with community benefit
Health: defibrillators, first aid equipment and first aid rooms
Emissions reduction: energy-efficient appliances and windows, solar and battery systems, and native gardens at community facilities
Climate resilience: community gardens and shade structures that reduce heat stress
Access and inclusion: disability access, women’s and gender-neutral facilities, parent and breastfeeding rooms, and child-friendly spaces

Eligible costs include suppliers and contracted labour, planning, design and approval fees, and buying or hiring equipment and materials needed for the project.

What isn’t funded
In-kind contributions, staff and volunteer time, salaries and overheads, consumables, food and drinks, rent, rates and ongoing maintenance. Training courses, feasibility studies, buying land or buildings, commercial ventures and work on private homes are also excluded.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Organisations with an ABN that are invited by their MP and are one of the following:

incorporated not-for-profits, such as Police and Citizens Youth Clubs, childcare centres, surf clubs, local aged care bodies, and P&C or P&F groups
fire services, rural fire services, country fire authorities and state emergency services
non-distributing co-operatives and companies limited by guarantee
Australian Indigenous corporations
religious organisations incorporated under legislation
incorporated trustees responsible for a community asset
local councils and other listed local governing bodies

Groups that can’t incorporate, such as parish churches, rural fire brigades, Scout groups and P&Cs, can apply through an eligible project sponsor nominated by the MP.

For-profit organisations, individuals, partnerships, universities, TAFEs, schools, hospitals and most government agencies can’t apply.

Councils and not-for-profits in regional areas planning larger infrastructure projects may also want to look at the Growing Regions Program, which has separate eligibility rules and much larger grants.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get invited to apply?
Contact your local federal MP’s office. MPs work with a community committee to choose projects, then nominate them by 30 November 2026. The department then invites nominated organisations to apply.

Do I need to contribute funding?
Not-for-profits and most other eligible organisations don’t, as the grant can cover up to 100% of eligible costs. Local councils must fund at least 50%.

What’s the most a project can cost?
The total project cost can’t exceed $50,000, and the grant itself is capped at $20,000.

Can an unincorporated group apply?
Not directly. Groups that can’t incorporate can apply through an eligible project sponsor, which must also be nominated by the MP.

When can I start my project?
From the date you submit your application, but at your own risk until the grant agreement is signed. Costs from before you submit aren’t eligible.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Closed and non-competitive. Only organisations nominated by their federal MP can apply, and each application is assessed on its own merits against the eligibility and assessment criteria, not ranked against others.

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. Because applications must score at least half on both community benefit and project management, a clear, well-planned application gives your project the best chance once your MP has nominated it. 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.

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