I am delighted to let you know that the Stronger Communities Programme Round 10 is now open, and I would like to extend an invitation to your organisation to submit an expression of interest.
The Australian Government is committed to delivering community projects that strengthen and benefit local communities.
Grants are available for 100% of expenditure between $2,500 and $20,000 and the total amount of your project cannot exceed $50,000. As you would be aware, this grant program attracts a high level of interest across Eden-Monaro.
This grant will require applicants to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to my office by 13 November 2026, which will be assessed by a local committee. Successful EOI applicants will then be invited to submit a formal application direct to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
It is important that you please read the Grant Guidelines before completing your EOI due to these significant changes.
Objective
The objective of the program is to deliver infrastructure projects that provide social benefits for local communities, by supporting one or more of the following:
- support or encourage interstate or international tourism
- support or celebrate Indigenous Australians
- commemorate Australians killed or injured in war or who contributed to Australia’s war efforts
- support veterans and defence force members, their families and communities
- support the participation and settlement of newly arrived (i.e. within the last five years) immigrants who are not citizens
- provide benefits to a specific cohort or cohorts of students - enable or foster the use of electronic communications
- provide medical services or facilities, or services or facilities incidental to the provision of medical services
- enable or foster the use of electronic communications
- support the provision of community infrastructure that:
- promotes and supports the mental and physical abilities of children
- supports positive mental or physical health, or facilitates community participation to promote tolerance, and social cohesion or health
- support the acquisition or deployment of greenhouse gas emissions mitigation measures
- support community infrastructure that promotes climate adaptation and resilience and/or native flora/fauna biodiversity
- support the dignity of persons (including children) with disabilities by enhancing their access to public infrastructure
- address gender inequality or discrimination in access to public infrastructure or sport
- support access for children to public infrastructure which enables interstate or overseas travel, accommodation, or education or health care infrastructure or services.
The intended outcomes of the grant opportunity are to:
- encourage and support participation in local projects
- improve local community participation
- contribute to vibrant and viable communities.
You will need to ensure that your project aligns with one or more of the objectives outlined above.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this grant opportunity you must:
- be invited to apply by your MP
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
and be one of the following entities:
- an incorporated not for profit organisation including:
- Police and Citizen Youth Clubs
- child care centres
- surf clubs
- local aged care bodies
- Parents and Citizens, Parent and Friends groups and equivalent bodies
- a Commonwealth, state or territory government agency or entity that is a fire service, rural fire service, country fire authority, state emergency service or similar
- non-distributing co-operatives
- companies limited by guarantee
- Australian Indigenous corporations
- religious organisations incorporated under legislation
- an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust with responsibility for a community asset or property. You will be required to provide relevant trust documents
- a local governing body as defined by the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995.
As a not-for-profit organisation you must demonstrate your not-for-profit status through one of the following:
- state or territory incorporated association registration number or certificate of incorporation, e.g. clubs and other associations
- current Australian Charities and Not for profits Commission’s (ACNC) registration, e.g. for organisations registered as a charity
- constitutional documents that demonstrate the not-for-profit character of the organisation
- legislation that demonstrates the not-for-profit nature of the organisation, e.g. religious organisations incorporated under legislation.
If your EOI is approved, you will be invited to complete a detailed formal application through an online portal which will be processed by the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources.
Please read the grant guidelines carefully to ensure that your organisation and proposed application is eligible. Any questions about your application can be directed to the grant support team on 13 28 46, before submitting an expression of interest form.
Important Documents
Stronger Communities Programme Round 10 Grants Guidelines MUST READ!
Stronger Communities Programme Round 10 – Expression of Interest due by 13 November 2026
Please call my office on (02) 6284 2442 or email me at [email protected] to ensure that your application falls under an eligible activity before submitting an EOI.
