Major Community Grants


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About this grant

The Diverse Australia Program (DAP) and the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security (NAP) are designed to provide the additional resources often needed by not for profit community organisations to develop their own projects and find their own ways of helping all Australians to build stronger community relations.

The NAP program, developed in 2005-06, responds to the particular pressures Australian communities are facing as a result of increased intolerance and the promotion of violence arising from events around the world and in Australia since 2001.
See: A National Action Plan (NAP)

Major community grants can provide funding of between $5000 and $50 000 for community groups and organisations to deliver projects that address local community relations issues. The government believes that strong social cohesion is best developed by projects that bring all Australians together and in particular create connections across the community.

Who is eligible

Funds will be provided to incorporated, not for profit organisations including:

  • schools
  • non-profit foundations
  • service clubs
  • sporting bodies
  • ethnic organisations
  • youth organisations
  • local government authorities
  • universities and colleges of education (government school applicants need not be incorporated).

Applicants should not be:

  • individuals
  • political organisations
  • un-incorporated organisations (with the exception of government schools)
  • Australian, state or territory agencies.

Guidelines

Before applying, you should read the guidelines for community grants ($5000 to $50 000).
See: Guidelines for Community Grants 2009 (111KB PDF file)

How to apply

The major community grants funding round will employ a two-stage application process:

  • Stage One: Expression of Interest
  • Stage Two: Supplementary Application (by invitation).

The 2009 community grants funding round is now closed with close to 600 applications received.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications. Please visit this site again to check for updates as they become available.

Successful 2009 grants

The successful 2009 grants have been announced by the Parliamentary Secretary.
See:
Government announces more than $1.2 million for community funding
Community organisations receive $300 000 to help young people

Feedback on applications for the 2009 funding round

Feedback is available for unsuccessful Major Community Grants Funding 2009 applicants. It provides applicants with information on the assessment process and feedback on the main strengths and weaknesses of applications.
See: Feedback on major community grants funding 2009 ( 28KB PDF file)

For feedback on applications for National Action Plan community grants funding 2009. It provides applicants with information on the assessment process and feedback on the main strengths and weaknesses of applications.
See: Feedback on National Action Plan community grants funding 2009 ( 30KB PDF file)

Funded projects

A list of previously funded projects is available on the Diverse Australia Program website.
See: Funded Projects

Further information

You can contact the department for further information about community grants.
See: Contact Us