GO8525: Stronger Communities Programme Round 10

The Stronger Communities Programme (the program) supports the Australian Government’s commitment to deliver social benefits in communities across Australia by funding projects in each of the 150 Federal electorates.

The program provides grants for community projects to strengthen and benefit local communities and is part of the Government’s 2026-27 budget initiatives.

The objective of the program is to deliver infrastructure projects that provide social benefits for local communities.

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.

Community consultation is a critical element of the program.

In consultation with their community, each MP must identify potential applicants and projects in their electorate and invite them to apply for a grant.

We will assess invited applications against the program’s eligibility and assessment criteria through a closed non-competitive process.

For this round, grant funding will be up to 100% of eligible project costs for all eligible applicants, except for local governing bodies.

Grant funding for local governing bodies will be up to 50% of eligible project costs.

This means local governing bodies must provide at least 50% of the eligible project costs in matched funding contributions.

Applicants must be invited to apply by their Federal MP and have an Australian Business Number (ABN).

They must be an incorporated not-for-profit organisation; an eligible Commonwealth, state or territory fire service, rural fire service, country fire authority, state emergency service or similar entity; a non-distributing co-operative; a company limited by guarantee; an Australian Indigenous corporation; a religious organisation incorporated under legislation; an incorporated trustee responsible for a community asset or property and able to provide relevant trust documents; or a local governing body as defined by the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995, including the additional bodies specified in the guidelines.

Not-for-profit applicants must demonstrate their status through an incorporated-association registration/certificate, current ACNC registration, constitutional documents, or relevant legislation.

Joint applications are permitted where an eligible lead organisation applies and enters the grant agreement.

Local governing bodies must declare that they can provide at least 50% of eligible project costs as matched funding.

Applicants must submit all required information, address all eligibility and assessment criteria, and provide required attachments.