Submissions open for Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program 2025-26 (Australia)

The Australian Government’s Veteran Wellbeing Grants (VWG) Program provides up to $3.827 million in funding for 2025–26 to support community-led initiatives improving the wellbeing of veterans and their families. Grants range from $1 to $200,000 through two streams, targeting innovative, collaborative projects that address service gaps, enhance quality of life, and foster resilient veteran communities.

Overview

The VWG Program is a targeted competitive funding initiative designed to strengthen community-led projects supporting veterans and their families. It complements existing government services by addressing health, social, and community needs while promoting long-term wellbeing and independence. The program prioritizes initiatives that are innovative, scalable, and capable of reaching multiple locations or underserved regions.

Key Objectives

• Improve quality of life and wellbeing for veterans and their families.

• Address gaps in services and extend existing programs to new communities.

• Support collaborative, community-driven approaches informed by Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs).

• Promote sustainable solutions that build community capacity.

Funding Streams and Details

• Total Funding: Up to AUD 3.827 million for 2025–26.

• Stream A – Small Grants: Up to $50,000 for community-based initiatives.

• Stream B – Large Grants: $50,001 to $200,000 for larger, multi-location projects.

• No fixed allocation between streams; funding is directed to the strongest proposals.

Who is Eligible?

• Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs): Applying individually or as the lead member of a consortium.

• Non-ESO Organisations: Must partner with at least one ESO and act as the consortium lead.

• Eligible Legal Entities: Company, cooperative, incorporated association, Indigenous corporation, or statutory entity.

• Projects must demonstrate collaboration and leverage expertise in supporting veteran communities.

Priority Areas

• Filling gaps in services for veterans and families.

• Expanding existing wellbeing programs into new regions.

• Introducing innovative approaches that can be scaled across multiple locations.

• Addressing health, social, and community needs to enhance independence and resilience.

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Identify a Project: Focus on initiatives improving wellbeing, independence, or community support for veterans.

2. Determine Eligibility: Ensure your organisation type and project partnership meet program criteria.

3. Select Funding Stream: Choose Stream A (up to $50,000) or Stream B ($50,001–$200,000) based on project scale.

4. Prepare Proposal: Include project objectives, expected outcomes, budget, timelines, partnerships, and scalability.

5. Submit Application: Through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs funding portal during the targeted competitive process.

6. Assessment and Award: Applications are evaluated on alignment with program priorities, innovation, feasibility, impact, and community engagement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without an ESO partnership if required.

• Submitting projects that duplicate existing government services rather than addressing gaps.

• Lack of clear objectives, measurable outcomes, or timelines.

• Failing to demonstrate scalability or multi-location impact where relevant.

FAQ

1. What types of projects are eligible for VWG funding?
Community-led initiatives addressing wellbeing, social needs, health, independence, or community engagement for veterans and their families.

2. Who can apply for a grant?
Eligible legal entities including ESOs, non-ESOs partnering with an ESO, companies, cooperatives, incorporated associations, Indigenous corporations, or statutory entities.

3. What is the funding range?
Small grants: up to $50,000; large grants: $50,001 to $200,000.

4. Is there a limit to the number of applications an organisation can submit?
Applicants should review the targeted competitive process guidelines, as submission limits may apply per stream.

5. Can projects operate across multiple locations?
Yes, multi-location initiatives addressing service gaps or expanding programs are encouraged.

6. Are innovative projects prioritized?
Yes, proposals introducing novel approaches or scalable models are given priority.

7. How is funding awarded between streams?
There is no fixed allocation; grants are awarded based on the merit and strength of proposals across both streams.

Conclusion

The Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program is a strategic investment in community-led solutions that enhance the lives of veterans and their families. By prioritising collaboration with ESOs, innovation, and multi-location impact, the program fosters resilient, connected, and thriving veteran communities across Australia.