Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Ski for Life initiative provides funding to support grassroots mental health and suicide prevention projects in rural and regional Australia.
The programme focuses on strengthening community wellbeing by supporting initiatives that are:
- Locally designed and community-led
- Focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention
- Targeted at rural and regional populations
- Designed to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations
- Practical, measurable, and outcome-driven
It prioritises real-world impact through direct engagement with communities.
Key Focus Areas
Mental health and wellbeing
- Community mental health awareness campaigns
- Emotional wellbeing initiatives
- Early intervention and support activities
Suicide prevention
- Community-based suicide prevention programmes
- Awareness and education initiatives
- Support networks for at-risk individuals
Rural and regional support
- Addressing isolation in remote communities
- Improving access to mental health resources
- Strengthening local support systems
Stigma reduction and awareness
- Open conversations about mental health
- Community storytelling and engagement
- Education to reduce discrimination and stigma
Social connection and engagement
- Community events and group activities
- Peer support initiatives
- Building local support networks
Programme Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Improve mental health awareness in rural communities
- Reduce stigma around mental illness and suicide
- Strengthen community-led support systems
- Promote early intervention and prevention strategies
- Encourage social connection and resilience
- Deliver measurable wellbeing outcomes
Funding Eligibility and Requirements
Eligible applicants
- Must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Or have a recognised relationship with an ABN-holding legal entity
Project requirements
- Must be community-led and locally delivered
- Must focus on mental health or suicide prevention
- Must target rural or regional communities in Australia
- Must be completed within 12 months
- Must not have started before approval
Ineligible Funding Uses
Funding cannot be used for:
- Wages and salaries (except guest speakers or presenters)
- Staff or volunteer travel expenses
- Infrastructure development projects
- Materials and equipment purchases
- Private or corporate profit-driven projects
- Applications from other charities
- Projects based in metropolitan (urban) areas
Expected Outcomes
Supported projects should deliver:
- Measurable improvements in community wellbeing
- Increased awareness of mental health issues
- Reduced stigma and improved public understanding
- Stronger local support networks
- Increased community participation and engagement
How the Programme Works
Step 1: Application submission
- Community organisations submit project proposals
- Projects must demonstrate local need and impact
Step 2: Evaluation process
- Assessment based on relevance, feasibility, and community benefit
- Focus on rural and regional impact
Step 3: Funding approval
- Selected projects receive grant support
- Funding must align with approved activities
Step 4: Implementation
- Community-led project delivery
- Engagement activities and awareness programmes
- Focus on measurable outcomes
Step 5: Reporting and acquittal
- Submission of financial reports
- Documentation of project outcomes
- Return of unused funds if applicable
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting metropolitan-based projects
- Including ineligible expenses such as salaries or infrastructure
- Lack of clear mental health or suicide prevention focus
- Weak community involvement or leadership
- Missing measurable outcomes or evaluation plan
- Starting project before approval
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main purpose of the programme
- To support community-led mental health and suicide prevention initiatives in rural and regional Australia
- Focus areas include
- Mental health awareness
- Suicide prevention
- Stigma reduction
- Community wellbeing and engagement
- Who can apply for funding
- Applicants must
- Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Or be linked to an organisation with an ABN
- Applicants must
- What type of projects are supported
- Community-led and locally delivered initiatives
- Mental health awareness programmes
- Suicide prevention activities
- Rural and regional wellbeing initiatives
- What is the project duration
- Projects must be completed within 12 months
- What expenses are not covered
- Wages and salaries (except speakers or presenters)
- Travel costs for staff or volunteers
- Infrastructure projects
- Equipment and material purchases
- Corporate or private profit-based projects
- Metropolitan-based initiatives
- What are the expected outcomes
- Improved mental health awareness
- Reduced stigma around suicide and mental illness
- Stronger community engagement and support networks
- Measurable wellbeing improvements
Conclusion
The Ski for Life programme plays a vital role in strengthening mental health and suicide prevention efforts in rural and regional Australia. By supporting community-led, locally delivered initiatives, it promotes awareness, reduces stigma, and builds stronger social connections that improve overall wellbeing and resilience.
For more information, visit Ski for Life.
