Apply Now: Ski for Life Community Grants Programme (Australia)

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
• 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.