Call for Applications: In a Good Place Program (Australia)

The In a Good Place program provides grants of up to AUD 20,000 to support community-led projects that improve mental health and social and emotional wellbeing in remote, rural, and regional Australia. With a funding pool of at least AUD 300,000, the program supports non-clinical, community-based initiatives that reduce stigma, strengthen community connections, and improve access to local mental health support.

Program Overview

The In a Good Place program funds grassroots projects that help strengthen mental health and social and emotional wellbeing in Australia’s remote, rural, and regional communities.

The program supports locally driven, non-clinical initiatives that encourage community participation, build resilience, reduce social isolation, and improve access to mental health support. It places particular emphasis on communities that are under-resourced and face limited access to mental health services.

Projects should be community-focused, inclusive, and designed to create lasting improvements in wellbeing through collaboration, education, and local partnerships.

Grant at a Glance

• Funding Program: In a Good Place
• Country: Australia
• Target Communities: Remote, rural, and regional communities
• Total Funding Pool: At least AUD 300,000
• Maximum Grant Amount: AUD 20,000
• Funding Streams:
  • Community Wellbeing
  • Farmers and Farming Communities
• Eligible Applicants: Not-for-profit organizations with an ABN or Australian Incorporation Certificate

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Improve mental health and social and emotional wellbeing.
• Reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
• Encourage early help-seeking.
• Strengthen community participation and inclusion.
• Reduce loneliness and social isolation.
• Build local mental health knowledge and skills.
• Support vulnerable individuals and communities.
• Improve access to non-clinical mental health support.
• Strengthen partnerships between community organizations and local services.

Funding Streams

Community Wellbeing

This funding stream supports projects that address general mental health and wellbeing needs across remote, rural, and regional communities.

Projects may focus on:

• Community wellbeing.
• Social inclusion.
• Mental health awareness.
• Community resilience.
• Reducing isolation.
• Local support initiatives.

Farmers and Farming Communities

This stream supports projects that improve the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and communities connected to agriculture and related industries.

Projects may include collaboration with:

• Agricultural organizations.
• Local service providers.
• Community groups.
• Industry organizations.

Support is available regardless of membership in agricultural peak bodies or other organizations.

Funding Priorities

The program prioritizes projects that:

• Prevent and respond to mental health challenges.
• Reduce stigma around mental health.
• Encourage open conversations.
• Support vulnerable community members.
• Strengthen community participation.
• Improve social inclusion.
• Build stronger community connections.
• Support farmers and farming communities.
• Deliver culturally appropriate wellbeing activities.
• Develop local partnerships.
• Improve access to local support services.
• Build community skills and resilience.

Priority Communities

Priority will be given to:

• Very remote communities.
• Remote communities.
• Rural communities.
• Communities with populations under 10,000.
• Under-served and under-resourced communities.

Applications from larger regional centres may also be considered where projects provide benefits to surrounding smaller communities.

Understanding the Program

The In a Good Place program recognizes that many rural and remote communities experience barriers to accessing mental health services.

Rather than funding clinical treatment, the program supports community-led activities that strengthen wellbeing, improve local support networks, and encourage people to seek help when needed.

Projects should focus on practical, accessible approaches that bring people together and strengthen local capacity to support mental health.

Eligible Project Activities

Examples of eligible activities include:

• Community mental health awareness campaigns.
• Social and emotional wellbeing programs.
• Peer support groups.
• Creative arts activities.
• Performing arts programs.
• Community gardening initiatives.
• Wellbeing workshops.
• Community events that reduce isolation.
• Culturally appropriate wellbeing activities.
• Resources for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
• Development of local mental health resources.
• Purchase of essential equipment required for program delivery.
• Community partnership initiatives.
• Technology-based approaches that improve access to mental health support.

Who Can Benefit?

Projects may support:

• Farmers.
• Farming communities.
• Young people.
• Older adults.
• Indigenous communities.
• Multicultural communities.
• Vulnerable individuals.
• Isolated community members.
• People experiencing barriers to mental health support.

Why This Grant Matters

Mental health challenges are often more difficult to address in rural and remote communities because of limited services, geographic isolation, and social stigma.

The In a Good Place program helps communities:

• Build stronger support networks.
• Improve community resilience.
• Reduce isolation.
• Increase access to mental health resources.
• Encourage early help-seeking.
• Strengthen local partnerships.
• Promote positive mental health conversations.
• Create healthier, more connected communities.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be:

• Not-for-profit organizations.
• Organizations with an Australian Business Number (ABN) or an Australian Incorporation Certificate.

Both organizations with and without Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR-1) endorsement are eligible.

Projects must:

• Have a charitable purpose.
• Deliver a clear public benefit.
• Support remote, rural, or regional communities.

Funding Information

Funding details include:

• Maximum Grant Amount: AUD 20,000
• Total Funding Pool: At least AUD 300,000

Funding is available through the Community Wellbeing and Farmers and Farming Communities streams.

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects should contribute to:

• Improved mental health awareness.
• Increased community participation.
• Reduced social isolation.
• Better access to local support.
• Stronger community partnerships.
• Increased help-seeking behaviour.
• Greater inclusion of vulnerable groups.
• Improved social and emotional wellbeing.
• Stronger local capacity to support mental health.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm that your organization meets the eligibility requirements.
2. Select the funding stream that best matches your project.
3. Identify the local mental health or wellbeing issue your project will address.
4. Design a community-led, non-clinical project with clear public benefit.
5. Develop partnerships where appropriate with local organizations or agricultural services.
6. Prepare a realistic project budget and implementation plan.
7. Explain how the project will create lasting benefits for the community.
8. Submit the completed application and all required supporting documents before the application deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposing projects focused primarily on clinical services.
• Failing to demonstrate community need.
• Submitting projects without measurable outcomes.
• Providing unrealistic budgets.
• Ignoring the charitable purpose requirement.
• Preparing incomplete applications.
• Failing to explain long-term community benefits.

Tips for a Strong Application

To strengthen your application:

• Demonstrate strong community involvement.
• Explain the specific local mental health challenge.
• Show how vulnerable groups will benefit.
• Include practical and sustainable activities.
• Develop partnerships with local organizations.
• Present clear and measurable outcomes.
• Prepare a realistic budget and implementation timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the In a Good Place program?

Eligible applicants are not-for-profit organizations with an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Incorporation Certificate. Organizations with or without DGR-1 endorsement may apply.

How much funding is available?

Organizations can apply for grants of up to AUD 20,000, with a total funding pool of at least AUD 300,000.

What are the two funding streams?

The program offers:

• Community Wellbeing.
• Farmers and Farming Communities.

What types of projects are supported?

The program supports non-clinical community initiatives such as wellbeing programs, peer support groups, creative activities, gardening projects, community events, culturally appropriate wellbeing activities, and projects that strengthen mental health awareness and community connections.

Are clinical mental health services funded?

No. The program focuses on community-based, non-clinical approaches that improve mental health and social and emotional wellbeing.

Which communities receive priority?

Priority is given to very remote, remote, and rural communities, particularly those with populations under 10,000 and limited access to mental health support.

What makes a strong application?

Strong applications demonstrate clear community need, meaningful local partnerships, measurable outcomes, sustainable community impact, and alignment with the program’s mental health and wellbeing objectives.

Conclusion

The In a Good Place program provides valuable funding for community-led initiatives that improve mental health and social and emotional wellbeing across rural, remote, and regional Australia. By supporting locally designed, non-clinical projects that strengthen community connections, reduce stigma, and improve access to support, the program helps create healthier, more resilient communities where people feel connected, supported, and empowered to thrive.