Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Community Benefit Fund (CBF) Flood Relief Grants provide one-time financial assistance to not-for-profit organisations in the Northern Territory affected by the 2026 floods. The funding supports repair of flood damage and replacement of destroyed items, helping community organisations recover and restore essential services.
Overview
The Community Benefit Fund (CBF) Flood Relief Grants are a special one-off funding initiative designed to support community recovery after the 2026 floods in the Northern Territory, Australia. The program helps eligible not-for-profit organisations repair damage and replace essential assets lost due to flooding.
The funding is sourced from a levy on electronic gaming machines in licensed hotels and is specifically allocated for community benefit purposes.
Purpose of the Grant
The main objectives of the Flood Relief Grants are:
- Support recovery of community organisations affected by the 2026 floods
- Repair infrastructure and facilities damaged by flooding
- Replace essential equipment and assets destroyed in the disaster
- Restore continuity of community services in affected regions
- Strengthen resilience of local not-for-profit organisations
Funding Details
- Maximum grant amount: Up to $15,000 per organisation
- Funding type: One-time, non-recurring grant
- GST status: GST exclusive
- Application limit: One application per organisation (may include multiple purposes)
- Funding source: Community Benefit Fund (gaming machine levy revenue)
Eligible Expenses
Funding can be used for flood-related recovery costs, including:
- Repair of flood-damaged buildings and infrastructure
- Replacement of damaged or destroyed equipment
- Restoration of essential community assets
- Recovery-related operational items directly impacted by flooding
Ineligible Expenses
Applicants cannot use funding for:
- Costs already covered by insurance
- Expenses funded by other government or private grants
- Non-flood-related capital or operational costs
- Ongoing program funding or recurrent expenses
Who Can Apply (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible, organisations must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be a not-for-profit community organisation based in the Northern Territory
- Have been directly affected by the 2026 floods
- Maintain a physical presence in the Northern Territory
- Be legally incorporated under one of the following:
- Associations Act 2003 (NT)
- Corporations Act 2001 (Commonwealth)
- Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006
- Other valid Act of Parliament
- Be compliant with all reporting obligations under their incorporation framework
- If registered with ACNC or ORIC, be fully up to date with reporting requirements
How the Application Process Works
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Organisations must verify that they meet incorporation, location, and flood-impact requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Application
Applicants can submit one consolidated application, which may include multiple flood-related recovery needs.
Step 3: Identify Costs
Clearly outline:
- Damages caused by the 2026 floods
- Repair and replacement requirements
- Cost estimates and supporting evidence
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit the completed application within the official funding round.
Step 5: Assessment
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Eligibility compliance
- Degree of flood impact
- Merit and justification of requested funding
- Available program budget
Step 6: Funding Decision
Successful applicants receive a one-time grant payment for approved purposes.
Key Restrictions
- No ongoing or recurring funding is provided
- Duplicate funding from insurance or other sources is not allowed
- Funding is strictly limited to flood-related recovery
- Only one application per organisation is permitted
Why This Grant Matters
The CBF Flood Relief Grants play a critical role in helping Northern Territory communities recover after major flooding events. Many not-for-profit organisations provide essential local services, and damage from natural disasters can severely disrupt their operations.
This funding helps:
- Restore essential community services quickly
- Reduce financial pressure on local organisations
- Improve disaster recovery capacity
- Support long-term community resilience
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for non-flood-related expenses
- Requesting funding for insured items
- Submitting incomplete documentation of flood damage
- Applying without confirming eligibility status
- Submitting multiple applications instead of one consolidated request
Tips for a Strong Application
- Provide clear evidence of flood damage (photos, reports, invoices)
- Clearly separate insured and uninsured losses
- Prioritise essential recovery needs first
- Ensure organisational compliance with reporting requirements
- Keep cost estimates realistic and well-documented
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the CBF Flood Relief Grants?
Not-for-profit community organisations based in the Northern Territory that were affected by the 2026 floods.
What is the maximum funding available?
Eligible organisations can receive up to $15,000 per application.
Can I apply for multiple projects?
Yes, but only within a single application submission.
Can insurance-covered damage be included?
No. Costs already covered by insurance or other funding sources are not eligible.
Is this a recurring funding program?
No. This is a one-time special funding round.
Do organisations need to be incorporated?
Yes. Applicants must be incorporated under recognised legislation such as the Associations Act 2003 or equivalent.
Are ongoing operational costs covered?
No. Only flood-related repairs and replacements are eligible.
Conclusion
The Community Benefit Fund Flood Relief Grants provide essential financial support to help Northern Territory not-for-profit organisations recover from the 2026 floods. By covering repair and replacement costs, the program enables communities to restore vital services, rebuild infrastructure, and strengthen resilience after a major disaster.
For more information, visit Northern Territory Government.