Call for Community Broadcasting Foundation Content Grants (Australia)

The Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) Content Grants support Australian community broadcasters and eligible organisations to create diverse, inclusive, and engaging media content. The grants fund projects that amplify underrepresented voices, strengthen community participation, and support innovative storytelling across radio, television, and digital platforms.

About the Community Broadcasting Foundation Content Grants

The Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) has opened applications for its Content Grants programme to support the development and delivery of high-quality community media content across Australia.

The programme aims to strengthen community broadcasting by supporting creative projects that represent diverse communities, promote inclusion, and increase access to meaningful local storytelling.

The grants encourage content that reflects Australia’s multicultural communities, First Nations voices, local issues, arts, culture, and public-interest topics.

Objectives of the Content Grants Programme

The programme focuses on:

• Increasing community participation and engagement through accessible media.
• Supporting diverse voices, cultures, and languages across Australia.
• Strengthening representation of underrepresented communities.
• Encouraging creativity, innovation, and excellence in content production.
• Expanding partnerships and exploring new storytelling formats.
• Building stronger audiences for community broadcasting.

Eligible Applicants

Content Grants are available to organisations and producers involved in community broadcasting.

Eligible applicants include:

• Licensed community radio broadcasters.
• Licensed community television broadcasters.
• First Nations community media organisations.
• Community media sector organisations.
• Incorporated not-for-profit organisations providing services to community broadcasters.
• Independent producers applying through an eligible auspice organisation.

Applicants must create content intended for broadcast through recognised community media organisations.

Funding Availability

Round 2 of the 2026/27 Content Grants programme has a total funding pool of $452,643.

The available funding is divided into the following categories:

• Ethnic community content: $198,379.
• First Nations community content: $100,393.
• General community content: $153,871.

Funding is not available in this round for:

• Radio for Print Handicapped (RPH) programming.
• Disability-focused projects.

Supported Content Areas

The grants support projects that create and distribute community-focused media content, including:

• Music programmes.
• Arts and cultural productions.
• Community event coverage.
• News and public-interest journalism.
• First Nations storytelling.
• Multicultural and multilingual content.
• Content representing underrepresented communities.
• Disability-related productions.
• Local community-interest projects.

Eligible Project Costs

Grant funding may support:

• Project-specific staff costs.
• Research activities.
• Travel expenses.
• Production costs.
• Accessibility services.
• Marketing and promotion.
• Equipment hire.
• Training activities connected to content creation.
• Limited administrative expenses.

Projects should demonstrate clear community benefit and contribute to stronger community broadcasting outcomes.

Funding Conditions

Applicants may submit multiple projects, with up to six projects supported per organisation during each financial year, excluding Specialist Radio Programming.

Projects requesting $20,000 or more must include financial contributions from other sources or from the applicant organisation.

Successful projects must:

• Be first broadcast through a licensed community broadcasting organisation.
• Acknowledge Community Broadcasting Foundation support.
• Follow all grant agreement requirements.
• Respect Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property protocols where applicable.
• Clearly disclose the use of AI-generated content where relevant.

Expected Impact

Supported projects are expected to:

• Increase diversity within Australian media.
• Provide platforms for community voices.
• Improve access to local and culturally relevant information.
• Encourage innovative approaches to storytelling.
• Strengthen relationships between broadcasters and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Community Broadcasting Foundation Content Grants?

They are funding opportunities that support the creation, production, and distribution of community media content across Australia.

Who can apply for the Content Grants?

Eligible applicants include community broadcasters, First Nations media organisations, not-for-profit organisations supporting community media, and independent producers applying through an eligible organisation.

What type of content can receive funding?

Funding supports radio, television, and community media projects covering areas such as culture, music, journalism, local issues, diversity, and community storytelling.

How much funding is available in Round 2 of 2026/27?

A total of $452,643 is available across different content categories.

Can independent producers apply directly?

Independent producers may apply through an eligible auspice organisation rather than applying independently.

How many projects can one organisation submit?

Organisations may submit multiple projects, with up to six projects supported per financial year, excluding Specialist Radio Programming.

Is matching funding required?

Requests of $20,000 or more must include financial contributions from other sources or the applicant organisation.

Can grant funds be used for equipment purchases?

Funding may support equipment hire and project-related costs, but applicants should review specific grant conditions for equipment eligibility.

What communities are prioritised under the programme?

The programme supports diverse communities, including First Nations communities, ethnic communities, and other underrepresented groups.

Where must funded content be broadcast?

Funded projects must first be broadcast through a licensed community broadcasting organisation.

Are AI-generated materials allowed in funded projects?

Yes, but applicants must maintain transparency and disclose the use of AI-generated content where required.

Conclusion

The Community Broadcasting Foundation Content Grants provide essential support for Australian community media organisations creating diverse, inclusive, and impactful content. By funding innovative storytelling and community-led productions, the programme strengthens representation, participation, and accessibility within Australia’s broadcasting sector.