CFPs: Murrindindi Disaster Fund Grant Program (Australia)

The Murrindindi Disaster Fund Grant Program provides financial support to not-for-profit community organisations in Murrindindi Shire affected by the 2026 Longwood Bushfires. The program supports locally led recovery initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, rebuild local capacity, restore community assets, and improve resilience after disaster impacts.

The grant offers funding of up to $2,500 for eligible organisations implementing community recovery projects in fire-affected areas. The program prioritises initiatives that respond to local needs and support long-term recovery, inclusion, and community connection.

About the Murrindindi Disaster Fund Grant Program

The Murrindindi Disaster Fund Grant Program has been launched to support community organisations affected by the 2026 Longwood Bushfires. The program recognises that local communities are best placed to understand their own recovery needs and develop practical solutions.

The funding supports community-led projects that help rebuild social connections, restore local activities, strengthen resilience, and address ongoing challenges following the disaster.

The program is designed to provide flexible financial assistance to organisations working directly with bushfire-affected communities.

Purpose of the Grant Program

The main purpose of the Murrindindi Disaster Fund Grant Program is to support recovery and rebuilding efforts through locally driven projects.

The program aims to:

• Strengthen community wellbeing after bushfire impacts.
• Support community-led disaster recovery activities.
• Build local skills, capacity, and resilience.
• Restore community facilities, activities, and connections.
• Encourage environmental recovery initiatives.
• Promote inclusion and participation among affected community members.
• Support projects that create long-term benefits for disaster-impacted areas.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must be:

• Not-for-profit community organisations.
• Based within Murrindindi Shire.
• Delivering projects in locations impacted by the 2026 Longwood Bushfires.

Eligible organisations should demonstrate that their proposed project directly supports community recovery and aligns with the objectives of the grant program.

Eligible Project Locations

Projects must take place in bushfire-affected communities within Murrindindi Shire, including:

• Acheron
• Alexandra
• Cathkin
• Caveat
• Devils River
• Dropmore
• Fawcett
• Ghin Ghin
• Gobur
• Highlands
• Kanumbra
• Koriella
• Limestone
• Maintaingoon
• Molesworth
• Murrindindi
• Ruffy
• Terip Terip
• Thornton
• Whanregarwen
• Yarck

Funding Amount Available

The Murrindindi Disaster Fund Grant Program provides:

• Maximum grant amount: Up to $2,500 per successful organisation.

Funding can be used to support recovery activities that provide direct benefits to communities affected by the bushfires.

What Projects Can Be Supported?

The grant may support projects that contribute to disaster recovery and community resilience, including:

• Community events that rebuild social connections.
• Activities supporting mental wellbeing and community support.
• Restoration of community facilities and shared spaces.
• Environmental recovery projects.
• Programs that encourage participation and inclusion.
• Activities that strengthen local networks and community capacity.

Projects should demonstrate clear community benefits and respond to local recovery priorities.

Why This Grant Matters

Disasters such as bushfires can create long-term challenges for communities, affecting social connections, local infrastructure, mental wellbeing, and community participation.

The Murrindindi Disaster Fund Grant Program helps communities take ownership of their recovery by supporting organisations that understand local needs and can deliver meaningful solutions.

By investing in community-led projects, the program helps strengthen resilience and prepare communities for future challenges.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Discuss the project proposal
   • Applicants must contact the Executive Officer before starting the online application process.
   • Organisations should discuss their project idea and confirm eligibility.
2. Review application requirements
   • Read the program fact sheet.
   • Review the Smarty Grants Help Guide before submitting an application.
3. Prepare project information
   Applicants should provide details about:
   • Organisation background.
   • Project objectives.
   • Community need being addressed.
   • Expected outcomes and benefits.
   • Proposed use of funding.
4. Submit the application online
   • Applications must be submitted through the Smarty Grants platform.

Application Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:

• Submitting an application without contacting the Executive Officer first.
• Proposing projects that do not directly benefit bushfire-affected communities.
• Failing to explain how the project supports recovery objectives.
• Providing unclear budgets or incomplete project details.
• Submitting applications without reviewing the program guidelines.

Tips for stronger applications:

• Clearly explain the community need.
• Show how the project will create lasting benefits.
• Include measurable outcomes where possible.
• Demonstrate community involvement and local support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Murrindindi Disaster Fund Grant Program?
The program provides financial support to not-for-profit community organisations helping communities recover from the 2026 Longwood Bushfires.

How much funding can organisations receive?
Eligible organisations can receive grants of up to $2,500 for approved recovery projects.

Who is eligible to apply?
Not-for-profit community organisations based in Murrindindi Shire and delivering projects in bushfire-affected locations can apply.

What types of projects are supported?
Projects supporting community recovery, wellbeing, resilience, environmental restoration, inclusion, and restoration of community activities may be eligible.

Is there a requirement to contact anyone before applying?
Yes. Applicants must contact the Executive Officer before beginning the online application process.

Where do applicants submit their applications?
Applications must be submitted online through the Smarty Grants platform.

Can projects outside fire-affected areas apply?
No. Projects must be delivered in locations impacted by the 2026 Longwood Bushfires.

Conclusion

The Murrindindi Disaster Fund Grant Program provides important support for community organisations working to rebuild and strengthen bushfire-affected communities. Through small-scale funding, the program enables locally led recovery projects that improve wellbeing, restore connections, and build long-term resilience across Murrindindi Shire.