Dementia Australia Announces Diversity Small Grants Program 2026

Deadline: 05-Aug-2026

Dementia Australia’s Diversity Small Grants Program provides one-off grants of up to AUD 30,000 to support community-led projects that increase dementia awareness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities across Australia. The program funds culturally appropriate initiatives that improve access to dementia information, reduce stigma, and strengthen community understanding through locally led activities.

Dementia Australia Diversity Small Grants Program

The Dementia Australia Diversity Small Grants Program supports organizations and community groups that develop culturally appropriate projects to improve dementia awareness and access to information among communities that often experience barriers to dementia education and support.

The program encourages community-led solutions that reflect local cultural values, languages, and experiences while promoting early conversations about dementia and improving equity in access to reliable information.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Increase awareness and understanding of dementia.
• Improve equitable access to dementia information and support.
• Reduce stigma associated with dementia.
• Encourage culturally appropriate education and engagement.
• Strengthen the capacity of community leaders and organizations.
• Promote meaningful conversations about dementia within diverse communities.

Focus Areas

Projects should contribute to one or more of the following areas:

• Dementia awareness
• Community education
• Health equity
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities
• Community engagement
• Dementia information accessibility
• Capacity building
• Inclusive health communication
• Community leadership
• Cultural inclusion
• Health promotion

Funding Amount

Successful applicants may receive:

• Up to AUD 30,000 in one-off funding per project.

In addition to funding, recipients will receive:

• One complimentary professional dementia information session delivered by Dementia Australia for staff or committee members.

This training helps organizations improve their understanding of dementia and build confidence in discussing dementia within their communities.

Eligible Activities

Examples of eligible activities include:

• Community dementia awareness campaigns
• Educational workshops and seminars
• Information sessions in local languages
• Community discussions and storytelling events
• Training for community leaders and volunteers
• Production of culturally appropriate educational materials
• Outreach programs targeting underserved populations
• Events promoting dementia awareness
• Community engagement initiatives
• Activities that improve access to dementia information

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Community organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Community groups
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organizations
• Organizations supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Organizations supporting CALD communities
• Groups delivering culturally appropriate health initiatives

Priority Will Be Given To

Projects that:

• Are led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Are led by individuals from CALD backgrounds.
• Directly address the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Directly support CALD communities.
• Demonstrate practical and measurable outcomes.
• Show strong community involvement.

Who is Not Eligible?

The following are not eligible:

• Residential aged care agencies
• University-led research projects

Why This Grant Matters

People from culturally diverse communities often face additional barriers to receiving dementia information, diagnosis, and support. These barriers may include language differences, limited culturally appropriate services, stigma, and reduced awareness.

This grant helps organizations:

• Deliver culturally relevant dementia education.
• Improve community understanding.
• Increase confidence in discussing dementia.
• Build stronger local support networks.
• Encourage earlier access to available dementia services.
• Promote inclusive and equitable healthcare.

How to Apply

Follow these steps when preparing your application:

1. Confirm your organization meets the eligibility requirements.
2. Identify the community your project will support.
3. Design a culturally appropriate dementia awareness project.
4. Define clear and measurable project objectives.
5. Explain how your activities will benefit the target community.
6. Prepare a realistic project budget.
7. Submit your application before the program deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Demonstrate strong community involvement.
• Clearly explain the local need for the project.
• Show how the project is culturally appropriate.
• Include realistic and measurable outcomes.
• Describe how awareness activities will continue benefiting the community.
• Highlight partnerships with community leaders and local organizations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Submitting projects without measurable outcomes.
• Designing activities that are not culturally appropriate.
• Providing unclear project objectives.
• Failing to explain community need.
• Preparing unrealistic budgets.
• Proposing activities outside the program’s objectives.
• Applying as an ineligible organization.

Expected Outcomes

Successful projects are expected to:

• Increase dementia awareness in priority communities.
• Improve access to culturally appropriate dementia information.
• Strengthen community capacity.
• Empower local leaders and organizations.
• Encourage open discussions about dementia.
• Reduce stigma surrounding dementia.
• Improve equity in dementia education and support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Diversity Small Grants Program?

Community organizations and groups supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or CALD communities in Australia are eligible to apply.

How much funding is available?

Each successful project may receive up to AUD 30,000.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects that raise dementia awareness, improve access to dementia information, provide culturally appropriate education, and strengthen community understanding.

Are training opportunities included?

Yes. Successful applicants receive a complimentary professional dementia information session delivered by Dementia Australia.

Are university research projects eligible?

No. University-led projects are not eligible under this funding opportunity.

What makes a strong application?

Projects that demonstrate community leadership, cultural relevance, measurable outcomes, and clear benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or CALD communities are more competitive.

Why does the program prioritize community-led projects?

Community-led initiatives are more likely to build trust, reflect local cultural values, improve participation, and create lasting awareness within diverse communities.

Conclusion

The Dementia Australia Diversity Small Grants Program provides an important opportunity for community organizations to improve dementia awareness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and CALD communities. By offering up to AUD 30,000 alongside professional training, the program supports culturally appropriate initiatives that reduce stigma, improve access to information, strengthen community leadership, and promote more equitable dementia education and support across Australia.

For more information, visit Dementia Australia.