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Open Call for Community Recovery Grants 2026-28 (Australia)

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Deadline: 31-Aug-2026

The Community Recovery Grants Program provides funding of up to $75,000 to support locally led recovery initiatives for communities affected by the January Victorian Bushfires. The programme supports community organisations, not-for-profits, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, and recovery groups delivering projects focused on resilience, social connection, psychological wellbeing, and disaster recovery.

About the Community Recovery Grants Program

The Community Recovery Grants Program supports communities recovering from the impacts of the January Victorian Bushfires through locally designed and community-led recovery activities.

The programme provides financial support for projects that help affected communities:

  • Recover from disaster impacts.
  • Rebuild social connections.
  • Improve community resilience.
  • Support mental health and wellbeing.
  • Strengthen locally led recovery efforts.

Purpose of the Program

The programme aims to support recovery activities that are:

  • Community-led.
  • Locally relevant.
  • Culturally safe.
  • Connected with local recovery priorities.

Funding is designed to complement recovery coordination led by relevant Local Government Authorities (LGAs).

Program Objectives

The key objectives include:

Supporting Local Recovery Initiatives

The programme funds projects that:

  • Align with local recovery plans.
  • Complement LGA-led recovery coordination.
  • Address community recovery priorities.

Supporting Recovery Staffing

Funding can assist organisations to:

  • Employ recovery workers.
  • Strengthen community support capacity.
  • Coordinate recovery activities.

Building Community Resilience

Projects should help communities:

  • Reconnect after disasters.
  • Strengthen relationships.
  • Improve preparedness for future challenges.

Supporting Aboriginal Community Recovery

The programme supports Aboriginal communities by:

  • Encouraging local decision-making.
  • Supporting culturally safe recovery activities.
  • Empowering Aboriginal-led responses.

Improving Psychological Health and Wellbeing

Projects may support:

  • Mental health recovery.
  • Emotional wellbeing.
  • Community healing activities.
  • Social support networks.

Funding Amount

Eligible applicants can receive:

  • Maximum grant amount: Up to $75,000.

Funding is available through four tiers.

Grant Funding Tiers

Tier 1

Funding available:

  • Up to $75,000.

Suitable for:

  • Large recovery projects.
  • Significant community recovery activities.

Tier 2

Funding available:

  • Up to $50,000.

Suitable for:

  • Medium-scale recovery initiatives.

Tier 3

Funding available:

  • Up to $25,000.

Suitable for:

  • Community-based recovery projects.

Tier 4

Funding available:

  • Up to $10,000.

Suitable for:

  • Smaller local recovery activities.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include organisations that play a leading role in bushfire recovery.

Applicants may include:

  • Community recovery organisations.
  • Not-for-profit organisations.
  • Neighbourhood houses.
  • Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
  • Traditional Owner Corporations.
  • Community Recovery Committees.
  • Committees of Management.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be a legal entity incorporated under approved legislation.
  • Have a current Australian Business Number (ABN).
  • Be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST).
  • Deliver recovery support in eligible project locations.
  • Complete projects and spending by 30 June 2028.
  • Have no outstanding final reports from previous Emergency Recovery Victoria or Emergency Management Victoria grants.

Eligible Organisation Types

Organisations must demonstrate:

  • A leadership role in local recovery.
  • Connection with affected communities.
  • Ability to deliver recovery activities.
  • Alignment with local recovery priorities.

Eligible Project Activities

Projects should support disaster recovery outcomes, including:

  • Community wellbeing activities.
  • Social connection programs.
  • Recovery coordination.
  • Community engagement.
  • Aboriginal-led recovery initiatives.
  • Local resilience-building activities.
  • Psychological support activities.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should check:

  • Organisation type.
  • Location requirements.
  • Recovery role.
  • ABN and GST status.

Step 2: Develop a Recovery Project Plan

Applications should explain:

  • Community need.
  • Recovery challenges being addressed.
  • Planned activities.
  • Expected community outcomes.
  • Budget requirements.

Step 3: Demonstrate Local Alignment

Applicants should show how the project:

  • Supports bushfire recovery priorities.
  • Complements LGA recovery activities.
  • Benefits affected communities.

Step 4: Submit Application

Applicants must provide required organisational and project information according to programme guidelines.

Why This Program Matters

Community-led recovery is essential after major disasters because local organisations understand community needs and challenges.

The programme helps communities:

  • Recover at their own pace.
  • Strengthen connections.
  • Support vulnerable groups.
  • Build long-term resilience.
  • Create culturally appropriate recovery solutions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

  • Applying without demonstrating community recovery needs.
  • Proposing projects unrelated to bushfire recovery.
  • Failing to explain local community benefits.
  • Not providing clear budgets.
  • Applying without meeting incorporation or reporting requirements.

Organisations Not Eligible

The following cannot apply:

  • Unincorporated organisations without an eligible auspice arrangement.
  • Organisations structured as trusts unless applying through an approved auspice arrangement.
  • Political parties or political organisations.
  • Individuals and sole traders.
  • Organisations outside eligible LGAs (except eligible Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations).
  • Government-related entities, including:
    • Local councils.
    • Statutory authorities.
    • State-owned corporations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Community Recovery Grants Program?

It is a Victorian recovery funding programme supporting communities affected by the January Victorian Bushfires through locally led recovery projects.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Eligible organisations can receive grants of up to $75,000 depending on the project size and funding tier.

Who can apply for the grant?

Community recovery organisations, not-for-profits, neighbourhood houses, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Traditional Owner Corporations, and other eligible recovery groups can apply.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects supporting community resilience, wellbeing, social connection, Aboriginal-led recovery, and disaster recovery coordination may be funded.

Can individuals apply for funding?

No. Individuals and sole traders are not eligible applicants.

When must funded projects be completed?

All approved projects and expenditure must be completed by 30 June 2028.

Can Aboriginal organisations apply?

Yes. Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Traditional Owner Corporations are eligible and encouraged to apply for culturally safe, community-led recovery activities.

Conclusion

The Community Recovery Grants Program provides critical support for Victorian bushfire-affected communities by investing in locally led recovery solutions. With funding of up to $75,000, the programme helps community organisations strengthen resilience, improve wellbeing, support Aboriginal-led recovery, and rebuild stronger connections after disaster events.

For more information, visit Victorian Government.

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