Deadline: 11-Aug-2026

The Specialist Radio Programming Grants provide funding to support community radio programs that serve diverse communities, including people with print disabilities, ethnic communities, and First Nations Australians. The grants help community broadcasters develop new specialist programs through community engagement, consultation, and presenter training. Eligible organisations can receive a one-off grant of $2,000 per program to support program development.

Specialist Radio Programming Grants Overview

The Specialist Radio Programming Grants are designed to help community media organisations develop inclusive radio programming that reflects the diversity of Australian communities.

The funding supports the creation of specialist programs that increase participation, improve access to information, and strengthen representation of underrepresented communities through community broadcasting.

Purpose of the Grants

The Specialist Radio Programming Grants aim to:

Increase diversity in community broadcasting
Support inclusive and culturally relevant radio content
Encourage participation from underrepresented communities
Improve access to local information and community services
Strengthen community engagement through specialist programming
Expand multilingual and culturally diverse broadcasting

Types of Programs Supported

The grants support the development of specialist community radio programs in the following areas.

Radio Reading (RPH) Programs

Funding supports programs designed for:

People with print disabilities
Accessible information services
Reading of newspapers, magazines, books, and community information

Ethnic Community Programs

Support is available for programs that:

Serve defined local ethnic communities
Broadcast in community languages
Promote cultural diversity
Share local news and information relevant to multicultural communities

First Nations Australian Programs

Funding supports programs that:

Amplify First Nations voices
Promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
Share Indigenous languages, stories, and perspectives
Strengthen community participation in broadcasting

Objectives of the Programme

The grants aim to help community media organisations:

Increase the diversity of voices in community media
Expand language diversity in broadcasting
Increase community participation in radio production
Build stronger relationships with local communities
Reflect the cultural diversity of audiences
Improve access to information and local content
Strengthen community connections through broadcasting

Funding Information

The programme provides support for new specialist programs in development.

Funding includes:

One-off grant: $2,000 per program
Funding type: Start-up or seed funding
Funding period: July 2026 – June 2027

The funding is intended to help stations establish new specialist radio programs rather than support ongoing operational costs.

What the Funding Can Be Used For

Grant funding may support activities such as:

Community consultation
Engagement with local communities
Recruitment of volunteers
Training presenters
Training producers
Program planning
Initial development activities
Building partnerships with target communities

Applicants must demonstrate that the new program is expected to begin broadcasting within the funding period.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Licensed community broadcast radio stations
First Nations community media organisations whose primary purpose is community broadcasting
Incorporated not-for-profit organisations providing services to community broadcasters
Incorporated not-for-profit organisations creating content for community broadcasting

Eligible organisations may also:

Submit applications on behalf of specialist program groups
Act as auspicing organisations for community radio programs
Hold a broadcast agreement with a licensed community radio station

How the Grant Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Identify a Community Need

Determine whether there is demand for:

A Radio Reading (RPH) program
An Ethnic community program
A First Nations community program

Step 2: Engage the Community

Conduct activities such as:

Community consultation
Meetings with community leaders
Volunteer recruitment
Partnership development

Step 3: Develop the Program

Plan:

Program format
Broadcast schedule
Presenter recruitment
Producer training
Community participation

Step 4: Submit the Application

Provide details including:

Community need
Development activities
Project timeline
Expected broadcast date
Budget

Step 5: Implement the Project

Use the funding to complete development activities and prepare the program for broadcast.

Step 6: Launch the Program

The station must demonstrate that the program will be on air during the July 2026 – June 2027 funding period.

Why These Grants Matter

The Specialist Radio Programming Grants help:

Increase media diversity
Improve representation of underrepresented communities
Support multilingual broadcasting
Strengthen community participation
Promote social inclusion
Improve access to information
Preserve cultural identity and languages
Encourage local storytelling

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without identifying a clearly defined target community
Failing to demonstrate community consultation
Not showing how the program will be broadcast within the funding period
Requesting funding for ongoing operational expenses
Providing an unclear development plan
Submitting applications without a valid broadcast agreement (where required)

Tips for a Strong Application

Demonstrate genuine community demand
Include evidence of community consultation
Show strong partnerships with community groups
Present a realistic implementation timeline
Explain how the program will increase diversity and inclusion
Highlight volunteer and community participation
Clearly demonstrate readiness to broadcast within the funding period

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the Specialist Radio Programming Grants?

Licensed community radio stations, First Nations community media organisations, and eligible incorporated not-for-profit organisations involved in community broadcasting.

2. How much funding is available?

Each eligible program can receive a one-off grant of $2,000.

3. What types of programs are supported?

Radio Reading (RPH) programs, Ethnic community programs, and First Nations Australian programs.

4. What can the funding be used for?

Community consultation, program development, presenter training, producer training, volunteer engagement, and other start-up activities.

5. Can existing programs apply?

The funding is intended primarily for specialist programs in development rather than ongoing established programming.

6. When must the program begin broadcasting?

Successful applicants must demonstrate that the program will be on air during the July 2026 – June 2027 funding period.

7. Why is community consultation important?

Community consultation helps ensure that the proposed program reflects the interests, needs, and priorities of the community it intends to serve.

Conclusion

The Specialist Radio Programming Grants provide valuable seed funding for community broadcasters to develop inclusive and culturally responsive radio programs. By supporting Radio Reading services, ethnic broadcasting, and First Nations programming, the grants help expand participation, improve access to information, and strengthen community voices.

For more information, visit Community Broadcasting Foundation.