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.