Deadline: 08-Sep-2025
The Australia Day Community Events Grant Program invites applications to support inclusive and engaging events that celebrate Australia Day across the nation.
The program focuses on supporting events that are free, inclusive, accessible, encourage participation, promote harmony and community spirit, recognize the contribution of all Australians, and foster pride in being Australian.
For Australia Day 2026, the program makes three funding streams available. The Base Grant of $10,000 (GST exclusive) will assist eligible event organisers to ensure inclusive Australia Day 2026 events proceed. An Additional Grant of $5,000 (GST exclusive) may be added to the Base Grant for events that include significant Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elements. An Alternate Grant of $2,000 (GST exclusive) is also available to support community-focused events that do not require larger grants, with a cap applied to this stream.
The intended outcomes of the program are to enable Australia Day community events and activities to proceed, encourage broad community participation, reflect, respect, and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ histories and cultures through meaningful event components, foster inclusion and accessibility ensuring participation opportunities for all Australians including people with disability and young people, create or support local employment opportunities through active collaboration with local businesses and community groups, and promote the messaging of ‘Reflect. Respect. Celebrate.’
Grants are available to local councils and community organizations to deliver events that bring communities together to celebrate in meaningful and engaging ways. The initiative encourages applicants to design activities that highlight the diverse cultures, achievements, and values that shape the nation. Events supported under this program should ensure accessibility, inclusiveness, and a welcoming environment for all community members.
Funding through this grant program aims to strengthen civic pride and community connection while acknowledging the contributions of Australians from all walks of life. Projects are expected to reflect the spirit of national celebration, unity, and belonging.
For more information, visit National Australia Day Council.
