Deadline: 03-Mar-2026
The Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) is inviting licensed community broadcasters across Australia to apply for Development & Operations Grants to strengthen governance, sustainability, resilience, and community engagement. For Round 1 of 2026/27, over $8 million is available across multiple funding categories.
About the Grants
The Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) provides funding to support and strengthen Australia’s community broadcasting sector. The Development & Operations Grants are designed to enhance long-term sustainability, governance, and operational capacity among community media organisations.
These grants contribute to media diversity, social cohesion, and the development of a skilled, innovative, and resilient broadcasting sector.
Development & Operations funding is separate from other CBF funding streams, including Content, Specialist Radio Programming, and Sector Coordination.
Objectives
Applications must address at least one of the following objectives:
Strengthening governance policies and practices that support long-term strategic thinking
Enhancing organisational capacity and capability to drive sustainability
Increasing resilience through preparation for unexpected change
Deepening engagement with identified communities
Expanding partnerships to maximise opportunities
Developing and embedding inclusive and accessible practices
Projects that clearly align with one or more of these objectives will be assessed competitively.
Funding Details
For Round 1 of 2026/27, a total of $8,036,426 is available across multiple categories.
Funding may support:
Operating and transmission costs
Ethnic broadcasting
First Nations broadcasting
Radio Reading broadcasting, including transmission costs
Disability-focused projects that directly benefit people living with disability
Training initiatives
Training support may include partnerships with non-CMTO Registered Training Organisations for accredited or pathway training, as well as business management and leadership training.
There is no fixed funding cap. However, larger funding requests require more detailed justification. Applications may be funded in full, partially funded, or not funded depending on merit and overall demand.
Funding may be drawn from General and Transmission, Ethnic, First Nations, Radio Reading, Disability, or Training budgets, depending on eligibility.
Co-Contribution Requirements
Applicants requesting $25,000 or more must demonstrate confirmed financial contributions from other sources.
These may include:
Funding partners
Sponsors
Crowdfunding
The organisation’s own financial resources
Co-contributions cannot include other CBF funding, in-kind support, or volunteer contributions. The level of confirmed co-contribution will be considered during the assessment process.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
Licensed community broadcasting organisations (radio or television)
First Nations community media organisations whose primary purpose is community broadcasting
Stations operating under a Temporary Community Broadcasting Licence, provided they have:
Been operating for at least two years prior to applying
Broadcast a minimum of 28 hours per week
Applicants may submit only one Development & Operations application per funding round.
Why This Grant Matters
The Development & Operations Grants play a critical role in strengthening Australia’s community broadcasting ecosystem. By supporting governance, sustainability, training, and community engagement, the program helps ensure that community media remains diverse, inclusive, and resilient in the face of evolving challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding is available in Round 1 of 2026/27?
A total of $8,036,426 is available across several categories.
2. Is there a maximum funding limit?
There is no fixed funding cap. However, larger requests require more detailed justification and evidence of capacity to deliver.
3. Can organisations submit multiple applications?
No. Only one Development & Operations application may be submitted per funding round.
4. Are co-contributions required?
Co-contributions are required for applications requesting $25,000 or more. These must be financial and cannot include in-kind or volunteer contributions.
5. Who is eligible to apply?
Licensed community broadcasters, eligible First Nations community media organisations, and certain Temporary Community Broadcasting Licence holders meeting operational requirements.
Conclusion
The CBF Development & Operations Grants provide vital support to strengthen governance, sustainability, and operational resilience across Australia’s community broadcasting sector.
With significant funding available, this opportunity supports broadcasters in building long-term capacity, expanding community engagement, and ensuring the continued vibrancy and diversity of community media nationwide.
For more information, visit CBF.
