Elders Community Giving Project Grant Program (Australia)

Deadline: 21-May-2026

The Elders Community Giving Project 2026 provides grants of up to $20,000 to support grassroots initiatives in regional, rural, and remote Australia. The programme focuses on community resilience, sustainability, and wellbeing across six key pillars. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, schools, and community groups with strong local impact.

What is the Elders Community Giving Project?

The Elders Community Giving Project is a grant initiative designed to strengthen community capacity, liveability, and social connections in regional Australia.

It is supported by Elders Limited and targets projects that deliver measurable, long-term benefits.

The programme prioritizes:

• Sustainability

• Community resilience

• Social inclusion

• Local development

Key Grant Details

Funding Tiers

• Tier 1: Up to $20,000 (large, high-impact projects)

• Tier 2: Up to $10,000 (medium-scale initiatives)

Additional Funding

• People’s Choice Awards:

  • 2 grants of up to $10,000 each

Structure

• Grants are distributed across six pillars

• Each pillar includes:

  • One Tier 1 grant

  • One Tier 2 grant

Six Funding Pillars

Projects must align with at least one pillar:

1. Regional Skills & Workforce Development

2. Environmental Awareness

3. Innovation

4. Healthy Bodies & Minds

5. Encouraging Diversity

6. Safety First

Programme Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen community resilience and sustainability

• Improve liveability in rural and remote areas

• Foster community engagement and connections

• Support innovative local solutions

• Deliver long-term social and economic benefits

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Eligible Activities

• Skills development and training programmes

• Environmental conservation and awareness initiatives

• Health and wellbeing projects

• Community safety improvements

• Inclusion and diversity programmes

• Innovation-driven community solutions

Key Requirement

Projects must:

• Deliver tangible and lasting outcomes

• Benefit regional communities

• Align with one of the six pillars

What is Community Resilience? (Key Concept Explained)

Community resilience refers to the ability of a community to:

• Adapt to challenges (economic, environmental, social)

• Recover from disruptions

• Sustain long-term wellbeing

This programme supports initiatives that build strong, self-reliant communities.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Not-for-profit organizations

• Non-government organizations (NGOs)

• Community groups

• Schools (preschools, kindergartens, primary/secondary)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be based in regional, rural, or remote Australia

• Operate in areas where Elders or its affiliates are present

• Have a valid ABN or incorporation certificate

• Have annual revenue below $1 million

• Provide required permits, approvals, and insurance

Special Cases

• Unincorporated groups can apply via an auspice organization

• Religious organizations are eligible (no religious teaching in delivery)

Not Eligible

• Metropolitan-based initiatives

• Organizations affiliated with political parties or unions

Why This Programme Matters

Regional communities often face challenges such as:

• Limited resources

• Reduced access to services

• Economic and environmental pressures

This programme helps by:

• Supporting local innovation and development

• Strengthening community wellbeing

• Promoting sustainability and inclusion

• Enhancing regional resilience

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Confirm your organization meets all criteria

Step 2: Choose a Funding Pillar

• Align your project with one of the six pillars

Step 3: Develop Your Project Proposal

Include:

• Clear objectives

• Expected outcomes

• Community impact

• Budget and funding request

Step 4: Prepare Documentation

• ABN or incorporation details

• Permits and approvals

• Insurance documentation

Step 5: Submit Application

• Ensure the application is complete at submission

• Disclose any additional funding sources

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Community impact

• Alignment with programme pillars

• Feasibility and sustainability

• Organizational capacity

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete applications

• outside regional areas

• Lack of clear long-term impact

• Missing permits or approvals

• Poor alignment with funding pillars

Pro Tips

• Focus on measurable community benefits

• Demonstrate strong local engagement

• Align clearly with one pillar

• Provide a realistic and detailed budget

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum grant amount?

Up to $20,000 under Tier 1.

2. Who can apply?

Not-for-profits, NGOs, community groups, and eligible schools in regional Australia.

3. Are metropolitan projects eligible?

No, only regional, rural, and remote areas are supported.

4. What are the six funding pillars?

Skills development, environment, innovation, health, diversity, and safety.

5. Can unincorporated groups apply?

Yes, through an auspice organization.

6. Is co-funding allowed?

Yes, but applicants must disclose other funding sources.

7. What is the revenue limit for applicants?

Annual revenue must be below $1 million.

Conclusion

The Elders Community Giving Project 2026 is a powerful opportunity to support grassroots initiatives in regional Australia. By funding projects that enhance sustainability, wellbeing, and resilience, the programme helps build stronger, more connected, and future-ready communities.

For more information, visit Elders.