NAB Foundation’s Community Grants Program – Australia

The NAB Foundation Community Grants program provides funding up to $25,000 to support community-led projects that enhance disaster preparedness, resilience, and recovery in Australian communities. Grants cover training, recovery initiatives, environmental restoration, and infrastructure improvements. Eligibility extends to charities, social enterprises, start-ups, and local government facilities, with additional Impact Grants available to maximize community benefit.

Overview of the Program

The NAB Foundation Community Grants program aims to strengthen Australian communities against natural disasters through practical, community-driven solutions. The program supports initiatives that help communities prepare for, withstand, and recover from disasters, focusing on resilience, wellbeing, and environmental restoration.

Grant Focus Areas

1. Training and Planning: Educational workshops and strategic preparation activities to improve disaster readiness.

2. Community Recovery: Programs that restore social connection, mental health, and wellbeing after disasters.

3. Environment and Wildlife: Projects that rehabilitate damaged vegetation, restore habitats, and care for injured wildlife.

4. Equipment and Infrastructure: Investments that enhance community resilience or support faster recovery after disasters.

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: Up to $25,000 per project

• Annual Funding Pool: $1.2 million across two grant rounds

• Impact Grants: $25,000 extra for selected projects, with $200,000 reserved annually

• Funds are intended to maximize tangible, local community impact

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered charities with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission

• Social enterprises and start-ups with social or environmental impact at their core

• Groups or organisations with an Australian Business Number demonstrating charitable purpose

• Local government or government-funded facilities, such as schools or childcare centres, applying for charitable programs

Additional notes:

• Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status is not required

• Non-charity organisations must provide documentation confirming their charitable purpose

• Government entities must certify funds will be used solely for the charitable purpose, not for political or general government donations

• Both NAB customers and non-customers may apply

• Organisations do not need to operate nationally

• Previous recipients may reapply after waiting one full year (two grant rounds)

• Organisations receiving other grants are still eligible

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility according to the above criteria.

2. Develop a project proposal that aligns with one or more grant focus areas.

3. Prepare a detailed budget outlining requested funds.

4. Submit the application through the NAB Foundation grants portal before the round deadline.

5. If selected for an Impact Grant, demonstrate how additional funding will enhance community outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting applications for projects not directly tied to disaster preparedness or recovery

• Failing to provide proof of charitable purpose if not a registered charity

• Applying before the one-year wait period after a previous NAB grant

• Requesting funding for political or non-charitable purposes

• Overlooking eligibility requirements for Impact Grants

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum grant amount? Up to $25,000, with additional Impact Grants available.
2. Who can apply? Charities, social enterprises, start-ups, groups with an ABN, and government-funded facilities serving a charitable purpose.
3. Are NAB customers required to apply? No, both customers and non-customers are eligible.
4. Can previous grant recipients apply again? Yes, after one full year (equivalent to two grant rounds).
5. What types of projects are eligible? Projects that improve disaster preparedness, recovery, community resilience, environmental restoration, or infrastructure.
6. Do organisations need DGR status? No, it is not required. Non-charity applicants must demonstrate charitable purpose.
7. Can organisations already funded by other grants apply? Yes, receiving other funding does not disqualify applicants.

Conclusion

The NAB Foundation Community Grants program empowers Australian communities to prepare for, withstand, and recover from natural disasters through practical, local initiatives. By supporting projects in training, recovery, environmental restoration, and infrastructure, the program strengthens community resilience and fosters long-term wellbeing across Australia.