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QBE Foundation Local Grants Program 2026 (Australia)

Deadline: 16-Mar-2026

The 2026 QBE Foundation Local Grants Program provides funding of up to $50,000 per grant to support high-impact community initiatives across Australia. Focus areas include Climate Resilience, Inclusion, and QBE Employee Choice, enabling eligible not-for-profit organisations to implement projects that address environmental, social, or employee-supported community needs. Applications must align with grant categories and demonstrate measurable outcomes.

Program Overview

The QBE Foundation Local Grants Program aims to strengthen communities by funding initiatives that address pressing social and environmental needs. The program focuses on specific, high-impact projects rather than general operational costs, encouraging measurable and sustainable outcomes.

Grant Categories

1. Climate Resilience

  • Supports projects focused on environmental regeneration, climate change mitigation, disaster preparedness, resilience, and recovery.

  • Prioritizes initiatives that strengthen community capacity to respond to climate-related challenges.

2. Inclusion

  • Aims to increase access to opportunities for marginalised or excluded groups.

  • Focus areas include reconciliation, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, and gender equality.

3. QBE Employee Choice

  • Reserved for QBE employees in Australia collaborating with a charity they actively support or are passionate about.

  • Focuses on initiatives with strong employee engagement and community impact.

Funding Details

  • Grant value: Multiple grants of up to $50,000 per category.

  • Funding allocation: Determined at the discretion of the Australia Pacific QBE Foundation.

  • Project types: Specific initiatives with measurable outcomes; general “business as usual” funding is less competitive.

Who is Eligible?

  • Organisations must be registered not-for-profits with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission.

  • Must hold Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status 1 or 2 from the Australian Tax Office.

  • Organisations cannot be affiliated with political parties or unions or take overtly political stances.

  • Initiatives with a religious basis are eligible only if programs do not include religious teaching.

  • Applicants must be based in Australia; projects in Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Fiji, or the Solomon Islands may be considered.

  • Current QBE Foundation charity partners and 2025 local grant recipients are not eligible.

Application Guidelines

  • Only one application per project is permitted; duplicate submissions across categories are not allowed.

  • Applications must clearly align with one grant category and demonstrate how the initiative addresses the focus area.

  • Organisations should outline existing and anticipated funding sources, particularly for initiatives supported by multiple funders.

  • Proposals must explain reporting procedures for the QBE Foundation’s contribution.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

  • Alignment with grant category and focus area.

  • Impact potential and measurable outcomes.

  • Sustainability and community benefit.

  • Appropriateness of funding request relative to project scope.

  • Clear articulation of funding sources and reporting plans for multi-funder initiatives.

Common Tips and Mistakes

  • Tip: Focus on specific initiatives rather than general operational costs.

  • Tip: Clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes and alignment with the selected grant category.

  • Tip: Include details of co-funding and future sustainability plans.

  • Mistake: Submitting multiple applications for the same project.

  • Mistake: Proposing initiatives outside eligibility criteria, such as political campaigns or religious instruction.

  • Mistake: Not confirming DGR status or ACNC registration.

FAQs

1. What is the maximum grant amount? Up to $50,000 per grant.
2. Which organisations are eligible? Registered Australian not-for-profits with DGR status 1 or 2.
3. Can organisations apply in multiple categories? No, only one application per project is allowed.
4. What types of initiatives are funded? High-impact projects addressing Climate Resilience, Inclusion, or QBE Employee Choice priorities.
5. Are religious organisations eligible? Yes, if the initiative does not include religious teaching.
6. Can initiatives outside Australia be funded? Yes, if operating in Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Fiji, or Solomon Islands.
7. Are previous QBE Foundation grant recipients eligible? No, 2025 local grant recipients and current charity partners are not eligible.

Conclusion

The 2026 QBE Foundation Local Grants Program empowers Australian not-for-profits to deliver measurable, high-impact community initiatives. By providing funding, guidance, and strategic support, the program encourages projects that strengthen communities, promote inclusion, and build resilience in response to environmental and social challenges.

For more information, visit QBE Foundation.