Strengthening Local Connections Through Dementia-Friendly Programs (Australia)

Deadline: 16-Feb-2026

The Community Engagement Program provides grants up to $10,000 for local groups, businesses, and organisations to develop dementia-friendly community projects. Funded initiatives aim to increase inclusion, support, and meaningful engagement for people living with dementia and their carers across diverse Australian communities.

Overview

The program enables local organisations and groups to implement projects that create dementia-friendly communities. It focuses on practical applications of dementia-friendly principles, leveraging local skills, resources, and partnerships to improve quality of life for people living with dementia and their families. Funded projects also aim to generate resources that complement existing Dementia Australia materials for wider community use.

Funding Objectives

The program supports initiatives that:

• Increase the number of communities that accept, support, and include people living with dementia

• Enable people with dementia to participate in meaningful activities and live the life they choose

• Demonstrate practical application of dementia-friendly principles in diverse settings

• Create new resources and tools to benefit other communities, people with dementia, families, and carers

• Encourage collaborative partnerships between local organisations, networks, businesses, and councils

Funding Information

• Maximum Grant Amount: $10,000

• Project Duration: 12 months, starting 1 June 2026

• Eligible Expenses: Salaries, consultancies, printing, postage, event costs, catering, room hire, supplies, small equipment

• Ineligible Expenses: Administration overheads, construction, large equipment

• Eligible Applicants:

  • Local community businesses, organisations, associations, or groups (incorporated or auspiced)

  • Large community organisations or health service providers proposing an independent dementia-friendly community working group

• Ineligible Applicants: Aged care providers

Project Requirements

Priority is given to projects that:

• Meaningfully consult and collaborate with people living with dementia and care partners in both design and delivery

• Foster collaborative partnerships with dementia alliances, networks, councils, service clubs, local businesses, educational and community organisations

• Address the needs of diverse groups, including:

  • People with young-onset dementia and younger carers

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

  • Culturally and linguistically diverse communities

  • LGBTQ+ individuals

How to Apply

1. Verify Eligibility: Ensure your group is incorporated or auspiced and not an aged care provider.

2. Define Project Scope: Identify how your initiative will create dementia-friendly environments and meaningful engagement.

3. Develop Proposal: Include objectives, project activities, expected outcomes, budget, and timeline.

4. Engage Stakeholders: Demonstrate meaningful involvement of people living with dementia, care partners, and community partners.

5. Submit Application: Follow the official submission guidelines and deadlines.

6. Evaluation: Applications are assessed on alignment with program objectives, feasibility, inclusivity, community engagement, and expected impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying if your organisation is an aged care provider

• Submitting projects without meaningful consultation with people living with dementia or carers

• Ignoring diverse community groups and inclusion principles

• Including ineligible expenses such as construction, large equipment, or general administration overheads

• Failing to demonstrate feasible planning, timelines, and outcomes

FAQ: Community Engagement Program

1. What is the maximum grant amount? $10,000 per project.
2. Who can apply? Local community businesses, organisations, associations, groups, or auspiced entities. Large organisations can apply with an independent working group.
3. Are aged care providers eligible? No, aged care providers cannot apply.
4. What types of projects are supported? Dementia-friendly initiatives, events, campaigns, partnerships, and community engagement activities.
5. Can projects focus on diverse communities? Yes, including young-onset dementia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, CALD, and LGBTQ+ communities.
6. What expenses are eligible? Salaries, consultancies, printing, postage, event costs, catering, room hire, supplies, and small equipment.
7. What is the project duration? 12 months, starting 1 June 2026.

Why It Matters

The program empowers local communities to create supportive environments where people living with dementia can participate fully and thrive. By combining local knowledge, partnerships, and practical action, projects promote inclusion, understanding, and well-being for people with dementia, their carers, and families.

Conclusion

The Community Engagement Program provides a unique opportunity for local organisations to develop impactful, dementia-friendly initiatives. By engaging communities, fostering collaboration, and addressing diverse needs, funded projects help build inclusive, supportive, and resilient environments where people living with dementia can live meaningful and empowered lives.

For more information, visit Dementia Australia.