Deadline: 17-Jul-2026
The Community Events Grant Program supports community-led events across Queensland that promote mental health awareness, wellbeing, inclusion, and recovery. The programme provides funding for initiatives delivered during Queensland Mental Health Week 2026 that reduce stigma, strengthen community connections, and support people experiencing mental health challenges.
The grant programme offers a total funding pool of $150,000 (excluding GST) for eligible organisations delivering meaningful mental health-focused events.
Overview of the Community Events Grant Program
The Community Events Grant Program supports organisations to deliver community events that improve understanding of mental health and wellbeing across Queensland.
The programme encourages events that:
- Increase awareness of mental health
- Promote wellbeing and resilience
- Improve understanding of mental illness and recovery
- Reduce stigma and discrimination
- Create stronger community connections
The initiative forms part of Queensland Mental Health Week 2026, an annual campaign focused on improving mental health awareness across Queensland communities.
Programme Objectives
The grant programme aims to support events that create positive mental health outcomes.
Key objectives include:
- Encouraging open conversations about mental health
- Helping communities understand mental health challenges
- Promoting recovery-focused approaches
- Creating inclusive environments
- Supporting people affected by mental health challenges
What Types of Events Are Supported?
The programme prioritises innovative community events that go beyond basic awareness activities.
Supported events should:
- Provide education and information about mental health
- Encourage meaningful conversations
- Create opportunities for connection
- Support inclusion and belonging
- Engage people with lived experience of mental health challenges
Examples of potential activities include:
- Community wellbeing events
- Mental health awareness activities
- Recovery-focused gatherings
- Educational workshops
- Community connection events
- Inclusion-focused initiatives
Priority Areas for Funding
Funding preference may be given to events that:
Promote Mental Health Awareness
Events should help communities:
- Understand mental health
- Recognise signs of mental health challenges
- Learn where to access support
Reduce Stigma and Discrimination
Strong applications will address:
- Negative attitudes toward mental illness
- Barriers to seeking support
- Social isolation
Support People With Lived Experience
Events should meaningfully include:
- People living with mental health challenges
- Families
- Carers
- Support networks
Strengthen Community Connection
Projects should create:
- A sense of belonging
- Safe spaces
- Opportunities for people to connect
About Queensland Mental Health Week
Queensland Mental Health Week is an annual initiative that promotes mental health awareness and wellbeing across Queensland.
The initiative encourages Queensland communities to:
- Reflect on mental health
- Start conversations
- Support each other
- Participate in wellbeing activities
The programme is funded by:
- Queensland Government through the Queensland Mental Health Commission
It is coordinated by:
- Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH)
Available Grant Funding
The programme provides:
$150,000 (excluding GST)
in total funding.
Funding will support events delivered during:
Queensland Mental Health Week 2026
Grant amounts may vary depending on:
- Event type
- Event size
- Community impact
- Proposed activities
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be able to enter into a legal agreement with QAMH
- Hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Operate within a Queensland community
- Have appropriate insurance coverage
- Agree to funding agreement requirements
Eligible Organisations
Eligible applicants include:
Incorporated Organisations
Including:
- Australian incorporated companies
- Incorporated associations
Charities and Not-for-Profit Organisations
Including:
- Registered charities
- Community organisations
Community and Indigenous Organisations
Including:
- Indigenous Shire Councils
- Indigenous Knowledge Centres
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations registered under relevant legislation
Local and Education Organisations
Including:
- Local councils
- Parents and Citizens associations
- Independent schools
- Faith-based schools
Ineligible Applicants
The programme does not support:
- Individuals
- Sole traders
- Partnerships
- Political organisations
- Certain religious organisations
- Government agencies or government entities
- Unincorporated associations
- International organisations
- Organisations connected to tobacco, alcohol, or gambling industries
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Applicants should check that they:
- Meet organisation requirements
- Operate in Queensland
- Hold required registrations and insurance
Step 2: Develop an Event Proposal
Applicants should explain:
- The purpose of the event
- The mental health issue being addressed
- Target participants
- Community benefits
- Planned activities
Step 3: Demonstrate Community Impact
Strong applications should show how the event will:
- Increase awareness
- Improve inclusion
- Encourage participation
- Support people affected by mental health challenges
Step 4: Submit Application
Applications are assessed according to:
- Alignment with programme goals
- Community benefit
- Event quality
- Inclusion outcomes
- Feasibility
Why This Programme Matters
Mental health challenges affect individuals, families, workplaces, and communities.
Community events can help by:
- Creating safe spaces for conversations
- Increasing understanding
- Reducing stigma
- Encouraging early support
- Building stronger social connections
A connected community can play an important role in improving mental wellbeing.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Focusing Only on Awareness
Applications should include meaningful engagement, not only information sharing.
Not Including People With Lived Experience
Events should involve people who understand mental health challenges directly.
Unclear Community Benefits
Applicants should explain how the event will create positive change.
Missing Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should confirm:
- ABN status
- Insurance requirements
- Organisation eligibility
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Create inclusive event plans
- Show community need
- Include diverse voices
- Explain expected outcomes
- Demonstrate long-term community value
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Community Events Grant Program?
It is a Queensland funding programme that supports community events promoting mental health awareness, wellbeing, inclusion, and recovery.
How much funding is available?
The programme provides a total funding pool of $150,000 excluding GST.
When must funded events take place?
Supported events must be delivered during Queensland Mental Health Week 2026.
Who can apply?
Eligible organisations include incorporated organisations, charities, not-for-profits, councils, Indigenous organisations, and eligible schools operating in Queensland.
Can individuals apply?
No. Individuals and sole traders are not eligible for funding.
What types of events are prioritised?
Events that strengthen community connection, reduce stigma, promote understanding, and meaningfully involve people with lived experience receive priority.
Who administers the programme?
The programme is coordinated by Queensland Alliance for Mental Health and funded through the Queensland Mental Health Commission.
Conclusion
The Community Events Grant Program helps Queensland communities create meaningful mental health initiatives during Queensland Mental Health Week 2026.
By funding inclusive and community-led events, the programme supports stronger connections, greater awareness, reduced stigma, and improved mental wellbeing across Queensland.
For more information, visit Queensland Mental Health Week.
