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Submit Entries for Community Grant Program (Australia)

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Deadline: 31-Aug-2026

The auDA Foundation Community Grant Program 2026 supports Australian not-for-profit organisations and research institutions delivering digital inclusion, education, research, and innovation projects that benefit under-served communities. The program provides 15 grants of AUD 50,000 each to projects that improve digital access, strengthen online participation, and create publicly accessible digital outcomes.

Overview of auDA Foundation Community Grant Program 2026

The .au Domain Administration Limited (auDA), through funding from the auDA Foundation, has launched the 2026 Community Grant Program to support community-led projects that improve the benefits of the internet for people and communities across Australia.

The program focuses on projects that address digital inequality by helping under-served communities access online opportunities, improve digital skills, and participate more effectively in the digital economy.

Funding supports initiatives related to:

Projects should create meaningful social or economic benefits and provide long-term value for Australian communities.

Purpose of the Grant Program

The main purpose of the auDA Foundation Community Grant Program is to support projects that:

  • Improve internet access and participation
  • Build digital skills and confidence
  • Support communities experiencing digital barriers
  • Encourage innovative uses of technology
  • Create sustainable digital solutions
  • Increase online engagement and opportunities

The program aims to ensure that more Australians can benefit from digital technologies regardless of location, ability, age, or background.

Priority Communities Supported

The program gives priority to projects supporting under-served communities, including:

Rural, Regional and Remote Australians

Projects may support communities facing:

  • Limited digital access
  • Geographic barriers
  • Reduced technology resources
  • Lower digital capability

Australians Living With Disability

Projects should improve:

  • Digital accessibility
  • Inclusive technology use
  • Equal participation in online services

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Projects may focus on:

  • Digital empowerment
  • Community-led technology solutions
  • Improved access to online resources

Young Australians Aged 12–24 Years

Projects may support:

  • Digital skills development
  • Online learning opportunities
  • Youth-focused digital innovation

Key Focus Areas

Digital Inclusion Projects

Eligible digital inclusion projects may include activities that:

  • Improve access to online services
  • Build digital literacy
  • Support communities in establishing an online presence
  • Reduce barriers to technology adoption

Digital Innovation Projects

Digital innovation projects may involve:

  • New technology-based solutions
  • Research-driven digital approaches
  • Online platforms or resources
  • Innovative community technology models

Funding Amount

The auDA Foundation Community Grant Program 2026 will provide:

  • Total funding pool: AUD 750,000
  • Number of grants available: 15
  • Grant amount per project: AUD 50,000

Successful applicants will receive the full grant amount after signing the grant agreement.

Project Funding Requirements

Funded projects must:

  • Take place in Australia
  • Be implemented during the project period
  • Focus on digital inclusion and/or digital innovation
  • Benefit at least one priority community group
  • Deliver accessible online outcomes

The expected project period is approximately:

  • 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2027

Applicants must also contribute:

  • At least 10% of the grant amount from their own organisation

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • ACNC-registered not-for-profit organisations
  • Australian research institutions
  • Universities registered in Australia

Applicants must:

  • Be registered in Australia
  • Meet ACNC reporting requirements
  • Have appropriate organisational capacity
  • Submit only one application per organisation

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • Experience delivering community projects
  • Ability to manage grant funding
  • Commitment to digital inclusion
  • Capacity to deliver accessible outcomes
  • Compliance with Australian laws and regulations

Who Is Not Eligible?

Organisations may not be eligible if they:

  • Are not registered in Australia
  • Are not compliant with ACNC reporting requirements
  • Submit multiple applications
  • Propose projects unrelated to digital inclusion or innovation
  • Deliver projects without clear community benefits

Required Application Documents

Applicants must provide supporting documents, including:

  • Project description
  • Project timeline
  • Detailed budget
  • Letters of support
  • Audited financial statements
  • Latest annual report

The application should clearly explain the community need, expected outcomes, and long-term impact.

How to Apply for the auDA Foundation Community Grant

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Develop a Digital Project Idea

The proposed project should address a clear digital challenge affecting an under-served community.

Step 2: Demonstrate Community Need

Applicants should explain:

  • Who will benefit
  • What digital barriers exist
  • Why the project is needed

Step 3: Prepare a Project Plan

The plan should include:

  • Activities and timeline
  • Budget details
  • Expected outcomes
  • Sustainability approach

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

Applicants must attach all required organisational and project documents.

Step 5: Complete the Application Process

Submit the application according to auDA Foundation requirements before the deadline.

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed using equally weighted criteria, including:

Community Need

Assessors will consider:

  • Importance of the identified issue
  • Evidence of community demand
  • Benefits for under-served groups

Support for Priority Communities

Applications should demonstrate how they benefit:

  • Rural and remote communities
  • People with disabilities
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
  • Young Australians

Digital Capability and Innovation

Assessors will evaluate:

  • Quality of the digital approach
  • Innovation level
  • Ability to improve digital participation

Project Impact and Sustainability

Projects should demonstrate:

  • Clear outcomes
  • Long-term benefits
  • Sustainable approaches

Stakeholder Support

Strong applications should include:

  • Community partnerships
  • Letters of support
  • Evidence of collaboration

Why This Grant Matters

Digital access has become essential for education, employment, healthcare, communication, and community participation.

The auDA Foundation Community Grant Program helps address digital inequality by supporting projects that:

  • Expand online opportunities
  • Improve digital confidence
  • Support inclusive technology use
  • Strengthen community resilience
  • Create publicly available digital resources

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

  • Submitting projects without a clear digital focus
  • Failing to identify the target community
  • Providing unclear budgets
  • Ignoring accessibility requirements
  • Proposing short-term activities without sustainability plans
  • Missing required supporting documents

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

  • Clearly explaining the digital challenge
  • Showing evidence of community need
  • Highlighting measurable outcomes
  • Demonstrating partnerships
  • Explaining how benefits will continue after funding ends
  • Creating accessible and publicly available project outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the auDA Foundation Community Grant Program?

The program provides funding for Australian digital inclusion, research, education, and innovation projects that help under-served communities benefit from the internet.

How much funding is available?

The program provides 15 grants of AUD 50,000 each, with a total funding pool of AUD 750,000.

Who can apply for the grant?

ACNC-registered Australian not-for-profit organisations and eligible Australian research institutions, including universities, can apply.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects focused on digital inclusion, digital innovation, online accessibility, research, and community digital capability development are supported.

Which communities receive priority?

Priority is given to rural, regional, and remote Australians, people living with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and young Australians aged 12–24.

What contribution is required from applicants?

Applicants must contribute at least 10% of the grant amount from their own organisation.

What happens after receiving funding?

Successful applicants must sign a grant agreement, provide progress and final reports, acknowledge auDA support, and make project materials publicly available under a Creative Commons licence.

Conclusion

The auDA Foundation Community Grant Program 2026 provides an important opportunity for Australian organisations to strengthen digital inclusion and innovation across under-served communities. By supporting community-led technology projects, the program helps create a more accessible, connected, and digitally empowered Australia.

For more information, visit auDA Foundation.

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