2026-2027 Victorian Women’s Benevolent Trust Grants (Australia)

The Victorian Women’s Benevolent Trust Grants 2026–27 provide $2,000–$10,000 to support grassroots projects that empower women, girls, and gender-diverse people in Victoria. The program prioritizes community-led, innovative initiatives across five themes including safety, economic security, health, culture, and education. Eligible applicants must be organizations with DGR Item 1 and TCC status or apply through an auspice partner.

What is the Victorian Women’s Benevolent Trust Grant?

The Victorian Women’s Benevolent Trust Grants program is a community-focused funding initiative that supports projects improving the lives of women, girls, and gender-diverse people across Victoria, Australia.

Established in 1985, the Trust funds grassroots, innovative, and impact-driven projects that:

• Address systemic inequalities
• Empower underrepresented communities
• Create sustainable social change

Funding Overview

• Grant amount: $2,000 to $10,000 per project
• Funding type: Small grants for community initiatives
• Focus: Grassroots and community-led projects
• Priority: New or expanded initiatives with strong impact potential

Key Focus Areas (Funding Themes)

1. Safety & Justice

• Housing and homelessness
• Family violence prevention and support
• Safety of older women
• Support for women exiting the justice system

2. Economic Security

• Financial empowerment and literacy
• Poverty and income insecurity
• Support for single mothers and families

3. Culture & Rights

• First Nations leadership and rights
• Refugee and migrant women support
• Anti-racism and social cohesion initiatives

4. Health & Wellbeing

• Mental health recovery
• Disability access and inclusion
• Physical activity and wellbeing

5. Education & Voice

• Leadership development
• Advocacy for gender equality
• Creative expression (e.g., writing, storytelling)

What Projects Are Supported?

The program supports community-based initiatives that:

• Deliver measurable social impact
• Address real needs within local communities
• Introduce innovative or underfunded solutions

Examples include:

• Community support programs
• Advocacy and awareness initiatives
• Skills-building and leadership projects
• Health and wellbeing interventions

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Non-profit organizations
• Organizations applying with an auspice partner

Mandatory Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR Item 1) status
• Have Tax Concession Charity (TCC) status
• Deliver projects benefiting people in Victoria, Australia

Additional Eligibility Notes

• Partnerships between eligible organizations are encouraged
• Individuals cannot apply directly

Why This Grant Matters

This grant is important because it:

• Supports grassroots organizations often overlooked by large funders
• Amplifies local voices and community-led solutions
• Promotes gender equality and social inclusion
• Funds innovative approaches to complex social issues

The Trust recognizes that impact matters more than perfect proposals, making it accessible to smaller organizations.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Identify a Relevant Project Idea
   • Align with one or more of the five funding themes
2. Confirm Eligibility
   • Ensure DGR Item 1 and TCC status (or secure an auspice partner)
3. Develop a Clear Proposal
   • Define objectives, activities, and expected outcomes
   • Highlight community impact
4. Prepare Budget
   • Include realistic costs
   • Ensure fair pay for staff and contributors
5. Submit Application
   • Follow official submission guidelines
   • Include all required documentation
6. Assessment and Selection
   • Projects are evaluated on impact, innovation, and alignment

Funding Approach and Principles

The Trust uses a flexible and inclusive funding approach:

• Values impact over polished writing
• Encourages new and bold ideas
• Supports fair compensation for workers
• Considers co-funding and partnerships

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without DGR or auspice support
• Submitting projects that do not directly benefit target groups
• Overcomplicating proposals instead of focusing on impact
• Weak alignment with the five key themes
• Unrealistic or unclear budgets

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly show community need and impact
• Keep the proposal simple, focused, and practical
• Highlight innovation or unique approach
• Demonstrate local engagement and participation
• Include clear, achievable outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the grant amount?

Grants range between $2,000 and $10,000 per project.

2. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations with DGR Item 1 and TCC status, or those applying through an auspice partner.

3. Can individuals apply?

No. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

4. What types of projects are prioritized?

Projects that are community-led, innovative, and impactful, especially from smaller grassroots organizations.

5. Are partnerships allowed?

Yes. Collaborative applications between organizations are encouraged.

6. Does the Trust fund ongoing projects?

Preference is given to new projects or expansions of existing initiatives.

7. What is the geographic focus?

Projects must benefit communities in Victoria, Australia.

Final Takeaway

The Victorian Women’s Benevolent Trust Grants 2026–27 provide essential funding for grassroots initiatives that empower women, girls, and gender-diverse people.

By prioritizing innovation, inclusion, and real community impact, the program enables smaller organizations to drive meaningful social change and address critical issues at the local level.