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CBF Content Grants for Media Diversity (Australia)

Deadline: 03-Mar-2026

The Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) Content Grants provide funding to support the creation of diverse, inclusive, and innovative community media content across Australia. The grants aim to amplify underrepresented voices, strengthen social cohesion, and enhance audience engagement in the community broadcasting sector. Eligible applicants include community broadcasters, First Nations media organisations, and not-for-profits managing content production projects.

The Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) offers Content Grants to strengthen Australia’s community broadcasting sector by funding high-quality, inclusive, and innovative media content.

These grants support projects that:

CBF funding plays a key role in ensuring that Australia’s diverse communities are represented and heard through accessible community media platforms.

What Are CBF Content Grants?

CBF Content Grants are competitive funding opportunities that support:

  • Development and production of community broadcasting content

  • Programming that reflects diverse cultures and languages

  • Projects that increase inclusion and accessibility

  • Innovative storytelling across platforms

The goal is to build a resilient, upskilled, and creative community media environment across Australia.

Core Objectives of Content Grants

Content Grants are designed to help community media organisations:

  • Increase and diversify voices in Australian media

  • Support inclusive and accessible community participation

  • Amplify the cultures, languages, and perspectives of diverse communities

  • Build and grow audiences through creative and innovative content

  • Develop partnerships to explore new storytelling formats and platforms

Projects must clearly demonstrate alignment with at least one of these objectives.

Round 1 Funding Allocation

For Round 1, a total of $3,222,825 is available across several categories:

  • Content relevant to Ethnic communities

  • Content relevant to First Nations communities

  • Radio Reading programming for people with print disabilities

  • Disability-focused projects

  • General content

Funding is allocated competitively across categories.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Content Grants are open to:

  • Current community broadcasters

  • Prospective community broadcasters

  • Content producers creating material for recognised community media organisations

However, all grants must be managed by an eligible organisation.

Eligible Grant Managers (Auspice Organisations)

Applications must be administered by one of the following:

  • Licensed community broadcasters

  • First Nations community media organisations

  • Community broadcasting sector organisations

  • Incorporated not-for-profit organisations

Independent producers may apply through an auspice organisation, provided they have a distribution agreement for first broadcast.

Co-Contribution Requirements

Applications requesting $20,000 or more must demonstrate financial contributions from other sources, such as:

  • Funding partners

  • Sponsors

  • Crowdfunding

  • The applicant organisation’s own financial resources

The following cannot be counted as co-contributions:

  • Other CBF funding

  • In-kind support

  • Volunteer contributions

The proportion of financial co-contribution will be considered during assessment.

Why Content Grants Matter

CBF Content Grants:

  • Strengthen media diversity in Australia

  • Support multicultural and First Nations storytelling

  • Improve accessibility for people with disabilities

  • Foster innovation in community broadcasting

  • Build stronger audience engagement

They contribute to a more representative, inclusive, and socially cohesive media landscape.

How to Apply for a CBF Content Grant

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure:

  • You are a recognised community broadcaster or content producer

  • Your grant will be managed by an eligible organisation

  • You meet co-contribution requirements (if requesting $20,000+)

Step 2: Define Your Project

Your application should clearly outline:

  • Target community or audience

  • Content format (radio, digital, podcast, etc.)

  • Distribution strategy

  • Engagement and accessibility approach

  • Innovation elements

  • Partnerships (if applicable)

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Include:

  • Detailed cost breakdown

  • Confirmed financial contributions (if required)

  • Realistic funding request aligned with project scope

Step 4: Submit Application

Applications are assessed competitively based on:

  • Alignment with CBF objectives

  • Community impact

  • Feasibility and sustainability

  • Innovation and creativity

  • Budget justification

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to secure an eligible auspice organisation

  • Not demonstrating clear community benefit

  • Overstating in-kind or volunteer contributions as financial co-contributions

  • Submitting vague content plans

  • Not aligning the project with funding category objectives

Strong applications are clear, targeted, and impact-focused.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for a Content Grant?

Community broadcasters and content producers creating content for recognised community media organisations can apply, provided the grant is managed by an eligible organisation.

2. Can independent producers apply?

Yes, through an eligible auspice organisation with a confirmed distribution agreement.

3. Is co-funding required?

Only if requesting $20,000 or more. Financial contributions from non-CBF sources must be demonstrated.

4. Can volunteer time be counted as co-contribution?

No. Volunteer contributions and in-kind support are not eligible as financial co-contributions.

5. What types of content are supported?

Ethnic content, First Nations programming, Radio Reading content, disability projects, and general community broadcasting content.

6. How much funding is available in Round 1?

A total of $3,222,825 is available across all funding categories.

7. Are applications competitive?

Yes. Funding is awarded based on merit and alignment with CBF objectives.

Conclusion

The CBF Content Grants provide essential funding to support inclusive, innovative, and community-driven media content across Australia. By amplifying diverse voices and strengthening accessibility, these grants help ensure that community broadcasting remains resilient, representative, and impactful.

For community broadcasters and producers committed to expanding participation and storytelling, CBF Content Grants offer a strategic opportunity to create meaningful and lasting media impact.

For more information, visit CBF.