Deadline: 18-Jun-2026
The Community Wellbeing Program provides multi-year grant funding to Australian organisations that deliver sustainable initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalised community members. The program prioritises projects that promote social inclusion, wellbeing, employment pathways for people with disabilities, and long-term solutions to community disadvantage, with grants starting from $100,000.
Program Overview
The Community Wellbeing Program supports organisations that develop and deliver carefully planned initiatives designed to improve the circumstances of vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals across Australia.
The program focuses on creating lasting social impact through community-led approaches that address the underlying causes of disadvantage rather than only responding to immediate needs. Funding is intended for organisations that demonstrate strong community engagement, effective governance, measurable outcomes, and sustainable strategies for improving wellbeing and social inclusion.
The program welcomes applications from both established organisations with proven track records and organisations introducing innovative solutions that have the potential to generate meaningful and long-term community benefits.
Focus Areas
The program supports initiatives that contribute to one or more of the following areas:
- Supporting vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalised individuals and communities.
- Improving overall community wellbeing and quality of life.
- Reducing social and economic disadvantage.
- Creating employment pathways for people with disabilities.
- Supporting workforce participation among disadvantaged groups.
- Promoting social inclusion and community participation.
- Addressing the root causes of social challenges and disadvantage.
- Encouraging preventative approaches that reduce future social issues.
- Strengthening community-led solutions and local engagement.
- Supporting organisations with strong volunteer participation and community representation.
Projects that demonstrate long-term impact and sustainable outcomes are strongly encouraged.
Funding Information
The Community Wellbeing Program provides multi-year grant funding to support long-term community impact.
Key funding details include:
- Minimum grant value: $100,000.
- Funding duration: Multi-year grants only.
- Geographic focus: Australia.
- Funding objective:
- Improve wellbeing among disadvantaged populations.
- Increase social inclusion.
- Support employment opportunities for vulnerable groups.
- Promote sustainable community development.
The Foundation prioritises initiatives that demonstrate a clear pathway toward lasting improvements in community wellbeing and economic participation.
Who is Eligible?
Applications are encouraged from organisations of all sizes operating within Australia.
Preference may be given to organisations that:
- Operate in high-need or disadvantaged communities.
- Demonstrate strong community engagement.
- Have significant volunteer involvement.
- Are governed by representative volunteer boards.
- Have a proven history of delivering positive community outcomes.
- Present innovative and evidence-informed solutions to community challenges.
- Demonstrate long-term sustainability and impact.
Applicants should be able to clearly explain how their project will improve outcomes for disadvantaged individuals and communities.
Priority Beneficiaries
The program particularly supports initiatives benefiting:
- People with disabilities.
- Marginalised individuals and communities.
- Vulnerable populations facing social or economic disadvantage.
- Individuals experiencing barriers to employment.
- People at risk of social exclusion.
- Communities facing long-term wellbeing challenges.
Projects that create meaningful employment opportunities and strengthen social participation are especially aligned with program objectives.
Ineligible Activities and Applications
The following activities and applications are not eligible for funding:
- Retrospective funding requests for completed activities.
- Ongoing operational expenses without a future-focused development plan.
- Capital endowment funds.
- Academic or university-based research projects.
- Applications submitted through auspicing arrangements.
- Projects previously declined by the Foundation.
- Applications from organisations that failed to properly acquit previous grants.
- Funding requests from schools.
- Certain charitable activities conducted outside Australia.
Limited exceptions may apply where activities outside Australia directly support public charitable purposes that benefit communities within Australia.
Applicants should carefully review eligibility requirements before submitting a proposal.
How to Apply
- Review the program objectives and eligibility requirements.
- Identify a community need aligned with the program’s focus areas.
- Develop a clear project plan that demonstrates long-term impact.
- Show how the initiative addresses disadvantage, improves wellbeing, or creates employment pathways.
- Demonstrate strong governance, community engagement, and volunteer involvement.
- Prepare evidence of organisational capability and previous outcomes where applicable.
- Explain how the project will remain sustainable beyond the funding period.
- Submit a complete application with all required supporting information.
Strong applications typically provide clear objectives, measurable outcomes, realistic implementation plans, and evidence of community need.
Why This Program Matters
Many vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals face interconnected challenges related to employment, social participation, disability, financial hardship, and access to opportunities.
The Community Wellbeing Program supports organisations that address these challenges through sustainable and community-driven solutions. By investing in long-term initiatives, the program helps build stronger communities, improve individual wellbeing, and create pathways to greater independence and economic participation.
The emphasis on employment opportunities, preventative approaches, and community leadership helps ensure that funded projects deliver meaningful and lasting change rather than short-term benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Requesting funding for completed projects.
- Seeking support solely for ongoing operational expenses without a future strategy.
- Failing to demonstrate long-term sustainability.
- Providing unclear outcomes or impact measures.
- Not showing how the project addresses disadvantage or vulnerability.
- Submitting applications through auspicing arrangements.
- Overlooking volunteer involvement and community representation.
- Failing to explain how beneficiaries will experience measurable improvements.
- Applying after previously failing to meet grant acquittal requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main purpose of the Community Wellbeing Program?
The program supports organisations delivering initiatives that improve wellbeing, reduce disadvantage, promote social inclusion, and create employment pathways for vulnerable and marginalised individuals across Australia.
Who can apply for funding?
Organisations of all sizes operating in Australia may apply, particularly those with strong community engagement, volunteer involvement, and a demonstrated commitment to improving outcomes for disadvantaged groups.
What is the minimum grant amount?
The Foundation only considers multi-year grants with a minimum funding value of $100,000.
Does the program support people with disabilities?
Yes. Supporting people with disabilities is a key priority, particularly through initiatives that improve employment opportunities, social inclusion, and overall wellbeing.
Are research projects eligible for funding?
No. Academic and university-based research projects are not eligible under this program.
Can organisations apply for operational funding?
Applications focused solely on ongoing operational expenses without a clear future development or impact plan are generally not eligible.
What types of projects are most competitive?
Projects that demonstrate long-term impact, strong community participation, sustainable outcomes, employment pathways, effective governance, and clear benefits for disadvantaged populations are likely to be most competitive.
Conclusion
The Community Wellbeing Program invests in sustainable, community-led initiatives that improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians. Through multi-year grants starting at $100,000, the program supports organisations that address the root causes of disadvantage, strengthen wellbeing, promote social inclusion, and create meaningful employment opportunities. By prioritising long-term impact, community engagement, and sustainable outcomes, the program helps build stronger and more inclusive communities across Australia.
For more information, visit The Ian Potter Foundation.