Community Development Grants in Australia

9 government programs · 5 currently open · Updated February 2026

Government grants are available for Australian businesses in the community development sector. Programs span federal and state governments, offering funding for growth, innovation, infrastructure and workforce development.

What these grants can fund

  • Business expansion and capital investment
  • Equipment and infrastructure upgrades
  • Workforce training and skills development
  • Technology adoption and innovation
  • Export and market development

Common eligibility requirements

  • Registered Australian business with a valid ABN
  • Must be operating in the relevant sector
  • Matching co-contribution may be required
  • Some programs have employee or turnover thresholds

Eligibility varies by program. Always check the official source before applying.

Open programs

Showing 9 of 9
Open·Local·Up to $2,000
Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants

Small grants of up to $2000 for community organisations and individuals to support connection, social inclusion, access and participation within City of Melbourne neighbourhoods. Funded activities must create opportunities for community members to experience greater connection to their community through improved access and participation, aligned with local neighbourhood priorities.

Open·ACT·$650 - $1,500
LGBTIQA+ Leadership Grant

This grant supports LGBTIQA+ people who want to develop or improve their leadership skills and contribute to LGBTIQA+ communities. Funding can be used for community conferences, academic workshops, mentorships, and training sessions to increase leadership capacity.

Open·Commonwealth
Community Development Fund VIC

This program provides funding for programs which build business expertise and community capability, as well as progressing opportunities for diversification. Two streams are available: Stream 1 funds project management support and upskilling of community members, while Stream 2 funds the progression of diversification opportunities identified by local communities.

Ongoing·WA·$1,000 - $50,000
Horizon Power's Community Partnership Funding

Funding available for groups and organisations that help make regional communities more vibrant. This program provides financial support to community-focused initiatives in the Kimberley region.

Ongoing·TAS
Many Rivers Microfinance

Many Rivers provides tailored support to help people start and grow their own small businesses through business coaching, micro-business loans, pro bono legal advice, and practical tools for planning and running a business. Support is long-term and hands-on, with assistance available for business registration, insurance, marketing, risk analysis, cashflow management, bookkeeping, and more.

Closed·Commonwealth·Up to $2,000,000
National Radioactive Waste Management Facility Community Benefit Programme

A community benefit programme providing grants to support projects in the Kimba region. The programme funds a diverse range of community projects including infrastructure upgrades, economic development initiatives, youth and community services, and local business support.

Closed·ACT·Up to $50,000
Placemaking Grants 2026-27

A funding program supporting placemaking projects in Canberra's City Centre and Braddon through art, event, marketing, place, and space grants. Projects must enhance public spaces, foster community engagement, and create engaging cultural and social experiences. Initiatives are delivered between July 2026 and June 2027.

Closed·Commonwealth·$5,000 - $25,000
Small Business Support Grant – Bondi Beach December 2025

This program provides funding for small businesses impacted by the Bondi Beach terrorist attack on 14 December 2025. Funding can be used to pay for clean-up, repairs, replacement of lost or damaged stock, or loss of income due to business disruption resulting from the terrorist attack.

Closed·Commonwealth·$5,000 - $15,000
Australia Cook Islands Community Grant Program (ACCGP) – Round 2

The ACCGP Round 2 provides small grants to support local organisations and individuals in addressing local priorities including education, gender equality, disability, economic empowerment and grassroots sporting organisations in the Cook Islands. Funding is provided via small grants of approximately AUD 5,000 to AUD 15,000 each.

Grant information is sourced from official government websites and updated regularly. Program details, eligibility and closing dates change — always verify with the official source before applying. Last data update: February 2026.