Applications open for Veteran Wellbeing Grants
Community organisations supporting veterans and their families can now apply for a share of more than $3.7 million in funding through the Australian Government’s 2026–27 Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program.
The program supports projects and activities designed to improve the health, independence, quality of life and social wellbeing of veterans and their families, while strengthening capacity and connection within veteran communities.
Two streams of funding are available:
Small Grants of up to $50,000 for local, community-based projects and activities that provide safe and accessible environments for veterans and families.
Large Grants of between $50,001 and $200,000 for broader initiatives that improve health and wellbeing, strengthen social connections, build community capacity, expand existing services or raise awareness of issues affecting the veteran community.
Previous funding rounds have supported a wide range of initiatives across Australia, including veteran and family wellbeing camps, outdoor recreation programs, Indigenous-led wellbeing projects for First Nations veterans, trauma-informed yoga workshops, inclusive sports programs and the Dance for Veterans program.
What projects can the grants support?
The Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program is designed to support projects that help veterans and their families maintain their independence, quality of life, health and social wellbeing.
Funding can also support new initiatives that address needs not already met through government-funded programs, expand existing projects into new regions or multiple locations and raise awareness of important issues affecting the veteran community.
Who can apply?
Eligible ex-service organisations (ESOs) can apply in their own right or as the lead organisation of a consortium.
Non-ESOs can also lead a consortium, provided it includes at least one ESO.
Applicants must also fall within one of the eligible legal entity types:
Company
Cooperative
Incorporated Association
Indigenous Corporation
Statutory Entity
Unincorporated Association – for grant activities of up to $10,000 only.
Some unincorporated ESOs, including sub-branches, may therefore be unable to apply for larger grants directly. However, an eligible incorporated ESO can form a consortium with unincorporated sub-branches and submit an application on their behalf.
How to apply
Applicants should review the guidelines carefully before applying, as they set out the program’s eligibility and compliance requirements, eligible activities and expenditure, timeframes and application process. Applicants will need to show how their project will deliver meaningful wellbeing outcomes for veterans and their families. Applications close on 10 November 2026.
Organisations interested in applying can find eligibility requirements, grant guidelines and application information on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website, here.