The Stronger Communities Program Round 9 (the program) is now open for Expressions of Interest (EOIs).

The Program supports the Australian Government’s commitment to deliver social benefits in communities across Australia by funding projects in each of the 151 Federal electorates. Each electorate has total funding of up to $150,000 that can be allocated to successful applications. A maximum of 20 projects will be funded in each electorate.

Eligible items include installing energy efficient appliances, defibrillators, upgrades to disability access, establishing new websites, or provision of women's facilities at sporting grounds. More information can be found in the attached EOI form (page 4-6). Further details and documents can be obtained here.

The grant amount will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project expenditure (grant percentage) except for local governing bodies where the grant amount will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project expenditure.

• The minimum grant amount is $2,500

• The maximum grant amount is $20,000

The maximum cost of your project cannot exceed $50,000. You must complete your project no later than 31 December 2025.

To be eligible you must be an incorporated not for profit entity, such as:

• Parents and Citizens, Parents and Friends groups and equivalent bodies
• childcare centres
• surf clubs
• local aged care bodies
• Police and Citizen Youth Clubs
• Commonwealth, state or territory government agency or entity that is a fire service, state emergency service or similar
• Other community organisations included in the Guidelines  

Expression of Interest (EOI) stage – open NOW until 3rd Mar 2025.

• Return your EOI form to Sally’s office
• Use the attached form to submit your EOI

Community Consultation (CC) stage – early Mar 2025

• Through community consultation committee, MPs identify applicants and projects
• Sally and the CC Group reviews and shortlists the EOIs from community organisations

Nomination stage - MP nomination due to Department – updated targeted timeline 7^th Mar 2025

• MP to submit project nominations to Department of Industry, Science and Resources via portal.

Application stage – 7^th to 28^th Mar 2025

• Eligible entities receive invitation to complete a grant application via portal   
• Shortlisted Organisations invited to apply by submitting online application to the Business Grants Hub here

It is important to note that an invitation by your MP to apply does not guarantee that your application will be successful. MPs and their consultation committees are not responsible for the administration of the grants program.

Outcome stage - Successful and unsuccessful organisations will be notified from March 2025.