VETERAN AND COMMUNITY GRANTS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

MORE than $1.4 million in 86 grants have been provided to community groups supporting veterans under the Veteran and Community Grants program in 2017-18 said Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Michael McCormack.  

“The Australian Government is investing in local organisations working to meet the needs of veterans in our local communities through awarding Veteran and Community Grants,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Veterans and Community Grants program funds a diverse range of local projects and equipment, such as social activities for veterans to reduce isolation and training to improve connectedness through digital technology.  

“Projects for the refurbishment of facilities to support disabled access and to enhance the environment for social activities can also be funded. Each financial year, more than $2 million is available for Veteran and Community Grants to invest in local communities on projects which meet the needs of veterans.”

Mr McCormack said the benefits of funding projects or activities under the Veteran and Community Grants program extend to the local community as well as contributing to the well-being of veterans. 

“I encourage ex-service organisations, veteran groups, community based and private organisations to submit applications for funding through the Veteran and Community Grants program to support practical and tangible projects to enrich the lives of veterans in their community,” Mr McCormack said.

Applications for the Veteran and Community Grants will open online on the Australian Government’s Community Grants Hub from today and can be submitted up until 28 February 2019, for payment before the end of 2018-19 Financial Year.

For information on how to apply for grants online, as online lodgement may be new to some grant applicants, helpdesk support will be provided through the Community Grants Hub on 1800 020 283 and support@communitygrants.gov.au. 

“I would encourage any organisation seeking assistance with online lodgement to ask for help early,” Mr McCormack said.   

“This will ensure any issues can be worked through in time for their application to be considered for funding.”

To receive alerts about veteran and other community grants opening on the Hub, visit www.communitygrants.gov.au.