CFAs: Programmed Energy and Resources Community Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Programmed Community Grants Program provides grants of $500 or $1,000 to registered non-profit, charity, and community organisations across Australia. The program supports projects that deliver measurable benefits in mental health and wellbeing, food security, and community recreation and physical activity.

About the Programmed Community Grants Program

The Programmed Community Grants Program supports Australian community organisations working to address local needs and improve social wellbeing. The program focuses on practical, community-based projects that can demonstrate clear outcomes and measurable benefits for the people they serve. Applicants should demonstrate a clear community need and explain how their proposed project will create tangible and measurable benefits. Program Objectives The main objective of the Programmed Community Grants Program is to strengthen Australian communities by supporting initiatives that improve quality of life and community wellbeing.

The program aims to:

Address local community needs. Promote mental wellness and positive wellbeing. Improve access to food and reduce food insecurity. Help community organisations deliver practical initiatives. What Projects Can Be Funded? Projects should fall within one or more of the program’s priority areas. Mental Health and Wellbeing Projects may focus on improving mental wellness, reducing isolation, strengthening social connections, or providing community-based wellbeing activities. Applicants should explain the specific mental health or wellbeing need being addressed and how project activities will benefit participants. Food Security Funding can support initiatives that help address hunger and improve access to food for people experiencing food insecurity. Projects should clearly identify the community need and explain how the proposed activities will provide practical benefits. Recreation and Physical Activity The program also supports initiatives that encourage community members to participate in recreation, sport, exercise, or other physical activities. Projects should demonstrate how participation will contribute to community wellbeing, inclusion, or healthier lifestyles. Why the Program Matters Community organisations often understand local needs but may have limited resources to turn small, practical ideas into action. The Programmed Community Grants Program provides modest financial assistance to help organisations deliver projects with clearly defined social benefits. The focus on measurable outcomes encourages applicants to demonstrate not only what they intend to do, but also what difference the project is expected to make. Grant Amount Eligible organisations can apply for one of two grant amounts: $500 $1,000 The program has two application rounds each year, giving eligible organisations multiple opportunities to seek support. Because the grants are relatively small, applicants should develop realistic projects with clearly defined activities, budgets, and outcomes. Who Is Eligible? The program is open to registered organisations that meet the relevant organisational requirements. Applicants should prepare their proposal around the community need, planned activities, budget, and expected outcomes.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check that your organisation is a registered non-profit, charity, or eligible community organisation operating in Australia.

Step 2: Identify the Community Need

Clearly explain the problem your project will address.

For example, applicants could describe:

A mental wellbeing challenge affecting the local community. Food insecurity among a particular population. Limited access to recreational or physical activities.

Step 3: Develop the Project Plan

Describe:

Project objectives. Target beneficiaries. Planned activities. Implementation timeframe. Expected community benefits. Methods for measuring results.

Step 4: Prepare a Budget

Provide a clear project budget showing how the requested $500 or $1,000 will be used. Costs should directly support the proposed project.

Step 5: Explain Expected Outcomes

Applicants should identify measurable outcomes rather than simply describing activities.

For example, explain:

How many people will participate. What services or activities will be delivered. What improvements are expected. How participant or community outcomes will be measured.

Step 6: Address Programmed Brand Promotion

Applicants are encouraged to explain how Programmed’s brand can be appropriately promoted or acknowledged through the project. The proposal should demonstrate that any promotional activity will be relevant to the project’s delivery and community engagement.

Step 7: Submit Supporting Documents

Applications should include the required supporting documentation, including: Project plan. Project budget. Evidence of anticipated outcomes. Relevant organisational information or registration documentation where requested. What Makes a Strong Application? A competitive application should connect the proposed project directly to a clearly identified community need.

Applicants should:

Use specific and measurable objectives. Clearly identify the people who will benefit. Provide a realistic budget. Explain how the project will be delivered. Demonstrate practical community impact. Include measurable outcomes. Provide supporting evidence where available. Explain how Programmed’s contribution will make the project possible or more effective. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applicants should avoid submitting proposals that are too broad or lack measurable outcomes.

Common mistakes include:

Failing to demonstrate a clear community need. Requesting funding for activities outside the program’s priority areas. Providing an unclear or unrealistic budget. Focusing only on activities instead of outcomes. Failing to identify who will benefit. Applying as an individual rather than through an eligible organisation. Providing insufficient supporting documentation. Failing to explain ho