The Australia Day 2026 Community Events Grant Program is now open. Local councils, government entities and not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply for a federal government grant of between $2,000 and $10,000 to deliver inclusive and accessible community events.
Like previous years, additional support is available for events that include significant Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elements.
The Australian Government has provided financial support for over 3,000 Australia Day events around the country since 2021.
Australia Day 2025 saw a record number of councils and community groups benefiting from the grants program – with an almost 15 per cent increase in grant-funded community events nationwide. It is anticipated that the 2026 Program, run by the National Australia Day Council, will be even bigger.
The Program also aims to engage greater numbers of young Australians – whose voices, creativity and leadership are vital to inspiring and shaping our future. With these smaller grants available, celebrating our amazing nation with your local community has never been easier.
Applications are now open and will close at 5pm AEST on Monday 8 September 2025. To check eligibility, read the grant guidelines and apply for a grant, visit australiaday.org.au/grants.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman:
“Australia Day is about who we are as a nation and what we aspire to be.”
“This year, our Government has made it easier for small, local organisations to welcome their communities to mark the day together.”
“No matter where you live in Australia, where you have come from, and what Australia Day means for you, the day is yours to mark with your community.”
“Our Government is proud to be supporting opportunities to make Australia Day activities more accessible at a grassroots level.”
“I encourage local organisations across Australian to take an opportunity to bring their community together. To celebrate our many achievements, reflect on our complex history and look forward to our future with hope.”