The 2026 Veteran Community Grants Program has opened with $205,000 in funding available to individuals and not-for-profit organisations across NSW, more than doubling the $100,000 available in 2025.
For the first time, the program will also introduce a new Infrastructure and Equipment category to support organisations to improve facilities and equipment used by veterans and their families.
Eligible projects can include minor building repairs, equipment upgrades, lighting improvements, storage solutions, marquees and Automated External Defibrillators.
Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 under the Infrastructure and Equipment category.
Up to $3,000 in funding remains available for the other three categories:
- local history, heritage and education projects;
- public commemorative events and commemorative spaces; and
- activities that provide support to members of the NSW veteran community.
Last year’s grant round provided funding to 70 projects dedicated to supporting veterans and educating NSW communities about the service and sacrifice of current and former military servicemen and servicewomen.
Successful projects included an upgrade to the Rocky Hill Memorial Museum Firearms and Weapon Display, an archery program supporting the wellbeing of veterans, and the creation of a school Anzac mural.
Individuals, educational institutions, ex-service organisations, incorporated not-for-profit community organisations, NSW local councils, museums, historical societies and a range of other eligible organisations are encouraged to apply.
The 2026 grant round opened at 9am on Monday, 7 September 2026 and closes at 5pm on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
Applicants who have received funding through the Veteran Community Grants Program or its predecessor program for three consecutive years will not be eligible to apply in the fourth year.
Anzac Day events and commemorations are also not eligible for funding under this program. Individuals and schools can apply under Categories 1–3, but are not eligible for the new Infrastructure and Equipment category.
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
“I am pleased to announce the opening of the Veteran Community Grants Program, which provides funding for projects across the state that support veterans while educating communities about the significance of our military history.
“For 11 years, the program has supported initiatives that honour the service and sacrifice of ex-serving military personnel and the changes to this year’s program and increased funding will enable us to support more projects.
“I encourage organisations and community groups to submit applications and look forward to seeing the valuable projects that will strengthen appreciation of our veterans’ contributions across New South Wales.”
Goulburn Mulwaree Council Museums Coordinator Justin Croft said:
“Thank you to the NSW Government for the grant funding as part of the 2025–26 Veteran Community Grants Program, to help us upgrade the Rocky Hill Memorial Museum Firearms and Weapon Display.
“This funding was vitally important as it allows us to honour those from our community who served in the Great War.”
St Mary’s RSL sub-Branch Vice President Bradley Silveright said:
“The funding was a valuable contribution and allowed us to organise our archery program, which was vital to the wellbeing of our local veterans.
“We are averaging 20 participants each month, and we could not have started this popular activity without the support of the NSW Government.”
Figtree Heights Public School Assistant Principal Mellanie Pirie said:
“Thank you to the NSW Government for funding to contribute to the creation of our school Anzac Mural.
“It’s a beautiful mural and we very much appreciate your support which enabled us to create a central space for our school community to gather on important dates throughout the year to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”