Grants for not-for-profits and charities in Australia (2026)

Updated July 2026 · 4 min read

For many not-for-profits and charities, grants aren't a nice-to-have — they're the core of the funding model. But the landscape is fragmented across government, philanthropic and corporate sources, and the reporting expectations are real. Here's how to think about it in 2026.

Where NFP funding comes from

• Government programs — federal, state and local grants for community services, arts, health, environment and social outcomes.
• Philanthropic trusts and foundations — private and community foundations funding specific causes.
• Corporate community grants — programs like the NAB Foundation's community grants (up to $50,000), open to community organisations without needing to bank with them.

What funders look for

NFP grant applications live and die on how clearly you connect your work to the funder's stated outcomes. A program funding "reducing regional isolation" wants to see measurable impact on exactly that — not a general description of your organisation. Concrete numbers, a clear plan, and evidence you can deliver and report beat aspirational language every time.

Finding the ones that fit

Because NFP funding is spread across so many sources, knowing what's open and relevant is half the battle. Grantiv matches your organisation to current programs and sends a free fortnightly round-up of what's opening — so you spend less time hunting and more time on your mission.

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Grant programs, amounts and eligibility change often — always confirm current details on the official government page before applying. Last reviewed July 2026.