The 2026 Veterans Community Grants program which opens today is increasing the amount of funding available to individuals and non-for-profit organisations in NSW to $205,000 from $100,000 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 that supports veterans and their families, including 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 for the Infrastructure and Equipment category.
Up to $3,000 in funding is available for the other three categories including 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 commemorating and educating NSW communities about the service and sacrifices of current and former servicemen and servicewomen.
Successful projects to receive funding included an upgrade to the Rocky Hill Memorial Museum Firearms and Weapon Display, an archery program to assist the wellbeing of veterans and the creation of a school Anzac mural.
Educational institutions, ex-service organisations, community groups, local government associations, museums, historical societies and individuals are encouraged to apply for a grant.
The 2026 grant round closes at 5pm on Wednesday 11 November 2026.
More information and details on how to apply are available here: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/VCGP
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 Mr 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 Mr 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.
“Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to help more veterans. The grant has allowed the sub-Branch to reach out to veterans across our area as well as partners and children of veterans.
“Our sub-Branch is grateful for the support, and we look forward to continuing this activity in the future on an ongoing basis.”
Figtree Heights Public School Assistant Principal Mrs 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.”
