Government Grants
Government is the single largest source of funding for Australian not-for-profits. It is competitive and priority-driven, and often the difference between a program running or not. We help you find the right grants and win them.
What are government grants?
Government grants are funds provided by government to help organisations deliver outcomes their communities need. They cover areas like health and social services, the arts, the environment, multicultural programs and local infrastructure.
Grants are awarded through a competitive process against published criteria, usually within a set application window. Once you are funded, there are normally reporting steps to show how the money was spent. The strongest applications answer every criterion clearly and back it up with evidence.
Local, state and federal grants
Government funding comes from three levels, and each works a little differently. Many organisations build momentum by starting local and working their way up.
Local council grants
Every local council runs some form of community giving or community grants program. These fund local groups, events, equipment and services in the council area. They are usually smaller and quicker to apply for, and a great place to build a track record.
State government grants
State grants are larger and tend to follow the government priorities of the day, such as community safety, health, multicultural participation or the environment. They often fund programs and infrastructure over one or more years.
Federal government grants
Federal grants are national in scale and also shaped by government priorities. They fund everything from social services and research to major community infrastructure, and they are often the most competitive.
How we help you win them
We scope and monitor opportunities across all three levels of government, from your local council to state departments and federal programs, and we check your eligibility honestly. Then we write clear, persuasive responses to every criterion and pull together the supporting pieces, including project plans, budgets, risk assessments, letters of support and financials, ready for your approval.
Our engagements are fixed-fee and project-based, aligned with Fundraising Institute Australia guidance, and kept affordable for the sector.
Government grants FAQ
Why does the government offer grants?
Governments use grants to deliver outcomes for the community that they cannot, or choose not to, deliver themselves. Funding community organisations is often the most effective way to reach people and solve local problems, so grants are a core part of how government priorities get delivered on the ground.
What do government grant assessors look for?
Assessors look for a clear need, a realistic plan, value for money, and strong alignment with the goals of the grant program. They want confidence that your organisation can deliver what it promises and account for the funding properly. Clear evidence, a sensible budget and measurable outcomes go a long way.
What is the difference between local, state and federal grants?
Local council grants are smaller and focused on your immediate community. State grants are larger and follow state government priorities. Federal grants are national in scale and usually the most competitive. Many organisations build momentum by starting local and working up.
How competitive are government grants?
It varies by program. Popular grants can attract far more applications than there is funding for, which is why a well written, criteria-perfect application matters so much. Part of our job is telling you honestly whether a grant is worth your time before you invest in it.
Can we apply for more than one grant at a time?
Yes. Many organisations run several applications across local, state and federal programs at the same time. A funding calendar helps you plan ahead so opportunities do not slip by, and we can help you manage that pipeline.
Let's find the government grants that fit your mission.
Book a free grant consultation and we will tell you honestly where your best funding opportunities are, before you commit to anything.