Funding for Victorian cemetery trusts to improve infrastructure, safety, and amenities, with priority for Class B trusts which includes equipment, construction, training, and joint projects.
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What is the Cemetery Grants Program?
The Cemetery Grants Program (CGP) provides financial support to cemetery trusts across Victoria to improve infrastructure, amenities, equipment, and training. Established under the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003, the program is funded by a levy paid annually by Class A cemetery trusts and is administered by the Department of Health.
The program particularly supports Class B cemetery trusts—typically operated by volunteers—who often lack the capacity to fund essential maintenance or improvements independently.
Cemetery Grants Program level of support
- Partial Grants: Due to the limited funds available for cemetery grants, the department may be unable to grant the full amount requested in an application and may allocate a partial grant. Trusts that receive partial grants are expected to draw upon their own funds to undertake the proposed expenditure. Top-up grants will not be provided for the same item in subsequent years.
The department will fund up to $4,000 to assist trusts to purchase IT equipment such as a desktop or laptop computer, printer-scanner and software (including databases).
Grant requests for ongoing software licencing or subscription fees, as well as internet connection and usage, will not be considered.
Cemetery Grants Program important dates
Grant Assessments Occur Twice Annually:
- October
- March
The current cemetery grant round closes on 31 October 2025.
Funding Must Be Spent: Within 6 months of receipt
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Cemetery Grants Program objectives
The Cemetery Grants Program aims to:
- Improve safety, functionality, and accessibility of cemeteries
- Support the operational needs of cemetery trusts
- Enhance infrastructure that benefits the community
Projects eligible for Cemetery Grants Program support
Examples of eligible projects include (but are not limited to):
- Removal of infrastructure or trees that pose public safety risks
- Purchase of lawnmowers, garden tools, fuel, watering systems, poison, paint, and water tanks
- Construction or repair of fences, gates, roads, driveways, pathways, carparks, toilets (including disabled access), storage sheds, rotundas
- Establishment of new burial areas or niche walls
- Grave shoring equipment and grave covers
- Computer hardware and software (up to $4,000 per trust)
- Health and safety training (e.g. Grave Safe)
- Consultants for environmental assessments, cemetery master planning, or permit applications
- Surveys to detect unmarked graves, where need and urgency are justified
Note: For any vegetation removal, cemetery trusts must complete an additional attachment demonstrating compliance with heritage, environmental, council, and community requirements.
Ineligible Expenditure
The following expenses are not eligible:
- Salaries and wages or general cemetery operations
- Ongoing maintenance
- Repair or restoration of memorials
- Ongoing software licensing, internet installation, or subscription costs
- Requests to ‘top up’ previously partially funded items
- Reimbursement for already purchased goods or completed work (unless pre-approved for retrospective health & safety emergencies)
See the guidelines for full details of projects eligible for CGP support.
Other Cemetery Grants Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for CGP support
To apply, a cemetery trust must:
- Have an ABN
- Have fully acquitted all previous grants
- Have submitted its Abstract of Accounts
- Not engage trust members to quote or deliver project works (conflict of interest)
CGP assessment criteria
Applications are assessed by a panel comprising representatives from the Health Infrastructure Division and the Divisional Portfolio Entity and Appointments Advisory Unit. There are no percentage weightings disclosed, but the following criteria apply:
- Alignment with program objectives
- Community and cemetery benefit – including risks of not proceeding, heritage/OH&S relevance
- Demonstrated community support
- Budget realism and value for money
- Exploration of alternative or complementary funding
- Financial need of the trust
- Appropriateness of fee scale
- Trust’s ability to deliver the proposed project
How do I get the CGP?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the CGP application
When submitting your application, include:
- Completed grant application form
- Two quotes (GST-inclusive) for each proposed item (with explanation if two cannot be sourced)
- Photos of infrastructure or items where relevant
- Additional documents if vegetation removal is proposed
Applying for the CGP
Complete the grant application form available through the Department of Health.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Cemetery Grants Program resources
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