Minimum of $100,000 to fund initiatives delivered by organisations supporting people with disabilities, or otherwise marginalised individuals primarily with the objective to secure employment pathways.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Community Wellbeing Grants?
The Community Wellbeing Grant offered by The Ian Potter Foundation supports initiatives that create employment pathways for disadvantaged and marginalised Australians, particularly those living with a disability. The program places strong emphasis on preventative and innovative approaches that tackle the root causes of social disadvantage.
For Round 4 in 2025, the program focus is exclusively on rural and remote areas. Projects must aim to enhance employment outcomes in these communities and demonstrate a solid understanding of local needs.
This grant is multi-year and requires co-contribution, with the Foundation rarely covering the full project cost. Projects must be well designed, sustainable, and delivered by eligible organisations holding DGR Item 1 and TCC status.
Follow the two-stage process:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Applicants must speak with a Program Manager beforehand.
- Full Application: Invitation-only. Shortlisted EOI applicants will be asked to submit full proposals.
Community Wellbeing Grants level of support
- Minimum grant amount: $100,000 per year
- Maximum grant amount: Not specified
- Funding type: Multi-year grants only
Co-contribution required: Yes. The Foundation typically funds only a portion of project costs. Applicants must identify additional sources of funding.
Community Wellbeing Grants important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Community Wellbeing Grants objectives
This funding opportunity is designed to:
- Improve quality of life and employment outcomes for disadvantaged individuals
- Support people with disabilities and others facing barriers to economic inclusion
- Fund preventative programs that address root causes of inequality
- Encourage innovative models or proven approaches in need of support
- Prioritise rural and remote communities in line with the 2025 Round 4 focus
Projects and expenditure eligible for Community Wellbeing Grants support
Eligible projects will:
- Target marginalised and disadvantaged Australians, especially people with disabilities
- Be located in rural or remote areas (as defined by the RRMA classification)
- Include an employment-focused outcome
- Be either newly developed or an innovative evolution of an existing initiative
- Involve volunteers or community-driven governance
- Offer potential to scale, replicate, or share knowledge with the broader sector
Ineligible expenditure includes:
- Retrospective funding (projects already underway)
- Recurrent expenditure without ongoing sustainability
- Capital works including construction or refurbishment of buildings
- Vehicles (purchase or maintenance)
- Promotional or DVD production
- Camps
- Research not linked to service delivery
- Undergraduate, Masters, or Doctoral research
- Projects delivered via auspicing arrangements
- Overseas initiatives not tied to an Australian charitable purpose
- Schools
- Organisations with unacquitted grants or previously declined proposals
Other Community Wellbeing Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Community Wellbeing Grants support
- Not-for-profits operating in Australia
- Organisations across health, education, and community development
- Applicants of any size, provided they hold:
-
- DGR Item 1
- Tax Concession Charity status
See the guidelines for full details of organizational requirements.
Community Wellbeing Grants assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
- Alignment with Program Goals – Fit with employment-focused, preventative support for disadvantaged communities.
- Community Need – Demonstrated need in rural/remote location and affected population.
- Program Design – Clear logic model, outcomes and delivery plan.
- Long-Term Impact – Plans for continuation or sustainability of the program.
- Organisational Strength – Governance, financial accountability, and local representation (e.g. volunteer boards).
- Innovation & Adaptability – Fresh approaches or thoughtful evolution of proven models.
- Sector Influence – Potential for sector-wide benefit or learnings.
How do I get the Community Wellbeing Grants?
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/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Community Wellbeing Grants application
Have the following documents and details ready:
- Confirmation of DGR Item 1 and TCC status
- Overview of the project’s objectives, logic, and timeline
- Budget breakdown, clearly showing other funding sources
- Governance structure and volunteer engagement details
- Rural/remote eligibility using RRMA classification
- Supporting documents (letters of support, needs analysis, etc.)
Templates for EOI and application forms are provided by the Foundation, but final submissions must be made through the live portal.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Community Wellbeing Grants
Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Community Wellbeing Grants resources
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