Grant opportunities to support Australian state and territory initiatives focused on building infrastructure and developing strategies to enhance resilience and reduce risks from natural disasters.
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 Disaster Ready Fund (DRF)?
The Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) Round Three 2025-26 is a targeted competitive grants program administered by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). It delivers up to $200 million in the 2025-26 financial year to help reduce the risk and impact of natural disasters, while enhancing resilience in communities across Australia. The funding supports state and territory governments (through Lead Agencies), who coordinate and submit Project Proposals on behalf of eligible Applicants.
Disaster Ready Fund level of support
Total Funding Available: $200 million
- $138 million notionally allocated for large-scale infrastructure projects (e.g. grey, green-blue, social, and hazard-monitoring infrastructure).
- $59 million notionally allocated for other eligible project types (e.g. capacity building, risk assessments, governance).
- $3 million notionally allocated for administrative support to Lead Agencies.
Minimum and Maximum Grant Amount:
- Infrastructure Projects: A minimum total project value (Commonwealth + co-contribution) of $500,000.
- Other Project Types: No minimum total project value.
- There is no strict maximum grant amount, but projects cannot exceed the total available funds for the round.
Co-contributions (towards eligible project costs):
- All other Applicants: up to 50% funded by the Commonwealth, requiring at least 50% co-contribution.
- First Nations organisations and local councils in ‘very remote’/‘remote’ areas: up to 90% funded by the Commonwealth, requiring at least 10% co-contribution.
- Other low rate-based councils and not-for-profit organisations: up to 80% funded by the Commonwealth, requiring at least 20% co-contribution.
Disaster Ready Fund important dates
There are two main sets of dates, one for Project Proposals to Lead Agencies, and another for Lead Agencies to submit Applications to NEMA:
1. Project Proposals (Applicant to Lead Agency)
- Closing date: This opportunity is now closed.
2. Applications (Lead Agency to NEMA)
- Closes: 13 June 2025 (5:00 pm AEST)
Register your interest with GrantHelper
Disaster Ready Fund objectives
The primary objectives include:
- Increase Understanding of Natural Disaster Impacts: Projects should build or enhance data, modelling, and risk-awareness capabilities.
- Enhance Resilience and Adaptive Capacity: Initiatives should strengthen how governments, community service organisations, and communities prepare for disasters.
- Reduce the Severity of Future Disaster Impacts: Focus on mitigation strategies that lessen exposure to harm and decrease recovery burdens for at-risk cohorts.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Disaster Ready Fund support
Eligible DRF projects must:
- Have the primary purpose of reducing natural disaster risk, enhancing resilience, or improving disaster preparedness.
- Target one or more eligible hazards (e.g. bushfires, floods, cyclones, earthquakes).
- Fit one or more activity types, such as:
- Construction or upgrade of infrastructure to mitigate disaster impacts (levees, shelters, green-blue infrastructure).
- Capacity-building projects that improve community preparedness, risk assessments, and planning.
- Projects that align with national, state, or local disaster management strategies (e.g. State Resilience Plans).
Ineligible Expenditure includes:
- Routine maintenance or standard capital works deemed “business as usual” (e.g. normal road repairs, minor building upkeep).
- Costs incurred before the Implementation Plan is officially endorsed.
- Projects fully funded by other sources, or “double-dipping”.
- Regular administrative overheads not directly related to the project.
- Purchasing of land or majorly commercial (profit-generating) activities.
See the guidelines for full details of projects eligible for DRF support.
Other Disaster Ready Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Disaster Ready Fund support
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Who can submit: Only state and territory governments, through designated Lead Agencies, can submit formal Applications to NEMA.
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Who can propose: Applicants (e.g. First Nations organisations, not-for-profits, local councils, businesses with ABNs) may develop and submit Project Proposals to their relevant Lead Agency, provided they meet eligibility criteria.
Finding Your Lead Agency
Each state and territory has a designated Lead Agency that collects proposals and coordinates applications. See the table below of Lead Agency contacts.
| State/Territory | Lead Agency | Email Contact |
| Australian Capital Territory | Justice and Community Directorate | DRF@act.gov.au |
| New South Wales | NSW Reconstruction Authority | drfnsw@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au |
| Northern Territory | Northern Territory Emergency Services | NTDRF@pfes.nt.gov.au |
| Queensland | Queensland Reconstruction Authority | info@qra.qld.gov.au |
| South Australia | South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM) | safecom.drf@eso.sa.gov.au |
| Tasmania | Resilience and Recovery Tasmania, Department of Premier and Cabinet | resilience@dpac.tas.gov.au |
| Victoria | Emergency Management Victoria | drf@emv.vic.gov.au |
| Western Australia | Department of Fire and Emergency Services | disasterresiliencegrants@dfes.wa.gov.au |
Disaster Ready Fund assessment criteria
Projects are rated based on:
1. Contribution to Disaster Risk Reduction (40%)
- How effectively will the project reduce risk, build resilience, or improve preparedness?
- Are there clear, evidence-based outcomes or measures of success?
2. Alignment with Existing Plans (30%)
- How well does the project align with national/state/local disaster resilience strategies?
- Does it complement other initiatives (e.g. the Second National Action Plan)?
3. Capacity and Resources to Deliver (30%)
- Does the applicant have a strong track record, robust risk management, and evidence of consultation with affected communities?
- Are budgets, timelines, and co-contributions realistic and documented?
Applications must achieve at least 50 out of 100 points (i.e., be rated “Suitable” or higher) to be considered.
How do I get the Disaster Ready Fund?
You should read and understand the guidelines.
You need to ensure you are eligible for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
Successful Applicants will demonstrate:
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- project proposals aligned with relevant government policies and the program’s objectives of increasing understanding and resilience for natural hazards/disasters and reducing their impacts
- sound project methodology with measurable and achievable long-term impact on adaptation as well as the management of potential maladaptation
- the engagement and support of local stakeholders
- value for money, including evidence of co-contribution
- the necessary capacity and capability to deliver projects in full within the agreed timeframe
Information to prepare for the Disaster Ready Fund application
- Project Description & Business Case: Clearly outline objectives, scope, and expected outcomes.
- Budget & Co-Contribution Plan: Provide detailed cost estimates, including contingency allowances.
- Risk Assessment & Management: Highlight potential challenges and proposed mitigation measures.
- Evidence of Community Consultation: Show how affected communities (including First Nations) are consulted.
- Approvals & Designs (for infrastructure): Include any necessary schematics, permits, or development approvals.
- Letters of Support: If multiple delivery partners are involved, attach letters detailing their commitments and contributions.
Applying for Disaster Ready Fund
Consult with your state or territory’s Lead Agency to discuss project proposals and understand specific submission requirements.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this program and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Disaster Ready Fund resources
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