Up to $2 million to support medical research and innovation projects that develop interventions to mitigate the impact of climate change on Australians’ mental health.
On this page you will find
What is the Mental Health and Climate Change Grant?
The 2025 Mental Health and Climate Change Grant Opportunity is part of the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Global Health Initiative. This grant aims to develop scalable, sustainable interventions—co-designed with consumers and health services—that mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change in Australia. Ultimately, projects funded through this opportunity will contribute to improving the wellbeing of Australians by addressing climate-related mental health challenges.
Mental Health and Climate Change Grant level of support
Under this grant, a total of AUD $6 million has been allocated over two years (2025–26 and 2026–27).
- Minimum funding from $250,000
- Maximum of $2,000,000 for a project duration of up to 5 years.
Co-contribution: While there is no mandatory co-contribution requirement, applications that include cash or in-kind contributions from partner organisations are strongly encouraged.
These contributions can help demonstrate broader support for the project, strengthen its feasibility, and increase overall impact.
Mental Health and Climate Change Grant important dates
- Minimum Data Deadline: 25 June 2025 (5:00 pm ACT Local Time)
- Minimum Data Requirements: Applicants must submit essential project details in the online portal (Sapphire) by the Minimum Data deadline or risk ineligibility.
- Application Closing Date: 23 July 2025 (5:00 pm ACT Local Time)
- Funding Commencement: Early 2026 (subject to the grant agreement being executed).
- Project Completion: Within five years of grant execution.
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Mental Health and Climate Change Grant objectives
- Mitigate the mental health impact of climate change: Projects must focus on developing interventions or solutions that alleviate climate-related mental health challenges in Australia.
- Promote innovation and scalability: Proposals should be novel and demonstrate a clear plan for scale-up or broader dissemination.
- Support consumer involvement: Research should be co-designed with people who have relevant lived experience, carers, community members, and health service providers.
- Improve health outcomes for Australians: Outcomes should offer tangible benefits to the wellbeing of communities affected by climate change events (e.g., bushfires, flooding, heatwaves).
Projects and expenditure eligible for Mental Health and Climate Change Grant support
Eligible projects:
- Proposals must directly address mental health impacts of climate change through medical research or medical innovation.
- Projects should focus on the design, testing, or evaluation of interventions that can be scaled sustainably across diverse Australian settings.
- Research activities may include the development of new mental health services, tools, training resources, technology-driven interventions, or policy recommendations.
- Overseas-based activities are permitted only if the resources or capabilities required for a specific component are not available in Australia; however, the majority of project expenditure and activities must occur within Australia.
Ineligible expenditures (cannot be funded) include:
- Indirect research costs or institutional overheads (e.g., normal operating, administrative, or infrastructure expenses).
- Purchase of standard office computers, furniture, mobile phones, general software, and communication devices.
- Conference attendance or travel (unless specifically justified for project data collection or participant recruitment).
- Entertainment, alcohol, hospitality, and membership fees.
- Costs already funded under another government source.
- Retrospective costs for activities commenced before the grant agreement is executed.
Other Mental Health and Climate Change Grant important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Mental Health and Climate Change Grant support
- Only NHMRC-approved MRFF Eligible Organisations may apply (e.g., universities, medical research institutes, and some corporate Commonwealth entities).
- Multiple partners can be involved, but there must be a single lead organisation (the MRFF Eligible Organisation) that submits the application and, if successful, administers the funds.
- Organisations not already on the MRFF Eligible Organisation list can apply to become eligible—this must be done before submitting the grant application.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Mental Health and Climate Change Grant assessment criteria
Applications are assessed competitively and must address four key criteria:
1. Project Impact (40%)
- Importance of the research and how it addresses mental health impacts of climate change.
- Potential for meaningful advances in health outcomes, practice, and/or policy.
- Involvement of consumers and community in setting priorities and planning translations.
2. Project Methodology (30%)
- Scientific quality and feasibility of the research design.
- Appropriateness of the project plan (milestones, timelines, data collection, analysis methods).
- Suitability of the approach to recruit participants (if relevant) and embed consumer feedback.
3. Capacity, Capability and Resources to Deliver the Project (30%)
- Skills, knowledge, and prior experience of the research team.
- Adequacy and diversity of expertise (including consumer engagement and mental health research).
- Involvement of any partners, such as health services, state/territory government, or industry.
4. Overall Value and Risk (non-weighted)
- Reasonableness and justification of the budget, including any co-contributions.
- Identification and mitigation of project risks.
- Alignment with MRFF priorities and likelihood of producing tangible benefits.
Projects must rate satisfactorily (score ≥ 4 out of 7) on each of the first three weighted criteria and “Good” or “Excellent” on the non-weighted criterion to be competitive.
How do I get the Mental Health and Climate Change Grant?
Check your eligibility: Ensure you’re an eligible organisation and that your project fits the program objectives and requirements.
Develop your project scope: Confirm costs, gather quotes, and identify any required approvals.
Compile your supporting documentation: Examples include a work plan and a detailed project budget.
Other important things to do:
- Complete Sapphire registration: Ensure you and all co-investigators have Sapphire accounts.
- Minimum data: Enter mandatory project details by 25 June 2025; otherwise, you risk ineligibility.
Information to prepare for the Mental Health and Climate Change Grant application
- Evidence of consumer partnerships: Have letters of support or other documentation showing clear stakeholder engagement (e.g., consumer advisory panels, community-led consultation).
- Research methodology: Develop a detailed plan, including objectives, milestones, and metrics.
- Budget justification: Clearly outline your direct research costs—equipment, personnel, travel, etc.
- Risk management approach: Identify key risks (e.g., ethics approvals, recruitment challenges) and proposed mitigation strategies.
- Measures of Success Statement: Describe how your project will improve the mental health of Australians facing climate change impacts.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Mental Health and Climate Change Grant
Submit minimum data via Sapphire. Complete full application with all supporting documents. Await results (expected notifications in early 2026).
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Mental Health and Climate Change Grant resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Whenever You’re Ready, Here Are 5 Ways We Can Help You
- Grant Application Readiness
Assess your current position, identify gaps, and effectively prepare your organisation to meet the stringent requirements of grant applications. - Grant Strategy
Develop a tailored grant strategy to support your business’s growth and expansion by aligning your projects with the most suitable grant opportunities. - Grant Application Writing
Assist you to craft persuasive applications that not only highlight your strengths but also align seamlessly with funders’ objectives. - Grant Application Review
Ensure your application stands out by allowing GrantHelper’s experts to meticulously review and refine your submission, maximising your chances of securing funding. - Bespoke Services
Access custom services like project management, business planning, and financial modelling to ensure your project’s success and sustainability.
Ready to get started?
Not Ready to Enquire Yet?
We understand that winning grants takes time—something many business owners and directors don’t have. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Insights showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application.
Explore our Insights page, or our Podcasts page, where you’ll find expert advice, actionable tips, and time-saving strategies to help you get grant-ready.
Alternatively, check out some of the Clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
