Grants to support and address member health and wellbeing, support health education, deliver relevant activities, and improve facilities and sustainability of Men’s Sheds across Australia.
On this page you will find
What is the National Shed Development Programme (NSDP)?
The National Shed Development Programme (NSDP) is an initiative by the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care, administered by the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA). It aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of men through the provision of financial assistance to Men’s Sheds across Australia. These sheds offer a safe and friendly environment where men can gather, work on meaningful projects, and engage in activities that promote health and wellbeing.
National Shed Development Programme level of support
The NSDP provides funding across five categories with specific limits:
- Category One – Health, Wellbeing and Events: Up to $8,000
- Category Two – Shed Improvements: Up to $8,000
- Category Three – Tools and Equipment: Up to $5,000
- Category Four – Mental Health, Wellbeing and Events: Up to $8,000
- Category Five – Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): Up to $2,250
Total Funding Cap
Applicants may apply across multiple categories; however:
- The total funding across Categories 1–4 cannot exceed $10,000 per round
- Category 5 (Defibrillators) is exempt from the $10,000 cap
Co-Contribution
- There is no co-contribution requirement for any funding category under the NSDP.
Funding is competitive and subject to available allocation each round.
National Shed Development Programme important dates
- Categories 1–4 close: Friday, 20 February 2026
- Category 5 – Defibrillators close: Friday, 6 March 2026
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
National Shed Development Programme objectives and priorities
The main objectives of the NSDP are to:
- Advance the health and wellbeing of male members.
- Support health education and activities within the shed environment.
- Improve facilities and sustainability of Men’s Sheds.
- Address local community needs through appropriate programmes and activities.
Priority will be given to:
- Men’s Sheds located in areas of greatest need, particularly communities experiencing social or economic disadvantage.
- Applications that clearly demonstrate engagement with the 12 priority population groups.
- Men’s Sheds that have not previously received NSDP funding (while still remaining open to previously funded sheds).
- Applications responding to a 2025–26 natural disaster (e.g. flood, storm, bushfire) that has impacted the Shed and/or its members.
- Category 3 applicants that meet specific priority rules (see below).
Applicants who have previously received NSDP funding are still eligible but must disclose prior funding received, which will be considered by the Evaluation Panel.
Projects and expenditure eligible for National Shed Development Programme support
Individual Men’s Sheds in Australia can apply for a range of financial support across the following five funding categories:
- Category One: Health and Wellbeing and Events – Funding can be requested to plan and deliver, or broadly participate in, an event within their region with a strong health focus, which may also include some Men’s Shed operational topics.
- Category Two: Shed Improvements – Premises occupied by the Men’s Shed are eligible for funding to undertake improvements, modifications and refurbishment. PLEASE NOTE: the building of a new Men’s Shed is not supported under this Programme.
- Category Three: Tools and Equipment – will be given to: New Men’s Sheds (less than 2 years old), Men’s Sheds that have not previously received NSDP funding, and Men’s Sheds that have not received Category 3 funding in the past six rounds (Rounds 25–30). Applications outside these priority areas may still be eligible but may receive lower priority assessment.
- Category Four: Mental health, wellbeing and events – Funding can be requested to plan and deliver, or support attendance at, an event with a strong mental health focus, which may also include some Men’s Shed operational topics.
- Category Five: Automated External Defibrillators – Priority will be given to Men’s Sheds that: Do not currently have a working defibrillator on site; or have a defibrillator that was purchased prior to January 2020 (older than six years). Defibrillators must be applied for using a separate application form and have a different closing date to Categories 1–4.
The 12 Priority Groups for whom Men’s Sheds provide activities:
- Males not in work
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males
- Socially disadvantaged
- Isolated males
- Males with a disability
- Males with a mental illness (e.g. Depression)
- Migrant males
- Males living in rural and remote areas
- Defence veterans
- Males suffering alcohol abuse
- Males suffering drug abuse
- Males who need support due to relationship issues
What cannot be funded by the NSDP?
- Building a new shed/facility is not supported under this programme.
- Funds to support a designated co-ordinator or organisational office bearer expenses.
- Utility expenses such as electricity, telephone, internet etc.
- The purchase, leasing and associated maintenance of vehicles.
- Sponsoring bodies requests to reimburse their organisational expenses – the grant funds are for those expenses incurred directly by the Men’s Shed project.
- Sponsoring bodies requests to fund staff training expenses
- Sponsoring bodies requests to fund their organisational staff expenses.
- Sponsoring bodies requests to apply an administration fee.
- Individual projects requiring ongoing funding.
- The purchase of land.
- Repair of facilities damaged by vandalism, fire or other natural disasters where the act is covered by insurance.
- Additional funding for Men’s Sheds that have already received substantial funding from governments for similar applications and for which need is not identified.
Other National Shed Development Programme important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for National Shed Development Programme support
All Men’s Sheds in Australia, whether or not they are members of the Australian Men’s Shed Association, are eligible to apply. Sheds not registered as a legal entity may have an overseeing sponsor body apply on their behalf.
National Shed Development Programme assessment criteria
Applications are assessed by an Evaluation Panel and considered against:
1. Community Need and Disadvantage
Evidence of operating in areas of social or economic disadvantage, including support for priority groups.
2. Health, Mental Health and Safety Impact
Strength of health, mental health or safety outcomes delivered through the proposed activities.
3. Organisational Capacity and Governance
Assessment of:
- Governance structure
- Financial management processes
- Risk management practices
- Strategic or business planning
- Committee oversight and transparency
4. Value for Money
Demonstrated benefits relative to cost and quality of supporting quotes.
5. Previous Funding History
Disclosure of prior NSDP funding and acquittal compliance.
How do I get the National Shed Development Programme?
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.
To strengthen application, Men’s Sheds should clearly demonstrate:
- Alignment with the National Shed Development Programme objectives
- A clear need within their local community or region
- Engagement with one or more of the priority population groups
- Strong health, mental health, safety or wellbeing outcomes
- Practical and achievable project activities
- Clear and measurable benefits for members
- Value for money, supported by appropriate quotes
- Sound governance and financial management capability
- Capacity to deliver the project within realistic timeframes
- Compliance with previous NSDP funding (if applicable)
Information to prepare for the National Shed Development Programme application
Applicants should prepare:
- A detailed project description outlining activities or purchases
- Evidence of community need and disadvantage (where applicable)
- Budget estimates and cost breakdowns
- Documentation demonstrating engagement with priority groups
- Evidence of governance and financial management capacity
Quotes
- Categories 1–4: At least two written quotes per item/service must be provided where possible.
- Category 5 – Defibrillators: At least one written quote is required.
- Online pricing is acceptable where:
-
- The vendor displays a valid Australian Business Number (ABN); and
- The pricing clearly details what is being supplied.
If unable to obtain two quotes, applicants must contact AMSA before submitting their application.
Additional Requirements (where applicable)
- Written owner’s permission for building improvements
- Relevant building permits or council approvals for Shed Improvements
- Memorandum of Understanding (for auspiced sheds)
- Evidence of Shed status if not an AMSA member
Applying for the National Shed Development Programme
Applications must be submitted to the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA).
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
National Shed Development Programme resources
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