Grants up to $150,000 to commemorate Australia’s service personnel and families by funding projects that enhance understanding of Australia’s wartime heritage locally, regionally, and nationally.
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What is the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program?
The Saluting Their Service (STS) Commemorative Grants Program, managed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, aims to honour and commemorate the service and sacrifices of Australia’s service personnel and their families. This grant funding supports projects that enrich the understanding of Australia’s wartime heritage across local, regional, and national levels.
There are two types of grants:
- Community Grants (STS-CG) for community-focused commemorative projects.
- Major Grants (STS-MG) for projects of broader significance that impact the nation, state, territory, or larger region.
Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program level of support
- Community Grants (STS-CG): Grants of up to $10,000 for local community-focused commemorative projects.
- Major Grants (STS-MG): Grants from $10,001 to $150,000 for projects of national, state, territory or broader regional significance.
While co-contributions are not mandatory, applications that clearly demonstrate financial or in-kind contributions are highly regarded and may be prioritised for funding.
Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program important dates
Applications are assessed and funded across two batches during the 2026–27 funding round:
- Batch 2: Applications close: 21 January 2027 at 9:00 pm (AEDT)
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program objectives
The STS Program aims to:
- Foster appreciation and awareness of the experiences and contributions of Australia’s service personnel.
- Preserve and share knowledge about Australia’s wartime history
Projects and expenditure eligible for Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program support
Eligible activities include:
- Restoration, additions or construction of war or peace memorials
- Commemorative events for significant anniversaries (ending in ‘0’ or ‘5’)
- Digital commemorative projects (documentaries, podcasts, websites or apps)
- Display or restoration of wartime memorabilia
- Interpretive signage, exhibitions, murals and immersive experiences
- Educational initiatives, including school memorial gardens (with a commemorative element)
- National Service–related commemorative projects
- Flagpole supply and installation (up to $2,500 per project)
- Landscaping within the immediate surrounds of memorials (up to $6,000 per project)
Ineligible activities include:
Grant funding cannot be used for:
- Events held solely for national commemorative days (e.g. Anzac Day, Remembrance Day)
- Projects commemorating individuals or small named groups
- War grave works without consultation with the Office of Australian War Graves
- Travel, catering, alcohol or hospitality costs
- Salaries or wages of the applicant’s employees
- School excursions or sporting events
- Projects undertaken outside Australia
- Projects already funded under the STS Program unless significantly enhanced
Applicants should carefully review eligible and ineligible expenditure requirements, particularly for building, landscaping and digital projects.
Other Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program support
Eligible applicants include:
- Companies and incorporated associations
- Indigenous corporations
- Local government authorities
- State or territory government entities
- Statutory entities
- Partnerships, sole traders and individuals
- Unincorporated associations (Community Grants only – up to $10,000)
Not-for-profit organisations must be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) at the time of application.
You are not eligible to apply if you are:
- A Commonwealth government entity
- An international entity
- An unincorporated association applying for a Major Grant
- An organisation with overdue Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) acquittals
- Seeking funding for the same activity already funded by another government source
Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program assessment criteria
All assessment criteria are equally weighted.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Significance of the project or activity
How the project commemorates service and sacrifice and contributes to understanding Australia’s wartime heritage. - Delivery and readiness
Evidence that the project is ready to proceed, including confirmed budgets, quotes, delivery planning and organisational capability. - Community support and stakeholder engagement
Demonstrated community consultation, letters of support and confirmed financial or in-kind contributions.
For Major Grants, applicants must also clearly demonstrate national, state, territory or broader regional significance beyond the local community.
How do I get the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program?
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.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program application
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Evidence of eligibility and entity status
- Itemised quotes for funded activities
- Written confirmation of financial or in-kind contributions
- Letters of support (recommended but not mandatory)
- For digital projects: samples of previous work or content outlines
- For building or landscaping works:
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- Proof of ownership or written landowner consent
- Council approvals (where required)
- Quotes detailing scope, approvals and timeframes
Applying for the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program
To apply, applicants should complete the application form on GrantConnect.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program resources
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