Up to $125,000 to support community radio stations and organisations that produce regular programming for First Nations Australians, ethnic communities, and Radio Reading (RPH) services.
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What is the Specialist Radio Programming Grant?
The Specialist Radio Programming Grant, offered by the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF), provides vital support to community radio stations and organisations that produce regular programming for First Nations Australians, ethnic communities, and Radio Reading (RPH) services. The program’s goal is to keep culturally important and locally relevant content flourishing across Australian airwaves.
Funding is provided to develop, produce, and broadcast these programs and to ensure diverse voices and languages are heard in Australian community media.
Specialist Radio Programming Grant level of support
- Minimum amount of funding: Not specified
- Maximum amount of funding: $125,000
Co-contribution: No co-contribution is required. However, applications must demonstrate that the requested budget is reasonable compared to previous years, other applications, and available funds.
Specialist Radio Programming Grant important dates
- Applications close: 12 August 2025 at 2pm (AEDT)
- Funding period: 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Specialist Radio Programming Grant objectives
This grant aims to ensure that community radio:
- Increases the diversity of voices and languages heard in the community media landscape.
- Encourages greater community participation in broadcasting.
- Reflects, engages, and connects with the community it serves.
- Supports access to cultural, local, and informational content that strengthens communities.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Specialist Radio Programming Grant support
To be eligible, programs must:
- Be on air by 1 July 2025 or scheduled to go on air during the funding period.
- Be produced locally – no rebroadcasting of external content.
- Be broadcast regularly (at least fortnightly) between 6am–1am throughout the year.
- Run for at least 30 minutes per episode.
- Contain at least 80% specialist programming, such as culturally relevant music, spoken word content on community issues, or information to support language and cultural maintenance.
Specific eligibility by program type:
- First Nations programs must be produced and presented by First Nations people. On Indigenous-licensed stations, programs must include 50% Indigenous language content or originate in remote Indigenous communities.
- Ethnic programs must be made by and for a defined local ethnic community, with at least 50% in-language spoken content (exceptions apply for some communities or under-30s). No more than 25% religious spoken content.
- Multicultural programs must involve at least three broadcasters from different cultural/linguistic backgrounds.
- Radio Reading (RPH) programs must follow RPH standards – printed items must be read verbatim with full source details and no editorialising.
Ineligible expenditure includes:
- General station operational costs and staff salaries
- Training or equipment unrelated to the specialist program
- Content more suited to Content Grant applications
- Spotify/YouTube subscriptions (licences are personal use only)
- Overseas travel and memberships
- Studio hire fees or other in-kind station costs
- Costs incurred prior to 1 July 2025
- Sponsorship production or contingency allocations
Other Specialist Radio Programming Grant important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Specialist Radio Programming Grant support
You can apply if you are:
- A community radio station
- A Remote Indigenous Media Organisation or Remote Indigenous Broadcasting Service
- An incorporated not-for-profit organisation auspicing a specialist program group
You are not eligible if you:
- Are producing TV content – apply via Content Grants instead
- Are an RPH-licensed station (use the Content or Development & Operations grants instead)
- Broadcast radio reading programs in the footprint of an existing RPH service without local content
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Specialist Radio Programming Grant assessment criteria
This is a non-competitive grant. All eligible applications that meet the following will receive support:
- Eligibility confirmed: The Summary of Programs (SOP) form is updated, and consultations have been properly conducted.
- Alignment with objectives: The program supports the maintenance and growth of First Nations, ethnic, or Radio Reading programming.
- Complete documentation: Application and attachments are complete and sufficient for assessment.
- Reporting history: The applicant has met all previous reporting obligations for CBF funding.
- Budget justification: Requested items are considered reasonable when compared to previous applications, other applicants, and the funding pool.
There are no fixed percentage weightings for each criterion, but failure to meet any one of these may affect funding.
How do I get the Specialist Radio Programming Grant?
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 Specialist Radio Programming Grant application
- Update your Summary of Programs via your CBF account
- Gather quotes for items over $1,000
- Record consultation details: attendees, contact info, meeting dates
- Outline budget and justify any items over recommended amounts
- Identify if you are applying for new programs or ongoing ones
- Prepare evidence that programs will be on air during the funding period
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Specialist Radio Programming Grant
Applications must be submitted through the CBF’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.
Specialist Radio Programming Grant resources
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