Expressions of Interest (EOI) are invited from eligible Mackellar organisations, for funding through the Stronger Communities Programme, Round 10.
EOIs must be submitted by 5pm, 16th October, 2026, using this link only.
The Stronger Communities Programme, administered by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (the Department), delivers social benefits across Australian communities by funding small capital projects in each of the 150 Federal electorates. The guidelines for this annual Programme have been revised slightly from previous rounds.
It is essential that applicants read the grant guidelines carefully, to assess suitability. Particularly the detail on project purpose (2.2) and eligible activities (5.1 and 5.2) and ineligible areas of expenditure (5.3).
Key features of the Stronger Communities Programme:
- Each electorate has total funding of up to $150,000, for a maximum of 20 projects
- Grant amount is up to 100% of eligible project expenditure (except for local governing bodies where it is up to 50%)
- Minimum grant amount is $2,500
- Maximum grant amount is $20,000
- Maximum project cost cannot exceed $50,000
- Project must be completed by 31st March, 2028
The application process will follow these steps:
- Expressions of Interest (EOI) submitted to Mackellar electorate office by 5pm, 16th October 2026 using this link only.
- Completed EOIs are considered by the independent Mackellar Community Grants Committee. To be considered projects must:
- Meet the Stronger Communities Programme eligibility criteria
- Provide value for money, and
- Be considered a proper use of public resources.
- The Mackellar Community Grant Committee recommends 20 eligible projects to the Department before 31st November 2026, with sufficient time for each project to be reviewed for compliance purposes.
- The Department contacts the successful Mackellar organisations outlining next steps to submit their full, formal application via a Department portal.
- The Department assesses applications against the programme’s eligibility criteria through a closed, non-competitive process.
- Successful applicants are announced 4 to 6 weeks later.
- Successful projects can commence a further 1 to 3 weeks later. The Department is not responsible for any project expenditure incurred without notification of a successful grant agreement.
NOTE: The opening and closing dates on the Department website might be confusing. The Department website refers to the period during which Dr Scamps’ Mackellar office can submit the names of organisations whose EOIs were successful (following assessment by the independent Mackellar Community Grants Committee).
Need Help?
For queries about the programme guidelines call the Department of Industry, Science and Resources hotline - 13 28 46
For questions about the Mackellar EOI process, call the electorate office on 9913 9566.
Resources
Stronger Communities Programme Round 10 Grant Opportunity Guidelines
Stronger Communities Programme Round 10 Factsheet and FAQs
Stronger Communities Programme Round 10 Sample Application PDF
Stronger Communities Programme Round 10 - Grants.gov.au Webpage
Stronger Communities Programme Round 10 Sample Exchange of Letters Grant Agreement
Stronger Communities Programme Round 10 Sample Approval Letter Grant Agreement