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Community Grant Application Guidelines

The following has been developed to assist nonprofits and community organisations based in Australia with your application to receive a grant of up to $20,000. Download the 2026 Guidelines as a PDF.

Our Goals

The Foundation favours projects that:

  • Provide compassion, hope and immediate, practical assistance.
  • Are strongly aligned with one or more Foundation goals: to improve financial wellbeing, promote social inclusion, strengthen wellbeing and stability during times of crisis, foster awareness and understanding, and empower marginalised communities.
  • Do not receive significant government and philanthropic support.
  • Are not associated with well-established organisations with significant reserves.

Photo: Grant recipient Kor-Hajer Youth Development Organisation supports vulnerable people in western Sydney, such as those on low incomes or refugees and migrants who may be isolated due to communication barriers.

Eligibility Criteria

Determine whether your organisation and program are eligible for funding.

  • The organisation and proposed project are based in Australia.
  • The organisation is not-for-profit and has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Item 1 status.
  • The organisation is registered under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
  • The organisation is incorporated or auspiced by an incorporated organisation for the purposes of this grant.
  • The organisation’s annual income is less than $1 million.
  • The organisation is financially viable and has the expertise necessary to implement the proposed project.
  • The proposed project, program or initiative benefits disadvantaged, marginalised and/or socially isolated people in our community.
  • The proposed project will be delivered within the required 12-month timeframe.
  • The organisation has the appropriate type and level of insurance for the activities proposed within the grant request.
  • If you have been previously funded, all Sisters of Charity Foundation funding has been acquitted and reporting is up to date.

Photo: Grant recipient The Alfresco Community Kitchen provides nutritious food and other basic necessities to people experiencing disadvantage and homelessness.

Funding Exclusions
  • Any project, program or initiative that doesn’t align with the mission and goals of the Sisters of Charity Foundation.
  • Retrospective funding.
  • Fundraising or general appeals.
  • Marketing costs not directly related to the project.
  • Organisations that have not adequately acquitted previous Sisters of Charity Foundation Community Grants.
Additional Information for Applicants
  • You can apply for a grant of up to $20,000.
  • Each organisation can submit one EOI only.
  • Your application should present a clearly defined project, program or initiative, including a specific aim, identified beneficiaries, measurable outcomes, and a timeline for implementation.
  • Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • The Sisters of Charity Foundation Board reserves the right to exercise its discretion in granting funds to support programs related to the mission of the Sisters of Charity and its ministries.

Application Process

Are you ready to apply for funding through our Community Grants Program?

The Foundation adopts a two-stage application process for Community Grants. Stage 1 requires submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI). If selected, EOI applicants will then be required to submit a Full Application (Stage 2).

EOI submissions must be made online. The EOI form can be found here while a grant round is open.

Photo: Grant recipient organisation Autism MATES runs programs that foster social inclusion and employability for people with autism.

2026 Grant Application Key Dates
EOI submissions open 1 July 2026
EOI submissions close 31 July 2026, 5:00pm AEST
Applicants notified of the outcome of their EOI,
with successful applicants invited to submit a full application via SmartyGrants		 14 September 2026
Stage 2 applications due 5 October 2026, 5:00pm AEDT
Successful applicants notified 9 November 2026
Funds dispersed 9 December 2026
Acquittal reports due No later than 3 months post the project finish date stated in your application.