The Stronger Communities Programme supports the Australian Government’s commitment to deliver social benefits in communities across Australia. Round 7 of the program will provide $22.65 million to fund small capital projects in each of the 151 federal electorates.

The program intends to encourage and support participation in local projects, improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant and viable communities. Round 7 of the program will continue to support Australia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. For this special round, grant funding will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs except for local governing bodies where grant funding will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.

Community consultation is a critical element of the program. In consultation with their community, each MP must identify potential applicants and projects in their electorate and invite them to apply for a grant. Invited applications will be assessed against the program’s eligibility criteria through a closed non-competitive process.

Each electorate has total funding of up to $150,000 that can be allocated to successful applications. A maximum of 20 projects will be funded in each electorate.