Activation Grants

Supporting Australian communities to thrive means...

...no one should be left behind when challenges arise.

Many communities face social or environmental issues that heighten their vulnerability.  Factors like poverty, social isolation, and cultural barriers can put these people in these communities at greater risk during tough times.

Our mission is to support those already experiencing hardship, helping them build resilience for the future.

This is not a traditional grant. Communities are not required to have fixed projects or polished plans. Instead, funding supports conversations, learning, planning and action shaped by the community through the Canopy Six-Step Model.

Community Activation Grants of up to $25,000 are available.  

What we fund

We provide seed funding to support the most vulnerable and at-risk people and their communities across Australia focusing on:

  • Social Vulnerability: Addressing higher levels of mental illness, disability, crime and violence and social exclusion.
  • Economic Challenges: Supporting communities dealing with significant poverty, houselessness, homelessness and employment instability.
  • Disaster Risks: Supporting areas prone to extreme weather events and hazards such as bushfires and floods, particularly those with low infrastructure resilience.

Activation Grants prioritise inclusion and reducing vulnerability to shocks and stresses. The application process is simple and non-competitive. 

Grant details

  • Amount: Activation grants of up to $25,000 are available for communities developing and implementing their resilience priorities using the Six-Step Model that support those most in need.
  • Funding Structure: Funds are released through incremental draw downs to support the gradual implementation of your community’s initiatives aligned to the grant program objectives.
Download the Guidelines Brochure for Practitioners

Who can apply?

Any community within a that meets the eligibility criteria can apply.

Eligibility Criteria

Your community must:

  • Have a trained Resilience Canopy Practitioner.
  • Demonstrate groups of people with notable social disadvantage and risk profiles that aim to be positively impacted by funded initiatives.
  • Create and maintain a Canopy Community profile on Canopy House.
  • Comply with governance requirements for responsible funds management.
  • Commit to the Six-Step Model to determine the priorities.

Applications now open

Grants are now open for rolling intake available until June 2026 or all funds are allocated, whichever comes first.

Applications must be submitted by Resilience Canopy trained Practitioners on behalf of communities that are ready to begin or deepen a resilience process. Practitioners are not the legal funds manager.

Apply Now

Ready to Make a Difference?

Connect with us to discuss your community's potential to access the grants.

Looking for Kempsey Activation Grants?

Click here