Improving local community participation and vibrancy

The Stronger Communities Programme provides each of the 151 Federal electorates with $150,000 to fund small capital projects. Federal Members of Parliament (MPs) identify potential projects and invite applications from their electorate.

The Stronger Communities Programme supports the Australian Government’s commitment to deliver social benefits in communities across Australia. Round 8 of the program will provide $22.7 million to fund small capital projects in each of the 151 federal electorates. The program is part of the government's 2022–23 budget initiatives focussed on making local economies stronger and boosting community organisations.

The program intends to encourage and support participation in local projects, improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant and viable communities. Round 8 of the program aims to support communities recover from the widespread impacts of adverse weather events and current economic pressures.

For this round, grant funding will be up to 100% of eligible project costs except for local governing bodies where grant funding will be up to 50% of eligible project costs.

Community consultation is a critical element of the program. In consultation with their community, each local Federal 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.