Veterans and their families can now apply for new grants that pay tribute to their service and support their wellbeing.
The Anzac Day Proceeds Fund offers grants of up to $150,000 to organisations delivering welfare support to veterans across the state, and grants of up to $50,000 to organisations delivering initiatives for veterans in a specific region or area.
This year’s funding priorities include initiatives that support female, First Nations and LGBTIQA+ veterans, veterans living with disability and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Other priorities include support for veterans who served in post-1990 Australian Defence Force operations, and collaborative projects delivered by multiple ex-service organisations.
Previous recipients include Soldier On, which delivered the ‘Empower-Her’ program to more than 1,500 female veterans and their families by offering women-only retreats, family events and parenting support.
Applications are also open for the Victoria Remembers Grant Program, offering grants of up to $30,000 for projects that commemorate veterans and deepen public understanding of their service, including new memorials, significant anniversary events and public education campaigns.
Last year, the Vietnam Veterans Association Bendigo Branch partnered with Hebron Films to document and preserve the stories of Central Victoria’s Vietnam veterans, marking 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War.
“These grant programs make a real difference in the lives of veterans, supporting their wellbeing and backing the organisations that serve them,” said Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman in announcing the new grants.
“The grants recognise and support those who have served, while strengthening the connection between veterans and the broader community,” added Victorian Veterans Council Chair Greg Yorke, AM, CSC.
Applications for both grant programs close on September 15.
For more information about both grant programs or to apply, visit: vic.gov.au/anzac-day-proceeds-fund or vic.gov.au/victoria-remembers-grant-program.
