Community groups urged to apply for $75,000 bushfire recovery grants

The Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland is encouraging community organisations across bushfire affected areas to apply for the Victorian Government’s Community Recovery Grants, with up to $75,000 available for locally led projects that support communities recovering from the January 2026 bushfires.

The grants are designed to fund projects that strengthen community resilience, improve mental health and wellbeing, encourage social connection and support long term recovery in communities impacted by the fires.

Ms Cleeland said the funding presents an important opportunity for local organisations to deliver projects that reflect the unique needs of their communities.

“Recovery is about far more than rebuilding fences and roads. It is about rebuilding communities, restoring connections and ensuring people have the support they need for the long journey ahead,” Ms Cleeland said.

“I know our local community groups have incredible ideas and a deep understanding of what their towns need. I encourage every eligible organisation to consider applying for this funding.”

Under the program guidelines, applicants must be a community organisation or group that is a legal entity, such as an incorporated association or social enterprise. Applicants must also hold an Australian Business Number (ABN), be registered for GST, and deliver recovery activities in an area affected by the January 2026 Victorian bushfires.

Projects can receive up to $75,000 and may include initiatives that:

• support locally led recovery alongside council activities;
• strengthen community resilience and social connection;
• improve mental health and wellbeing;
• employ staff to deliver recovery projects; or
• enable Aboriginal communities to lead culturally safe, community-led recovery activities.

Ms Cleeland said while funding alone will not solve every challenge facing bushfire affected communities, it can help local organisations deliver meaningful projects that make a lasting difference.

“Our communities continue to face significant challenges months after the fires, but we also know that the best recovery solutions come from the people who live here.”

“These grants are an opportunity to back local ideas, local leadership and local recovery. I encourage every eligible community organisation to put forward an application.”

Applications close on 31 August 2026 and can be applied for here: https://www.vic.gov.au/community-recovery-grants-2026-bushfires