2026 STRONGER COMMUNITIES GRANT
Bring your community project to life with up to $20,000
Does your organisation have an infrastructure project that could make a real difference in our local community?
Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Programme is now open, with grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 available for eligible community organisations and local governments to deliver infrastructure projects that provide social benefits for local communities.
There is $150,000 available for projects in the Cook electorate this round.
Expressions of Interest close 5pm Sunday, 1 November 2026
To be considered for funding in Cook, your organisation must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Simon Kennedy MP’s office by 5:00pm on Sunday, 1 November 2026.
Before starting your EOI, please review the Programme Guidelines and eligibility requirements to make sure your organisation and proposed project are eligible.
VIEW PROGRAMME GUIDELINES & ELIGIBILITY
How the process works
Unlike many grant programs, organisations cannot apply directly for funding in the first instance. Applicants must first be invited to apply by their local Federal Member of Parliament.
For the Cook electorate, the process is:
1. Submit your Expression of Interest
Complete the EOI form below by 5:00pm Sunday, 1 November 2026.
2. Community assessment
Following the EOI period, submissions will be considered through the Cook Stronger Communities Consultation Committee.
The committee will consider eligible projects and identify those to be nominated for funding.
3. Selected organisations are invited to apply
Organisations selected through the local consultation process will be invited to submit a full application to the Australian Government.
At this stage, applicants will be required to provide more detailed information about their project, which may include project budgets, plans, approvals and other supporting documentation.
4. Australian Government assessment
The Australian Government will formally assess nominated applications against the Programme Guidelines and may contact applicants directly if further information is required.
Please note: Being selected through the Cook Expression of Interest process does not guarantee that your project will ultimately receive funding. Final applications remain subject to assessment and approval by the Australian Government.
Ready to put your project forward?
If your organisation has an eligible infrastructure project that could strengthen our local community, we encourage you to submit an Expression of Interest.
EOIs must be received by 5:00pm Sunday, 1 November 2026. Late Expressions of Interest cannot be accepted.
If you have any questions about the Cook EOI process, please contact Simon Kennedy MP’s office on (02) 9523 0339 or email Simon.Kennedy.MP@aph.gov.au.