The latest round of the Veteran Wellbeing Grants (VWG) Program is now open.
The 2026–27 VWG Program supports community-based initiatives by providing over $3.7 million in funding to ex-service organisations to deliver projects which enhance the health and wellbeing of all veterans and the families of veterans.
The program’s objectives are achieved through supporting initiatives that improve general health and wellbeing, strengthen social connections through community activities, enhance existing services and provide tailored support for vulnerable cohorts, including younger veterans and those recently separated from the Australian Defence Force.
Funding is available for activities that sustain or enhance health and social wellbeing, build community capacity, expand existing services, and raise awareness of important issues affecting the veteran community.
Eligible organisations can apply for:
- Small Grants of up to $50,000
- Large Grants of $50,001 to $200,000.
Across past rounds of the VWG Program, funding has supported a variety of projects across Australia, from mentoring and community sporting initiatives including e-games, to music and healthy cooking programs.
RSL Henley & Grange Sub Branch’s Veteran Vitality and Engagement Program is one example of the VWG Program in action. Funded through a previous VWG Program round, it delivered a range of activities specifically tailored to the needs of its local veteran community.
Over a 12-month period, participants enjoyed walking groups, chair yoga, mindfulness sessions, rounds of golf, line dancing for those with limited mobility, and socialised through paint workshops and pot-plant decorating.
The Veteran Vitality and Engagement Program also focused on physical wellbeing through an exercise physiologist, helping participants build confidence by developing safe and sustainable exercise routines, and tracking their progress over time.
The benefits to the local veteran community are ongoing, with RSL Henley & Grange Sub Branch sustaining many of the activities established through the funding. This ongoing support has helped improve health and wellbeing outcomes and strengthen community connections, demonstrating how locally led projects can leave lasting benefits for veterans and families of veterans.
Ex-service organisations are encouraged to review the updated Guidelines and apply and take this opportunity to further support your local veteran community.
Applications close on 10 November 2026.
For more information and to apply, visit Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program | Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Source: Department of Veterans’ Affairs.