The 2026-27 Grants in Aid Program invites national ex-service organisations (ESOs) to apply to deliver services through a closed non-competitive process, forming part of Program 2.4 Veterans’ Community Care and Support.

Overview

The 2026-27 GIA Program supports the role of national ESOs by providing funding to encourage cooperation and communication among the ex-service community, ESOs, and the Australian Government. The program aims to advance the national objectives of ESOs and fund discrete projects or activities that address a specific problem or issue, achieving a clear benefit to the ex-service and Defence community.

The intended outcomes of this program include:

• Assisting national ESOs to support their branches, sub-branches, and affiliated organisations in performing compensation and/or wellbeing advocacy or wellbeing support work.
• Assisting national ESOs to advance the objectives of all ESOs more generally.
• Assisting national ESOs to improve co-operation and communication between national bodies, branches, sub-branches, and affiliated organisations on repatriation and military compensation matters.
• Encouraging co-operation and communication between the ex-service community, ESOs, and the Australian Government.

Eligibility

To be eligible to receive a grant, an organisation must be one of the organisations listed in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines and must have received an invitation to apply through GrantConnect.

Funding and Benefits

The total amount available for this program is $324,000.00 AUD. The estimated grant value ranges from $0.00 to $18,000.00 AUD.

Application Process and Timeline

The selection process is designated as Closed Non-Competitive.

The grant activity timeframe is as follows:

• Application period: Until 9:00 pm AEST on 20 August 2026
• Assessment of applications: August – September 2026
• Notification to applicants: October 2026
• Negotiations and award of grant agreements: October 2026
• End date of grant activity: 30 June 2027

Applications are accepted by invitation only.

Program Details

GO ID: GO8552

Agency: Department of Veterans' Affairs

Primary Category: 361003 - Veterans

Location: ACT, NSW, VIC, SA, WA, QLD, NT, TAS

Contact Information

For enquiries, contact:

• Grants Operations
• Email Address: GIA@dva.gov.au