Community organisations across Canberra facing rising demand for food relief, housing support and mental health services can apply for a share of $150,000, through the ActewAGL 2026 Community Grants program.

Local not-for-profits, charities, sporting clubs and grassroots groups across the ACT and south-east NSW can apply for grants of up to $30,000.

Applications close on 30 June at actewagl.com.au/community-grants.

Priority is given to projects delivering practical, measurable outcomes across four areas: support for vulnerable people, environmental sustainability, innovation, and community connection.

ActewAGL said the program comes at a critical time, with community organisations reporting sharply rising demand as households face ongoing cost-of-living pressures and higher household expenses.

Rohan Richardson, ActewAGL general manager retail, said the grants were designed to deliver practical support where it is needed most.

“Community organisations are doing extraordinary work right now, helping families with everything from keeping food on the table to keeping the lights on,” Mr Richardson said.

“This $150,000 is about backing the people who support our community and ensuring they have the resources to keep showing up for the people who rely on them.”

Outcomes from 2025 recipients

Since 2020, the program has provided $750,000 in funding to more than 80 local organisations, supporting critical community initiatives from homelessness and mental health services to community gardens and youth education.

Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA) Inc. used its 2025 grant to launch the Bright Start Essential Home Support Program providing household essentials packages to individuals and families transitioning from homelessness into housing.

“For many of the recipients, access to the Bright Start program represented the difference between simply having a roof over their head and being able to provide a safe and liveable home,” CAHMA’s executive director, Chris Gough, said. “We are so grateful for the funding that enabled the provision of this project.”

Inherited Cancers Australia (ICA) used its grant to run an Information and Support Day in Canberra for those living with inherited cancer risk.

“The day was a huge success, with an exceptional line up of medical experts, giving people in this community access to those who deliver their care, alongside an opportunity to network and learn from each other,” Robyn Smith, ICA programs and advocacy manager, said.