Positive Ageing and Elder Abuse Awareness Grants

The Positive Ageing and Elder Abuse Awareness Grants (the grant) launched on 9 October 2026—Ageism Awareness Day—to provide funding to support community and statewide activities to promote positive ageing and raise awareness of elder abuse.

The grant delivers on a recommendation of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Elder Abuse and recognises the important role local communities play in creating age-friendly environments for older Queenslanders.

Addressing ageism and improving community awareness of elder abuse is best achieved through grassroots efforts within local communities and by fostering community partnerships.

There are 2 funding streams available:

• Local Awareness grants of up to $15,000 for place-based projects that challenge ageism and raise awareness of elder abuse
• Statewide Awareness grants of up to $50,000 for projects that build capability and promote awareness across Queensland.

Funded initiative requirements

Proposed initiatives funded under this grant must aim to deliver:

• improved community awareness of elder abuse and ageism, including how to recognise the signs and support older people who are at risk of, or experiencing, abuse to increase early help-seeking behaviours
• increased awareness of elder abuse support services and how to access them in a culturally safe and appropriate way
• reduced ageism through increased understanding of ageing and older people, and by challenging negative stereotypes and attitudes towards older people, particularly among cohorts at greater risk of vulnerability including First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and LGBTQIA+ communities
• stronger intergenerational understanding, appreciation and opportunities for connection
• increased capability of community members and workers to identify, prevent and respond to elder abuse and ageism through education, training and mentoring, and
• development of tools, resources and communication materials that can be used in community settings to raise awareness of elder abuse, challenge ageism and support older people's wellbeing.

Please read the Positive Ageing and Elder Abuse Awareness Grants guidelines (PDF) (DOCX) for more information.

Funding available

The total amount of funding available through this open grant round is $250,000 (excluding GST) for a 12-month period divided into 2 streams.

Local Awareness stream

Funding of $150,000 (excluding GST) is available through the Local Awareness stream, including a minimum of $30,000 (excluding GST) for projects that support First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, and people living in rural and remote areas.

One-off grants up to $15,000 (excluding GST) are available to raise awareness of elder abuse or challenge ageism through place-based local projects.

Projects funded may include but are not limited to:

• community education sessions
• culturally safe awareness campaigns
• events that provide safe spaces for older people and families to seek information and support.

Projects that demonstrate collaboration with older people, partnership and/or an intergenerational approach will be highly valued.

Collaboration may include but is not limited to:

• not-for-profit community organisations
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations
• local government councils
• universities located in Queensland.

Statewide Awareness stream

Funding of $100,000 (excluding GST) is available through the Statewide Awareness stream.

One-off grants of up to $50,000 (excluding GST) are available for capability-building projects that raise awareness of elder abuse, challenge ageism and support older people’s wellbeing at the statewide level.

Projects funded may include but are not limited to:

• community education sessions
• professional training for workers
• development of resources
• development of culturally safe awareness campaigns.

Project activities including resources developed should ensure information and materials are inclusive and accessible by diverse communities.

Projects that demonstrate collaboration with older people, partnership and/or an intergenerational approach will be highly valued.

Collaboration may include but is not limited to:

• not-for-profit community organisations
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisationslocal government councils
• universities located in Queensland.

Please refer to the guidelines (PDF) (DOCX) for further information on how funding is to be used, limitations on use and timeframes.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for funding, applicants must be 1 of the following:

• an incorporated association
• a company incorporated by guarantee
• a company incorporated in Australia
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisation
• a university located in Queensland
• state-run entities such as schools and hospitals
• a Queensland local government authority.

Note: Evidence demonstrating compliance with the eligibility criteria must be provided as part of the application process.

Ineligible organisations

The following entities are ineligible to apply for the Local Awareness or the Statewide Awareness streams:

• a state, territory or Australian government agency or body
• an unincorporated organisation
• a for-profit organisation
• an individual
• an organisation that is not based in Queensland
• a local government council that is not based in Queensland
• a legal entity that receives funding under a Service Agreement with the department to deliver community education and awareness of elder abuse (T105 and T317)
• a cooperative
• a fixed trust
• a political party.

How to apply

Before applying, you must read and understand the guidelines (PDF) (DOCX) and meet all the eligibility criteria.

Applications opened via SmartyGrants at 9am on Friday 9 October 2026.

Applications close at 5pm on 30 November 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications will be managed online through SmartyGrants. Questions about SmartyGrants can be directed to service@smartygrants.com.au. Please refer to the SmartyGrants—Help guide for applicants for assistance on completing your application form. If you are unable to access SmartyGrants please email seniors@families.qld.gov.au.

To apply you must:

• register, complete and submit a SmartyGrants application form for the funding stream you have chosen—if applying for both streams, please submit an application for each stream
  • Local Awareness SmartyGrants application
  • Statewide Awareness SmartyGrants application
• provide all the information requested
• address each of the selection criteria
• provide the application in English
• provide evidence of applicant eligibility
• provide an indicative budget using the template in the application form
• submit the application by the closing date and time.

Applications must include the following:

• evidence of eligibility
• Certificate of Currency (Public Liability at the minimum value of $10 million).

Successful applicants

Successful applicants will receive an approval letter advising them of the outcome of their application and the amount of funding awarded.

Successful applicants will be required to:

• enter into a legally binding and enforceable agreement with the State of Queensland
• fully execute the agreement before any payment can be made
• comply with the Queensland Government's (Short form) terms and conditions
• comply with all terms and conditions of the agreement, including reporting requirements—further information will be provided in the Short form particulars agreement
• acknowledge the Queensland Government as the funding source on any printed, digital or promotional material relating to the project, including websites
• comply with the Community Services Act 2007.

Contact

If you have a query about the grant program, please email seniors@families.qld.gov.au.

Read our Frequently asked questions (PDF) (DOCX) for more information.