Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grants Program (MPG Program)

Once you start your application, you must complete it in one sitting, as it cannot be saved as you progress or be completed later.  

The Grant Opportunity Guidelines for the 2026–27 MPG Program have been available on the GrantConnect website since 28 August 2026. Please ensure you have read the guidelines before applying for this grant round to ensure you meet all the requirements of the program.

What is the MPG Program?

The MPG Program supports community recognition of the service and sacrifice of First World War service personnel by contributing to the cost of establishing grave markers on their currently unmarked private graves.

Throughout Australia, there are committed individuals and groups working to identify the unmarked graves of First World War veterans.

Community groups, ex-service organisations and individuals can apply for funding assistance to mark currently unmarked private graves of First World War veterans.

The grant round is open 16 October 2026.

The grant round will close at 9.00pm AEDT on 27 November 2026.

How can the grant be used?

The MPG Program provides one-off funding of up to $620 per grave for the manufacture and supply of a new plaque or gravestone marker, and for the materials and labour required to install or affix the grave marker for a First World War veteran. You may also apply for the cost of the death certificate. Ongoing maintenance of these private graves and their grave markers will remain the responsibility of applicants or be managed through arrangements with the relevant cemetery authority.

For the 2026–27 MPG Program grant round, you can seek funding for up to 10 grave markers in each application, and you may submit a maximum of 2 applications.

Who can apply?

To check if you are eligible to apply, see section 4.3 in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines, at the GrantConnect website.

What  documents do I require to apply? 

Before starting your application, make sure you have the following 5 documents for each grave.

1. Completed veteran details template – List the full name, service number, rank, unit, date of discharge, date of death, and grave location of each veteran for whom you are applying to establish a grave marker by completing the Veterans Details Template.
2. Completed Repatriation Commission assessment – Provide evidence that the Repatriation Commission within DVA has assessed the veteran for official commemoration by the Australian Government and found them ineligible. This assessment is required before your application can progress and may take some time to obtain. If you have not requested an assessment, complete the Form D9535: Request to the Repatriation Commission for a determination for cause of death to be assessed as war related. You must receive the assessment before starting your application.
3. Quote or quotes for grave markers – Provide a copy of each quote for the manufacture and supply of a new plaque or gravestone marker, including the cost of materials and labour associated with marking the grave or graves/s.
4. Permission to alter the grave – Provide evidence of permission to alter the grave, as required under section 4.2 of the 2026–27 MPG Program Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
5. Copy of the death certificate – Please provide a copy of the death certificate. If you wish to claim the cost of obtaining the certificate, you must also provide the relevant receipt or receipts. A receipt is only required if you are claiming the cost of the death certificate.

How do I apply?

The application form for the 2026–27 MPG Program is now available on the DVA website until the grant round closes. The link to the application form is available at the top of this page.

All DVA grants are advertised on the GrantConnect website, which includes information about each grant and how to apply.

Eligible applicants are strongly encouraged to read all grant opportunity documentation, particularly the Grant Opportunity Guidelines and the instructions in the application form. The guidelines are specific to each round and contain important information about the program’s purpose, eligibility and compliance requirements, eligible items, timeframes and application process.

You can also register on GrantConnect to receive notifications of any new grant opportunities that may become available.

If you have questions or need assistance, email MPG@dva.gov.au.

If you think you may need help with your application, please ask early. This will help us support you to resolve any problems in time for your application to be submitted.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are assessed based on the criteria set out in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.

Funding recommendations are provided to the decision maker.

When will I know the outcome of my application?

You will be notified of the outcome of your application after the grant round has closed and the assessment process has been completed. This is likely to occur in early 2027.

What happens if my grant application is successful?

If your application is successful, you will receive an outcome notification and a letter of agreement. Payment will be made upon execution of letter of agreement.

When your project is complete, you must submit an acquittal within the timeframe specified in the letter of agreement. To be eligible for future DVA grant funding, all outstanding acquittals must be submitted.

If you need help or have questions

If you have questions or need assistance, email MPG@dva.gov.au.