From local wellbeing programs to national support initiatives, 64 community-based projects will receive funding through the 2025–26 Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program. Backed by more than $3.5 million in funding, these projects will help strengthen connection, improve health outcomes and support veterans and families of veterans across Australia.
This year’s recipients illustrate the diverse scope of projects under the umbrella of health and wellbeing, aiming to deliver innovative and targeted support options to the veteran community across Australia.
The awarded funding pools comprise of small grant recipients of up to $50,000, with 45 grantees sharing in $1,150,636.55, and major grant recipients of up to $200,000, with 19 grantees sharing in $2,358,407.00.
Among the large grant recipients, Women Veterans Network Australia Inc. will deliver a Women Veterans Wellbeing and Connection Program, supporting 400 women veterans across 16 locations. The trauma-informed program offers opportunities to build social connections, strengthen wellbeing and access to support services, with a focus on women transitioning from the Australian Defence Force, or at risk of social isolation.
Other large grant recipients include The Resilience Shield in consortium with RSL Australia – Western Australia Branch, which will deliver a series of Building Resilient Kids – Family and Veterans wellbeing camps, and Gallipoli Medical Research Ltd in consortium with Queensland Ballet and RSL Australia – Queensland Branch, delivering a “Dance for Veterans” program.
There are many small grant recipients delivering impactful, community-led initiatives, such as a culturally safe, wellbeing and social connection project for First Nations veterans led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association Indigenous Corporation. The project aims to provide opportunities to strengthen connection, share experiences and access support grounded in community and culture.
Additional projects include retreats for veterans and families of veterans through the Returned & Services League (RSL) of Australia (NSW Branch) Wauchope Sub-Branch, an equine-supported wellbeing program by Riding for the Disabled Association SA Inc, and trauma-informed yoga classes delivered by The Yoga Partnership Ltd in partnership with RSL of Australia (Queensland Branch) Gympie Sub-Branch Inc.
The Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program continues to provide crucial funding to ex-service organisations for community-based projects focussed on building and strengthening social connections, improving general health and wellbeing, and improving veteran ties within their local communities.
For more information about the Veteran Wellbeing Grants program, visit www.dva.gov.au/VWG.
A full list of the 2025–26 Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program funded projects can be found here.