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

From 28 August 2026 you will be able to download the Grant Opportunity Guidelines on the GrantConnect website for the 2026-27 MPG Program. This is ahead of the opening of the grant opportunity on 16 October 2026, allowing time to gather the materials you will need to apply for grant funding.

The application form will be available on the DVA website from 16 October to 27 November 2026 when the round closes.

What is the MPG Program?

The MPG Program contributes to community recognition of the service and sacrifice of service personnel in the First World War, by providing grant funding to contribute to the cost of establishing a grave marker on currently unmarked private graves of First World War veterans.

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 will be able to apply for funding assistance to mark currently unmarked private graves of First World War veterans while the grant round is open from 16 October to 27 November 2027.

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 materials and/or labour required to install or affix the marker for a First World War veteran. You may also be able to apply for the cost of the death certificate. Ongoing maintenance of these private graves and their markers will rest with applicants or by arrangements with the relevant cemetery authority.

For the round of the 2026-27 MPG Program you can seek funding for up to 10 grave markers in each individual application, and you may only 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 mandatory documents do I require to apply? 

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

1. Completed veterans details template - You are required to list the full name, service number, rank, unit, date of discharge and date of death of the veteran/s you are applying to establish the grave marker for, by completing this Veterans Details Template.
2. Repatriation Commission Assessment – evidence from the Repatriation Commission showing that the veteran has been assessed for official commemoration and found ineligible. To request an assessment for official commemoration by complete and submit form D9535 form: Request to the Repatriation Commission for a determination for cause of death to be assessed as war related.
3. Quotes for grave markers – a copy of the quote or quotes for the cost of materials and labour associated with marking the grave.
4. Permission to alter the grave – evidence of permission to alter the grave as per section 4.2 of the 2026-27 MPG Program Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
5. Copy of death certificate – a copy of the death certificate is required. If you wish to claim the cost for this certificate you will also require receipt associated with obtaining the death certificate. A receipt is only required if you are claiming for the cost of the death certificate.

How do I apply?

The application form for the 2026-27 MPG Program will be available from 16 October 2026 on the DVA website, until the grant round closes on 27 November 2026.

DVA grants are advertised on the GrantConnect website, including information about the grant and how to apply. The 2026-27 MPG Program will be administered by DVA and a link to the application form will be available on GrantConnect from 16 October 2026.

Eligible applicants are strongly encouraged to read all grant opportunity documentation, especially the Grant Opportunity Guidelines and any instructions on the application form (when available). Grant Opportunity Guidelines are specific to each round and contain important information about the purpose of the program, eligibility and compliance requirements, eligible items, timeframes and how to apply.

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

If you need assistance, you can 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 closing date and when the assessment process is completed. This is likely to be 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. Payments will be made after the signed agreement has been returned.

When your project is complete, you must submit an acquittal within the timeframe specified in the grant 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 any questions or need assistance, please email: MPG@dva.gov.au.