Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grants Program

The new Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grant Program (MPG) has officially been announced by the Federal Government.

Community groups, ex-service organisations and individuals can now apply for funding assistance to mark unmarked private graves of First World War veterans, through the new Marking (First World War) Private Graves (MPG) Grants Program.

What is provided

One-off funding of up to $450 per grave to mark the private and unmarked graves of veterans whose death was unrelated to their war service.

Before applying 

Before you apply, you will first need to obtain:

• an assessment from the Repatriation Commission that the veteran is not eligible for official commemoration.
• a copy of the veteran’s death certificate to accompany your application for assessment and;
• burial right permission from the veteran’s descendant or relevant cemetery authority to alter the veteran’s private grave.

For the purpose of the MPG Grants Program, applicants are required to seek assessment by the Repatriation Commission to identify whether the veterans may have died of causes related to their First World War service.  If they are found to have done so, they may be eligible for an official commemoration provided by Government and maintained in perpetuity.

Applications regarding the veteran’s eligibility for official commemoration can be made by writing to the Victorian Deputy Commissioner, Department of Veterans' Affairs, GPO Box 9998, Brisbane, QLD 4001, or via email: compensation.claims [at] dva.gov.au.

If the veteran is assessed as ineligible for official commemoration, the unmarked veteran’s grave may be eligible for the MPG Grant Program and the applicant can then apply.

Who will administer the program

The Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grants Program will be administered by the Office of Australian War Graves and managed by the Community Grants Hub.

Ongoing maintenance of these private graves and their markers will rest with applicants or by arrangements with the relevant cemetery authority.

The new grants program provides those veterans who are not eligible for commemoration through the Office of Australian War Graves the opportunity to have their war service recognised at the site of their interment.

How do I apply for the MPG Grant

To apply please visit the Current Grant Opportunity View - GO6221: GrantConnect (grants.gov.au).