Round 1 2025/26 Content, Specialist Radio Programming and Development & Operations grants will open on 13 January 2025 at 9:00AM (AEDT) and close on 4 March 2025 at 2:00pm (AEDT).
Projects meeting the eligibility criteria and conditions of our Quick Response grants are welcome at any time.
Content Grants increase and diversify the voices heard in Australian media by supporting the creation of compelling content.
Our guiding principles, approach and goals relating to content grants are outlined in our Supporting Content Framework.
This year we are particularly looking to:
Content grants are distributed twice per year, with the greater portion allocated in Round 1.
Content grants include funds specifically dedicated to Specialist Radio Programming. This portion of our content grants funding is available to support ongoing ethnic, Indigenous and RPH programs. For applicants looking to apply for Specialist Radio Programming funds, you must complete a separate grant application specifically requesting this funding.
Developing dynamic content enhances community media in Australia. Beyond their listening and viewing audiences, producers are often recognised for their achievements in awards. For inspiration of Content projects, view Our Stories.
When applications are open, submit your application online.
Before you start, please review our grant guidelines and preview the application form*. Grant guidelines can be viewed on the second page of the application form.
Please also view our Frequently Asked Questions which outline everything you need to know about applying for our Content grants.
Stations producing content that meets the needs of particular communities may be eligible for dedicated Specialist Radio Programming Content grants. This funding is intended to encourage stations to incorporate:
These grants are distributed twice per year, with the greater portion allocated in Round 1.
Our grant guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions detail everything you need to know about Specialist Radio Programming grants, including the need for stations to consult with broadcasters.
When applications are open, submit your application online. Before you start, please review our grant guidelines and preview the application form*. Grant guidelines can be viewed on the second page of the application form.
Development & Operations grants support community media organisations to be healthy, resilient and robust. In turn this will help create a stronger society based on greater participation, engagement and cohesion.
The objectives of Development & Operations grants are to support community media organisations to:
Grants for Development & Operations are distributed twice per year, with the greater portion allocated in Round 1.
When applications are open, submit your application online.
Before you start, please review our grant guidelines and preview the application form*. Grant guidelines can be viewed on the second page of the application form.
Please also view our Frequently Asked Questions which outline everything you need to know about applying for our Development & Operations grants.
Quick Response grants are available to support community media organisations experiencing emergencies that risk discontinued transmission or operations, or who have been provided with a time-limited opportunity. To apply for this grant, you will need to provide evidence that this situation could not have been reasonably anticipated prior to the most recent CBF grant round, cannot wait until the next round and cannot be covered by your organisation’s reserves.
This could include for the following:
Emergencies
Opportunities
Grants will be considered outside the normal grant rounds – you will normally receive advice about the outcome of your application within one week.
To be considered eligible for a Quick Response grant, you will need to answer yes to the following questions:
Amount we may fund:
If you believe your project meets the Quick Response grant eligibility and funding conditions, the next step is to discuss your project with a CBF Grants Support Team member that looks after your area. If eligible, you will be provided with a link to our online grant application.
Our Sector Investment grants support sector coordination activities for sector organisations and sector-wide development projects. These are the organisations and initiatives that require high-level investment, and strategic analysis and assessment to produce maximum sector benefit.
This funding enables sector organisations to provide strong, effective and collaborative support of Australia’s community broadcasters. They also fund sector wide development initiatives that secure sector capability and capacity.
How to apply
Applications are by direct invitation from CBF to Australia’s community broadcasting sector organisations.
Learn more
• Read our guidelines for balancing support for sector level organisations and projects with support for stations and content producers.
• Read our latest Annual Report which details our funding of sector organisations
• Subscribe to our e-news to hear the latest updates.
Please be aware if grants are closed, the guidelines are from the previous round and the guidelines may change when grants open.
Community Broadcasting Foundation acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which our organisation was founded. We pay our respects to all First Nations people across Australia, including those sitting at the heart of community broadcasting. We recognise and honour their enduring connection to country and community and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as our lands first storytellers. We acknowledge the resilience and wisdom of First Nations people, honouring Elders who have guided in the past and those who continue to inspire us today.
Always was, always will be.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that our website may feature voices, videos, images and names of individuals who have now passed, alongside content of cultural significance.
