The Veterans SA Capacity Building Grant Fund offers support to eligible organisations to help them improve their governance and strengthen their capacity building skills. 

Applicants can seek grants of up to $5,000 (ex GST) for projects that improve governance, strengthen capacity building skills, and enhance their ability to lead, support and advocate for veteran communities across South Australia.

A maximum of $30,000 (ex GST) in grant funding is available for distribution in the 2026-2027 financial year.

Examples of eligible projects include:

  • leadership and governance training for board or committee members
  • temporary project staff salaries or consultant costs to assist in developing a plan or strategy (e.g. strategic plan, communication/social media strategy)
  • training and skills development (e.g. grant writing, volunteer management, financial management, mental health first aid and suicide prevention initiatives, military or service cultural awareness)
  • development of digital tools, such as a website or an app, to improve service accessibility to the community
  • professional mediation services for members
  • purchase of equipment that supports service delivery or community engagement (e.g. portable marquees, audio-visual equipment, tools for community projects).

Applications for the 2026-2027 grant round are now open

Applications will close at 5.00pm ACST on Friday 30 April 2027, unless funds are exhausted prior to this date.

For further information contact Veterans SA via (08) 7133 9333 (Option 1) or email [email protected]

Eligibility criteria

Organisations are eligible to apply if they are:

  • Non-government, not-for-profit and:
    • incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1985; or
    • a Statutory Authority established through an Act; or
    • registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission.

In addition, applicant organisations must:

  • have an active, registered ABN
  • have met all requirements for any previous grants received from Veterans SA, such as acquitting or reporting on grants.

Organisations not meeting these requirements, such as unincorporated organisations, may apply through an auspice arrangement with a lead organisation which meets eligibility requirements.

An auspice organisation is an eligible entity that manages the grant on behalf of another group; it receives the funds and is legally responsible for delivering the project as agreed.

Applications submitted under an auspice arrangement must include a letter from the auspice organisation confirming that the arrangement is valid and current.

Applications must be authorised by an appropriate executive member of the organisation.

Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

Alternative funding opportunities

The Veterans SA website provides information about several veteran-specific grant funds available through State and Commonwealth governments.

Check with your local council to see if your project aligns with any of its grant programs.

The Government of South Australia has a number of grant opportunities for communities, clubs and individuals.

The also offers a number of grants to commemorate Australia’s wartime heritage and to support organisations to deliver advocacy services, projects and activities for veterans and their families.

2025 – 2026 Funding Round Recipients

Applicant Funding Amount Project Description
Operation Unity (SA) as FOVA $2,773.00 Enhancing Operation Unity’s capacity through computing equipment
Operation Unity (SA) as FOVA $6,902.00 Updated computer hardware and software training with Nexacu
RSL Tumby Bay Sub-Branch $4,965.00 Empowering RSL executives and members through laptops and internet access
Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Northern Suburbs Sub- Branch Incorporated $5,919.00 Visual training and information
Australian Partners of Defence (APOD) Community Ltd. $7,000.00 Strengthening governance capability through GAICD training
Vietnam Veterans Federation SA Branch Inc $6,487.00 Updating existing computers
Setting A New Course $6,144.00 Capacity-building project
Resolute Ready Ltd $7,000.00 Strengthening corporate governance
Woodside Defence Families Association $998.00 Strengthening operations through investment in essential technology
Defence Force Welfare Association – SA Branch $1,827.00 Capacity-building project

Previous Funding Recipients

Applicant Funding Amount Project Description
Defence Kidz $5,000.00 Redevelopment of website
Macclesfield RSL $2,100.00 Provide mental health first aid training
Warfrets Australia Inc $3,089.00 Develop and host website, and provide training to assist outreach support
Applicant Funding Amount Project Description
Walk for a Veteran $4,924.00 Upskilling – social media and web design
Vietnam Veterans’ Federation $4,400.00 Purchase of laptops for computer training
RSL-SA for Veteran Sailing SA $5,000.00 Deliver skipper and sailing instructor training for veterans
Operation Unity – FOVA $1,765.00 Provide training to improve governance practices and procedures
Eyes Front – Home Post $4,500.00 Communication and social media strategy – branding, logos, guidelines, templates, strategic plan
Royal Australian Regiment $1,400.00 Registration for member to attend National Suicide Prevention Conference 2024
Operation Unity – FOVA $1,635.00 Preparation and building of website
Applicant Funding Amount Project Description
Trojan’s Trek $1,913 Facilitator Accreditation – Annual staff training & accreditation
Frontline Yoga $5,000 Instructor Training – Deliver Trauma Aware Teacher Training to upskill yoga teachers to deliver classes to meet needs of the SA veteran community
Defence Shed Port Adelaide $4,770 Marketing – Create a website & provide Mental Health First Aid Training for committee members
Saltwater Veterans $5,000 Training Courses – Build instructor talent pool to facilitate future programs to allow the organisation to become self-sufficient
RSL Blackwood $5,000 Live Music in the Hills – Engagement of consultant to develop business plan & multi media strategy
Applicant Funding Amount Project Description
RSL Mt Barker Sub-Branch $3,000 Update website to make simple & user friendly for community
Saltwater Veterans $5,000 Program to ensure Saltwater Veterans has instructor talent pool to avoid needing to outsource training requirements
Defence Force Welfare Association $2,995 Digital Marketing Advanced Certificate – upskilling for new committee members