Community
24 July, 2026
Grants open for fire recovery
COMMUNITIES affected by the January bushfires can now apply for recovery support grants through the state government.
Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery Vicki Ward announced the opening of the Community Recovery Grants program on Monday.
Community groups and non-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to $75,000 to deliver recovery programs of all sizes.
The program will back locally-led projects which help people recover, reconnect and rebuild across bushfire-affected council areas.
It is based on the simple principle of local communities knowing their recovery needs best.
Ms Ward said the principle was why the state government is giving local groups the flexibility to design and deliver the projects which matter most to them.
This can include trauma-informed training and psychological first aid.
It can also support community wellbeing events and workshops to bring locals together.
“No two communities recover in the same way,” Ms Ward said.
“These grants put communities in the driver’s seat, giving them the flexibility to deliver the projects that will matter most.
“We’ll continue standing alongside bushfire-affected Victorians, backing them with the support they need every step of the way.”
Projects may also include practical preparedness resources such as ‘Are You Ready?’ materials to help households plan for future emergencies.
This builds on more than $420 million in bushfire recovery support already funded in partnership with the federal government.
Anyone needing assistance is encouraged to contact the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 to be connected with relevant support.
Applications close on August 31, 2026.
For more information and to apply, visit vic.gov.au/community-recovery-grants-2026-bushfires.
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