The program may be relevant to peer support groups and community organisations developing projects that respond to issues affecting women and girls, including initiatives focused on health and wellbeing, safety and justice, economic independence or women in leadership.

Funding available

There are two funding categories available:

• Annual Grants: up to $10,000 (excluding GST) for one-off initiatives delivered over a period of up to 12 months.
• Large Grants: up to $100,000 (excluding GST) for larger strategic projects delivered over 12 to 24 months.

Projects must aim to advance gender equality and align with priority areas identified in Stronger Together: WA’s Plan for Gender Equality.

Who can apply?

The program is open to eligible grassroots organisations.

The guidelines also allow organisations acting as an auspice for unincorporated groups to submit applications on their behalf. This may be particularly useful for smaller community or peer support groups that are not incorporated.

Organisations can submit one application per funding category, although funding will not be awarded to the same organisation under both categories.

Key dates

Applications opened: 25 September 2026
Applications close: 3.00pm AWST, Wednesday 28 October 2026

Late applications cannot be accepted, so groups considering applying should allow enough time to review the guidelines and complete the required approvals and supporting documents.

Support with developing your application

The Department of Communities is also promoting a free Impact Café: Services for Women and Gender Equality workshop in partnership with Lotterywest.

The practical workshop is designed to help organisations develop project ideas and strengthen grant applications, including defining community need, project outcomes and sustainable impact.

Find out more and apply

Groups interested in the opportunity should read the full grant guidelines and eligibility requirements before applying.

Looking for more funding opportunities? Explore the Alike WA Peer Support Hub for current grants and funding opportunities that may be relevant to peer support groups and community organisations across WA.

The post Women’s Grants for a Stronger Future 2026–27 now open appeared first on Alike WA.

With the support of the Mental Health Commission, Pay it Forward provides funding for projects that strengthen peer support and contribute to mental health and social and emotional wellbeing across Western Australia.

Meet the funded projects

Amani Circle | Perth Metro

Delivery of free, culturally safe peer support circles featuring guided conversations, creative activities, storytelling and wellbeing sessions for people with disability, carers and CALD communities. Strengthening relationships, confidence, service connections, mental wellbeing and the ongoing capacity of the support network.

Items Awarded: Facilitation Fees, Creative Materials, Software Subscription, Venue Hire

Bridgetown Hub | South West

Lunch and learn sessions on wholefood living and kitchen gardening, providing practical nutrition, meal planning, food preparation and waste reduction education. The program aims to enhance emotional resilience, support positive mental health, encourage peer connection and build ongoing community wellbeing.

Items Awarded: Workshop Facilitation, Program Materials

Cockburn Community Men’s Shed | Perth Metro

Purchase of an interactive smart board to support inductions, training, planning, toolbox talks, and project development, strengthening member engagement, mental health literacy, supportive relationships, and the long-term sustainability of the group.

Items Awarded: Smart Board

Minnawarra House | Perth Metro

Mental health and first aid training for teen leaders of a youth peer support group, strengthening mental health literacy, early help-seeking, peer connections, and leadership skills in a supportive community environment.

Items Awarded: Mental Health Training, First Aid Training

Mount Barker Aboriginal Progress Association | Great Southern

Craft workshops for families with young children and a yarning group for older Aboriginal women, incorporating shared meals, creative activities, and guest speakers to strengthen mental health literacy, peer connection, self-care, and community capacity in a culturally safe setting.

Items Awarded: Catering, Creative Activity Materials

Ngulla Koort Indigenous Corporation | Perth Metro

Facilitator fees for a girls cultural dance group and a boys cultural yarning and didgeridoo group, providing regular activities that strengthen cultural identity, confidence, family connections, social support networks and long-term sustainability for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Items Awarded: Facilitator Fees

On My Feet | Perth Metro

Purchase of portable exercise equipment, volunteer Mental Health First Aid training, and branded promotional materials to support weekly outdoor strength-training and peer connection sessions for people experiencing homelessness. Strengthening mental health, social connection, group capacity, and long-term sustainability for participants and volunteers.

Items Awarded: Portable Gym Equipment, Branded T-Shirts, Pull-Up Banners, Media Wall, Mental Health First Aid Training

Playgroups with Pride | Perth Metro, Great Southern, South West

Purchase of a branded marquee, shirts, and mascot merchandise to strengthen visibility at events and outreach, providing a recognisable, welcoming presence that supports connection, reduces isolation, and enhances long-term engagement and sustainability for members.

Items Awarded: Marquee, Volunteer Polo Shirts, Logo Embroidery, Penguin Plush Toys

Pride Perspectives | South West

Establishment of Rainbow Kart Club video gaming sessions with purchased consoles, games, sensory supports, banner and volunteer shirts. Creating an inclusive library-based social space that strengthens peer connection, reduces isolation, and builds confidence and belonging for LGBTQIA+ young people.

Items Awarded: 2 x Gaming Consoles, Sensory Fidget Tools, 4 x Noise-Reducing Earmuffs, Pull-Up Banner, Social Media Frame, Volunteer T-Shirts

Siblings Australia Inc. | Perth Metro

Pilot establishment of an in-person peer support group for Perth teenagers who have a sibling with disability or chronic illness. Strengthening belonging, mental health literacy, and long-term group sustainability.

Items Awarded: Working With Children Checks, Police Checks, Facilitator Training

Solace Grief Support Group WA Inc. | Perth Metro, Goldfields-Esperance, Mid West, South West

Redesign, printing and distribution of information pamphlets promoting peer support services for widowed people, improving awareness and access through health and community providers. Strengthening social connection, emotional recovery, and long-term sustainability of the support network.

Items Awarded: Information pamphlet printing

South West Migrant Women’s Group | South West

Art sessions, cultural cooking activities, and ongoing craft-based peer support meetings to support relaxation, self-expression, connection, and strengthened mental health, resilience, and engagement among culturally and linguistically diverse members.

Items Awarded: Art workshop facilitation, kitchen equipment, program consumables, catering and craft kits

Wheatbelt Friendship Club | Wheatbelt

Four-week photo challenge and art sessions for members with disabilities, strengthening social connection, inclusion, and positive mental health within the group.

Items Awarded: iPad, digital camera

Bluebird Depression and Anxiety Support Group | Perth Metro

Venue hire and development of a professional website to strengthen visibility and engagement, enhance member mental health, improve mental health literacy, and increase long-term group capacity and sustainability.

Items Awarded: website build & venue hire

Neurofibromatosis Association of WA Inc (NFAWA) | Perth Metro, Peel

Printed resources and website maintenance to connect people affected by Neurofibromatosis, reduce isolation, improve mental health, and strengthen ongoing peer support participation.

Items Awarded: Public liability insurance, brochure design & printing, website hosting & domain

Next Pay it Forward funding round

Have an idea that could strengthen your peer support group?

The next Pay it Forward funding round will open on 17 November 2026 and close on 1 February 2027.

Pay it Forward is available to Alike WA peer support group members and can support projects that build group capacity, strengthen connection and contribute to positive mental health and social and emotional wellbeing.

The post Pay it Forward grant recipients announced appeared first on Alike WA.

The Awards are a longstanding partnership between WACOSS and the Department of Communities, supported by Lotterywest. In 2027, WACOSS is also partnering with the Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia (CASWA) across two award categories.

For peer support groups and organisations across WA, the Awards are an opportunity to recognise the people, programs, partnerships and community-led work creating positive change.

Nine award categories

The 2027 Awards include seven categories for organisations and two for individuals, covering organisations of different sizes as well as regional work, community-led collaboration, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and partnerships.

The individual categories recognise outstanding contribution and leadership within the community services sector.

Award categories include:

• Trailblazing Small Organisation: Catalysts of Community Innovation
• Standout Medium Organisation: Engines of Progress and Creativity
• Impactful Large Organisation: Powerhouses of Positive Change
• Remarkable Regional Organisation: Champions of Rural and Remote Innovation
• Visionary Community-Led Collaboration: Crafting Better Futures Together
• Dr Millie Penny AM Award: Outstanding Exceptional Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation
• Inspiring Partnership between an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation and a Community Services Organisation
• Outstanding Contribution: Going Above and Beyond
• Leadership Excellence: Inspiring Change and Innovation

Each category winner will receive $1,000 in prize money.

Making a nomination

Organisations and individuals must agree and consent to being nominated.

Nominations need to address the relevant selection criteria in 750 words or less, with the option to include supporting information such as photographs, testimonials or articles.

Organisations will also need to provide an income and expenditure statement as at 30 June 2026 and have their nomination approved by their Chairperson, President or an authorised delegate.

Before getting started, prospective nominators should review the eligibility requirements and selection criteria for their chosen category on the Community Services Excellence Awards website.

Nominations close at 5pm on Tuesday 24 November 2026.

Celebrating WA’s community services sector

Finalists and winners will be recognised at the Community Services Excellence Awards ceremony on Monday 3 May 2027 at Optus Stadium, held in conjunction with the biennial WACOSS Conference, Future Ready: People and Communities.

The Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the contribution of people and organisations working across WA communities and celebrate the work happening throughout the community services sector.

Learn more about the awards 2027 Community Services Excellence Awards.

The post 2027 Community Services Excellence Awards nominations now open appeared first on Alike WA.

Applications close Monday, 5 October 2026.

International Day of People with Disability is celebrated on 3 December each year. The 2026 WA theme is Valued. Included. Leading., recognising the importance of valuing the strengths, contributions and leadership of people with disability in our communities.

Who can apply?

The grants are open to community groups, not-for-profit organisations and local government authorities across Western Australia.

A total of $100,000 in funding is available, with grants of up to $1,250 awarded for initiatives and events that increase community awareness and understanding of the strengths and achievements of people with disability.

Organisations are strongly encouraged to involve people with lived experience in the planning and delivery of their events.

For peer support groups working alongside people with disability, this may be an opportunity to bring your community together, recognise lived experience and create an event shaped by the people it represents.

About International Day of People with Disability

International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations-supported day held annually on 3 December. It aims to increase awareness and understanding of people with disability while celebrating their achievements and contributions to the community.

This year’s WA theme, Valued. Included. Leading., highlights the role people with disability play in influencing change, contributing to their communities and leading in ways that are meaningful to them.

How to apply

Developmental Disability WA (DDWA) is administering the 2026 grants.

Applications close Monday, 5 October 2026.

Find grant information and apply through Developmental Disability WA

Source: WA Government media statement. Grant details and eligibility should be checked with Developmental Disability WA before applying.

The next round of Alike WA’s Pay it Forward small grants open on 23 November, find out more on the Small Grants page.

The post Grants available for International Day of People with Disability 2026 events appeared first on Alike WA.

Containers for Change fundraising resources can help WA community groups and organisations make more of the 10¢ container refund scheme, with free tools to support fundraising and promotion.

Groups can register for a Containers for Change member number and receive refunds from containers they collect, or share their member number so supporters can donate their refunds directly to the organisation. The fundraising guide also suggests partnering with local businesses and collecting containers at community events as other ways to build support.

How could your group use Containers for Change?

Groups can use Containers for Change in a way that suits their capacity and community. You might collect eligible containers at meetings or events, encourage supporters to donate their refunds using your member number, or explore partnerships with local businesses willing to contribute their containers.

For smaller community and peer support groups, it can provide another way to raise funds without running a major fundraising campaign. The free resources can also help with promoting your collection and explaining to supporters how they can contribute

Free resources to help you get started

The WA Fundraising Brandhub brings together practical tools that groups can use to set up and promote their fundraising, including the Containers for Change Fundraising Guide, posters and signage, social media tiles, videos and case studies.

The Fundraising Guide walks organisations through the process from registering a member number and choosing how to collect containers through to promoting the initiative in their community. It also includes tips for setting up collection bins and examples of how other WA organisations are using Containers for Change to raise funds.

Explore the fundraising resources.

Looking for more ways to support your group’s fundraising? You can also explore Alike WA’s Small Grants Program for eligible peer support groups in WA.

The post Fundraising Resources for Groups: Containers for Change appeared first on Alike WA.

Australian Communities Foundation (ACF) has introduced two new options that may create more flexible pathways for tax-deductible giving for community organisations and other eligible groups.

One of these, Future Fund Plus, may be particularly relevant to incorporated associations and other community organisations planning for their longer-term financial sustainability

What is Future Fund Plus?

Future Fund Plus allows charities, social enterprises and incorporated associations to establish an endowment fund through Australian Communities Foundation.

Importantly, ACF says organisations do not need to hold DGR1 endorsement themselves to establish a Future Fund Plus.

The fund can receive tax-deductible donations, including donations from structured giving vehicles, with funds able to be accessed for activities that align with eligible DGR1 charitable purposes.

In practical terms, this may create another fundraising pathway for eligible organisations that don’t currently have their own DGR1 status.

What could this mean for peer support groups?

For incorporated peer support organisations, particularly those exploring new ways to strengthen their long-term sustainability, Future Fund Plus may be worth investigating.

Rather than fundraising only for immediate activities or operating costs, an endowment is designed to build funds over time and support an organisation’s longer-term work.

It may also provide an avenue for eligible organisations to benefit from tax-deductible giving without obtaining DGR1 endorsement themselves.

This doesn’t mean that every organisation or activity automatically becomes eligible for tax-deductible donations. There are requirements around the purposes for which funds can be used, and groups interested in the option should speak directly with Australian Communities Foundation about their circumstances.

What about Named Fund Plus?

ACF has also introduced Named Fund Plus, which is primarily designed for individuals, families and groups wanting a structured way to give.

People can contribute to their fund, receive an immediate tax deduction and decide later where those funds will be directed.

ACF says the expanded model can support eligible activities undertaken not only by registered charities, but also by grassroots groups, associations, social enterprises and community initiatives.

For the peer support sector, this potentially creates more opportunities for community-led organisations and initiatives to benefit from philanthropic giving.

Is it worth exploring for your organisation?

If your organisation is incorporated, doesn’t currently have DGR1 endorsement, or is looking at ways to diversify fundraising and build greater financial sustainability, the new arrangements may be worth learning more about.

Learn more about Future Fund Plus and Named Fund Plus through Australian Communities Foundation

Looking for other ways to strengthen your group’s finances? Explore Alike WA’s Small Grants Program for funding opportunities available to eligible peer support groups across WA.

The post New Tax-Deductible Giving Pathway for Community Organisations appeared first on Alike WA.

Grants of $1,000 to $5,000 are available for community-based projects and activities taking place between 1 January and 31 December 2027. Applications opened on 7 September 2026.

What can the funding support?

Projects must fit within one of the City of Albany’s funding streams:

• Vibrant, inclusive and connected neighbourhoods, including projects that increase community participation, reduce isolation and build local connections
• Strong, thriving community groups, including initiatives that build the skills of committee members and activity leaders, support membership or strengthen organisational sustainability
• Supporting the vulnerable, including projects that improve community health and wellbeing, particularly for marginalised or disadvantaged communities

For peer support groups in the Albany area, this funding may be worth exploring if you are planning an initiative that strengthens connection, builds the capacity of your group or supports community wellbeing.

Before you apply

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit incorporated community organisations based in the City of Albany or with a demonstrated principal interest in the City. Unincorporated organisations may be able to apply with the support of an eligible incorporated organisation acting as an auspice.

The city asks applicants to read the funding guidelines and discuss their proposed project with the Community Development Team before submitting an application.

View the Community Development Funding information and application details

Looking for other funding opportunities? Alike WA also offers small grants to support eligible peer support groups and community-led initiatives across Western Australia.

The post Albany groups: Community funding opportunities now open appeared first on Alike WA.

The grant supports community events that encourage participation, strengthen local connections and contribute to a vibrant and inclusive Mandurah community. Applications open at the start of August and remain open until available funding has been allocated.

At a glance

Funding available
Up to $3,000

Who can apply
Eligible not-for-profit organisations located within the City of Mandurah.

Applications
Open from 1 August until available funding is exhausted.

Notification timeframe
Applicants can expect to hear the outcome within approximately four weeks of submitting their application.

What can the grant be used for?

The Community Event Support Grant helps eligible organisations deliver community events that create positive local outcomes.

Funding may be used for costs such as:

• promotion and advertising
• first aid
• traffic management
• waste management
• portable toilets
• shade shelters and temporary infrastructure
• venue hire at City of Mandurah facilities
• security

Who is eligible?

Eligible organisations must be located within the City of Mandurah. The proposed event must:

• be held in a public space or City-owned facility
• be additional to the organisation’s usual activities
• provide benefits to the local community and local businesses
• align with the City of Mandurah’s Strategic Community Plan.

Only one event per organisation will be considered during each financial year.

Before you apply

The City recommends preparing your application carefully and including supporting documentation such as supplier quotes.

Applications are assessed as they are received, so organisations should prepare the required information and supporting documentation before applying.

Need more information?

Applications are submitted online through SmartyGrants.

For full eligibility requirements, application guidelines and contact details, visit the official Community Event Support Grant information or contact the City of Mandurah Events Team on (08) 9550 3840 or email eventsteam@mandurah.wa.gov.au.

Looking for other funding opportunities? Visit Alike WA’s Small Grants page.

The post Mandurah Community Event Support Grant appeared first on Alike WA.