August 3rd, 2025Grants for carers

The state government is backing grassroots initiatives that support unpaid carers – with grants available for projects that boost social connections and open up work and study opportunities.

Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence has opened applications for the 2025 Connecting Carers in their Community program, with more than $760,000 in funding available.

Delivered in partnership with Carers Victoria and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), the program offers grants of up to $25,000 for small organisations, First Nations-led groups and community organisations.

More than 700,000 unpaid carers across Victoria provide vital care to family, friends and others, sometimes leaving little time to focus on their own health, connect with their community or pursue education and employment.

Last year’s program supported more than 40 projects across the state, including the Carers Cuppas program in Bendigo connecting carers with employment and health services, support for multicultural carers in Whittlesea to build new skills and pathways to study and a dedicated support group for First Nations carers in south-west Victoria.

Carer support groups, community health services, councils, neighbourhood houses and other grassroots organisations are encouraged to apply, especially those supporting carers in regional and rural areas.

Applications are open until August 18. For more information or to apply, visit carersvictoria.org.au or vaccho.org.au