Request for Proposals: Australian Heritage Grants (Round 8)
Deadline: 05-Dec-2025
The Australian Heritage Grants Program provides support to protect and promote the National Heritage Values of places included on the National Heritage List through strengthened recognition, management, conservation and public engagement.
The objectives of the program and this grant opportunity are to maintain, protect, conserve and/or improve the management of access to the National Heritage Values for which the place is listed, and improve engagement or awareness of the National Heritage Value/s for which the place is listed.
The program will achieve these objectives by supporting owners and managers, and interested third parties, to protect the National Heritage Values of natural, Indigenous and historic places of outstanding heritage significance to Australia, and by providing funding to strengthen recognition, management, conservation and public engagement of/on places in Australia that are included in the National Heritage List.
The intended outcomes of the program are improved recognition, conservation and preservation of the National Heritage Values for which places are listed, and enriched appreciation of National Heritage List places through improved community engagement.
Round 8 (2025–26) of the program will provide funding for approved projects lasting up to three years, from 2025–26 to 2027–28. The initiative forms part of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s (DCCEEW) Portfolio Budget Statement Outcome 2, which aims to conserve, protect, and sustainably manage natural resources through a nature-positive approach.
It also supports the protection and conservation of natural and cultural heritage, regulates pollutants and hazardous substances, and promotes international leadership on these issues. Particular priority will be given to projects developing new management plans or updating existing ones for heritage sites.
A total of $5.347 million is available under Round 8 across three years. Applicants may apply for up to two grants per listed place, provided they demonstrate the capacity to deliver both projects by 31 March 2028. Grants range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $400,000 (GST exclusive).
Applicants must contribute at least 20 per cent of total eligible project costs, which can be in cash or in-kind. Under exceptional circumstances, applicants may request an exemption from this contribution. Projects already funded by another Commonwealth grant are not eligible.
Eligible expenditure covers direct project costs, labour and contractor costs, communication and promotional expenses, equipment hire or purchase, domestic travel, and administrative costs up to 10 per cent of project expenditure.
Ineligible expenditures include operational overheads, international travel, unrelated celebrations, commercial tourism developments, roadworks, and the purchase of land or property.
Eligible activities include maintaining, protecting, or conserving National Heritage Values; repairing essential infrastructure impacted by severe weather; improving engagement and awareness; and managing access to heritage values.
Activities may also involve developing or updating heritage management plans, conducting conservation works, enhancing public understanding through innovative tools like virtual tours, improving accessibility for people with disabilities, and developing inclusive educational programs. Research activities, essential site works, and planning application preparations are also eligible.
Eligible applicants include Australian government agencies, local government bodies, Commonwealth Corporate Entities, incorporated entities (including Indigenous land management organisations), registered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land councils, partnerships, publicly funded research organisations, incorporated trustees on behalf of a trust, and individuals aged 18 or older.
Applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or provide justification for not having one. Joint applications are permitted with a lead organisation responsible for managing the project and grant agreement.
Applications will be assessed on three criteria: the extent to which the project maintains or improves management of National Heritage Values, the applicant’s capacity and resources to deliver the project and the impact of grant funding on the project.
Applicants must achieve at least 60 per cent in each criterion to be considered for funding. Successful applicants are expected to commence projects around February 2026 and complete them by 31 March 2028.
The deadline for applications is 5 December 2025.
For more information, visit Commonwealth of Australia.