We believe that the work of creating progress should be the priority, not the paperwork. That’s why we’ve spent the last few months reflecting on the process for applications and redesigning our grants submission form. We’ve simplified the application in an effort to make it easier for grassroots groups and CALD communities to access the funds.

To coincide with these improvements, we are also shifting our typical grants schedule. Instead of waiting until after the end of the financial year, our 2026 grants round will open earlier than usual:

Key dates:

• Applications open: Thursday 23 April 2026

• Applications close: Midnight, Friday 19 June 2026

What’s new?

Choose a theme, not a Sub-Fund: You no longer need to navigate our 17 individual Sub-Funds to find a perfect match. Simply tell us about your project’s focus area —from safety and justice to economic security — and our Trustees will do the work of matching you to the right fund.

However, we encourage all applicants to learn more our each of our 17 Sub-Funds, why they were established and better understand the unique purposes they stand for.

Are you eligible?

• Location: Your project must benefit women, girls and gender diverse people living in Victoria.
• Legal status: Your organisation (or your auspice partner) must have DGR Item 1 and Tax Concession Charity (TCC) status.
• Partnerships: We welcome applications for projects delivered in partnership by two or more eligible organisations.
• Individuals: We cannot fund individuals.
• Amount: Most grants are between $2,000 and $10,000.

Project inspiration: See our ethos in action

Not sure where your idea fits? We highly recommend reading our Grants Guidelines, and our latest Annual Report to see the full breadth of our impact.

Here’s a glimpse of the diverse projects we’ve recently supported across our five key themes:

• Safety & Justice: We recently funded Flat Out Inc for a peer-support initiative led by and for formerly incarcerated trans and gender-diverse people, and FVREE to pilot a Gender Equity Resource Kit in early childhood settings.

• Economic Security: From the Chin Women’s Money Network helping single mothers start small businesses, to WIRE building financial self-advocacy for women aged 50+, we fund projects that create long-term independence.

• Culture & Rights: We’ve supported the Koorie Heritage Trust in strengthening mothers’ connections to Country through cloak-making, and the Bakhtar Community Organisation for multilingual workshops supporting Afghan women.

• Health & Wellbeing: Recent grants include a disability-led podcast series by Women with Disabilities Victoria and Flying Fox Services, which created a peer support group for deaf young women.

• Education & Voice: We are proud to support Little Dreamers Australia in building career pathways for young carers, and Community Centre Swifts Creek for establishing creative writers’ groups in rural Victoria.

Ready to get started?

Before you apply on 23 April, we encourage you to:

1. Check your ABN: Ensure you have DGR Item 1 status or an auspice partner ready.

2. Download the Budget template: Start filling out our new simplified Budget Template.

3. Read the Guidelines: Familiarise yourself with our 2026-27 Information Pack.

Questions? We’re keen to help. Email grants@vwt.org.au or call (03) 9642 0422.

Together, let’s catalyse change for women, girls, and gender-diverse Victorians.