Regional communities across NSW now have the opportunity to access funding that honours military service while strengthening local connections to veteran heritage.

Applications are now open for the 2025 round of the Veteran Community Grants Program, administered by the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs.

The program supports a wide range of initiatives that honour the service and sacrifice of current and former military personnel, while helping NSW communities commemorate and learn more about their contributions.

The Veteran Community Grants Program aims to foster greater appreciation and understanding of the service and sacrifice of military personnel. It also supports activities and services that enhance the wellbeing of veterans across NSW.

For regional communities, this funding presents an excellent opportunity to develop projects that celebrate local military history, create memorial installations, establish educational programs, or provide support services for veterans and their families.

The program funds a diverse range of projects that commemorate and educate NSW communities about the service and sacrifice of current and former military servicemen and servicewomen. This could include community events marking significant military anniversaries, educational workshops for schools, restoration of local war memorials, or programs that connect younger generations with veteran stories.

Both individuals and not-for-profit organisations based in New South Wales are eligible to apply for the grants. This opens opportunities for RSL sub-branches, historical societies, schools, community groups, and local councils to develop meaningful projects that strengthen their communities' connection to military heritage.

Applications close on 11 November 2025 - appropriately coinciding with Remembrance Day - giving communities ample time to develop comprehensive proposals and gather community support.

The program particularly benefits regional areas where veteran communities often play vital roles in preserving local military history and supporting current and former service members. Many regional centres have rich military heritage stories that could be enhanced or better preserved through this funding.

For more information about eligibility criteria, application requirements, and how to apply, visit the NSW Government website at nsw.gov.au and search for "Veteran Community Grants Program."

Community groups interested in applying are encouraged to begin planning their projects early and consider how their initiatives will benefit both veterans and the broader community.