Social Justice Grants
Description
These grants assist communities and organisations to bring about greater social justice in Australia.
Requirements Summary
The Mercy Foundation Social Justice Small Grants Program offers up to $10,000 in seed funding to not-for-profit community-based organisations across Australia. Eligible applicants must be legal entities (incorporated associations, companies) or be auspiced by one, and must have a social justice focus with priority given to projects supporting disadvantaged women and children. Applications close on 16 March 2026. The program does not fund core operating costs, vehicles, recurrent funding, or general fundraising appeals. Successful recipients must provide a Safeguarding Policy before funding commences.
Eligibility Criteria
Must be a legal entity such as an incorporated association or company, or be auspiced by an appropriate organisation
All applicants must be a not-for-profit organisation
Projects must have a social justice emphasis with priority given to projects targeting disadvantaged women and children
Priority given to small organisations and community-based groups that receive little funding
Applications open to all States and Territories in Australia
Applications are not accepted from individuals
Community initiatives that are locally driven and help start something new and needed are prioritised
Assessment Criteria
Projects must address social justice, poverty, and structural disadvantage
Priority given to projects targeting disadvantaged women and children
Innovative projects that create long lasting change at local level
Projects that help build organisational capacity
Timeline
Applications open for the 2026 grant round
Applications close
Successful grant recipients commence funding
Priority Cohorts
The Mercy Foundation provides seed funding to help community-based not-for-profit organisations build capacity, address structural disadvantage and contribute to greater social justice in Australia.
Website →mfgrants@mercyfoundation.com.au