Bondi recovery grants of up to $300,000 now open

The federal government has opened applications for a $13 million grant round for Jewish community projects, as part of its response to the Bondi terror attack.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly announced the Australian Jewish Community Priority Projects grant round on November 5. Organisations can apply for up to $300,000, which can cover all eligible project costs.

The round is part of the $46.7 million Financial Support for Australian Jewish Communities program, which runs over four years and was announced in the 2026–27 Budget as part of the government’s response to the attack. The $13 million will be distributed over two years, with $5.2 million in 2026–27 and $7.8 million in 2027–28.

Funding is available in three areas: intercultural and interfaith engagement, cultural and religious participation, and connecting community members to existing support services.

Eligible activities include interfaith dialogue programs, anti-racism and anti-hate education, cultural events and festivals, and programs to help people who have withdrawn from community life since the attack to re-engage.

The grants can also fund mental health literacy activities and referral pathways, delivered by registered mental health professionals, for people affected by the attack. They cannot fund clinical treatment or counselling. Security infrastructure, equipment and guarding are also excluded, as these are covered by separate Commonwealth security grant programs.

Applicants must be not-for-profit organisations or registered charities with an ABN held for at least 12 months. They do not need to be Jewish organisations, but must demonstrate a connection to the Jewish community or communities their project will serve. Joint applications are accepted.

Projects can run for up to 12 months and must be completed by March 31, 2028. Successful projects are expected to start around March 2027.

According to the guidelines, the Department of Home Affairs will consider distribution across states and territories relative to population when recommending projects. The final decision rests with a minister in the Home Affairs portfolio.

“For generations, Jewish Australians have helped build the Australia we know today. Their culture, faith and traditions are woven into the fabric of our nation,” Aly said.

“The antisemitic attack at Bondi shook Australians, particularly the Australian Jewish community, to our core. No act of hatred should ever rob a community of its sense of belonging.

“Healing takes time. It happens when people come together, when traditions are celebrated, when communities feel connected and when people know they are supported.

“This $13 million investment is about helping Jewish Australians rebuild that confidence, strengthen those connections and know they have a place in Australia’s future, just as they have in its history.”

Applications close at 5pm AEDT on January 5, 2027.

More information is available at business.gov.au.

An online information session will be held on November 17 at 3pm AEDT. To register, email AJCRSVP@industry.gov.au.