Australian Heritage Grants – Round 8 (2025–26)

Purpose and Program Overview

The Australian Heritage Grants – Round 8 (2025–26) program provides funding to protect, conserve, and celebrate Australia’s National Heritage–listed places. The initiative supports projects that maintain the heritage values of these sites, improve public engagement, and strengthen community connections with nationally significant natural, Indigenous, and historic places.

The program aims to promote the long-term sustainability and recognition of Australia’s National Heritage through conservation, management, and education. It encourages innovative approaches to heritage interpretation, such as virtual tours and inclusive educational experiences.

A total funding pool of $5.347 million is available for Round 8, supporting eligible projects over the 2025–26 to 2027–28 financial years.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: $25,000 to $400,000 (GST exclusive)
  
• Total funding pool: $5.347 million (2025–26 to 2027–28)
  
• Applications open: Now open for Round 8
  
• Applications close: Friday, 5 December 2025, at 5:00 pm AEDT
  
• Eligible applicants: Site owners, managers, or partners working on National Heritage–listed places
  
• Co-contribution: Not specified (encouraged but not mandatory)
  
• Eligible locations: Australia-wide, limited to places listed on the National Heritage List
  

Priority Sectors

Projects must relate to places on Australia’s National Heritage List. The program applies to a broad range of heritage sectors, including:

• Natural heritage
  
• Indigenous heritage
  
• Historic heritage
  

Funding Scope

• Minimum grant amount: $25,000
  
• Maximum grant amount: $400,000
  
• Project duration: Up to three years (projects must be completed by 30 June 2028)
  
• Funding focus:
  
  • Conservation and protection of heritage values
    
  • Public engagement and educational initiatives
    
  • Heritage planning and management improvement
    

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) (unless not entitled to one)
  
• Be the owner or manager of a National Heritage–listed place, or provide written consent/support from the site owner
  
• Be located in, or have a direct relationship with, a National Heritage–listed site
  
• Ensure the project directly supports National Heritage Values
  
• Have the capacity to manage and report on project outcomes
  

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Eligible activities for the Australian Heritage Grants include:

• Conservation: Protecting or maintaining the physical or cultural integrity of National Heritage Values
  
• Engagement: Developing programs or tools (e.g., virtual tours, education programs) to enhance public understanding
  
• Planning: Creating or updating management or conservation plans, and preparing supporting planning documentation
  
• Community connection: Initiatives that foster awareness and participation in heritage preservation
  

Assessment Process

This is a competitive grant program. Applications will be assessed based on:

• Project merit and relevance: Alignment with the program’s objectives to conserve or promote National Heritage Values
  
• Capability and capacity: Applicant’s demonstrated experience and ability to deliver the project successfully
  
• Value for money: Justification of costs and expected community and heritage outcomes
  

Recent Program Updates

• Round 8 continues the Australian Government’s ongoing heritage funding initiative with a new $5.347 million pool for the 2025–26 to 2027–28 period.
  
• The round reinforces support for innovative engagement strategies, including digital and educational approaches to heritage awareness.
  

Application Tips

• Confirm that the site is listed on the National Heritage List before applying.
  
• Obtain all required letters of support or ownership approvals early.
  
• Develop a clear project plan with defined outcomes, budgets, and milestones.
  
• Highlight how the project will improve conservation and community connection.
  

Where to Get Help

To maximise the benefits of this grant program, businesses in Australia are encouraged to seek professional grant and commercialisation advice. With 30 years of experience assisting Australian businesses in securing grants and navigating innovation programs, Pattens Group offers expert guidance to strengthen applications and manage compliance. Contact us to leverage our expertise and advance your medical device innovation. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the business.gov.au or DCCEEW websites.