Social Justice Small Grants
What We Fund
Amount Available
How to Apply
Closing Date
Past Successful Applicants
What We Fund
The Mercy Foundation Social Justice Small Grants Program provides seed funding to help community-based not-for-profit organisations build capacity, address structural disadvantage and contribute to greater social justice in Australia. It is designed for smaller scale projects and focuses on local initiatives.
Innovative projects that require seed funding to increase social equity and reduce poverty, challenging unjust structures and systems will be prioritised.
In 2026, the Social Justice Small Grants program will prioritise projects that create long lasting change to address poverty and disadvantage, with a special focus on women.
Please note that:
- Projects must have a social justice emphasis and priority is given to projects that target disadvantaged women and children.
- Community initiatives that are locally driven and help start something new and needed are prioritised.
- Priority will be given to small organisations and community-based groups that receive little funding.
Applicants must be a legal entity, such as an incorporated association or company. If not, the applicant can be auspiced by an appropriate organisation. Applications are not accepted from individuals. Applications are open to all States and Territories in Australia.
All applicants must be a not-for-profit organisation (read the definition here).
The Mercy Foundation Social Justice Small Grants Program does not fund organisation core operating costs, vehicles, projects that require recurrent funding nor general fundraising appeals.
Amount Available
Up to $10,000 per applicant.
How to Apply
Download the Application Form and Application Criteria to submit your application.
Contact Mercy Foundation staff if you have any questions.
Phone: 02 9911 7390
Email: mfgrants@mercyfoundation.com.au
Note that successful grant recipients will be required to provide a copy of their Safeguarding Policy prior to the commencement of funding. More information about Safeguarding and a template for the policy is available from the ACNC website.
Closing Date
Applications open end of January and close 16 March 2026.