Community Grants now open as NAB Foundation backs local disaster resilience

16 February 2026
Disaster Relief

Local organisations across Australia can now apply for funding through the 2026 NAB Foundation Community Grants program, with applications open until 16 March 2026.

Grants of up to $25,000 are available to support community-led projects that help prepare for or recover from natural disasters. Applicants with big potential may also be considered for an Impact Grant, which offers an additional $25,000 to up to four outstanding applications. This round will distribute $600,000, with successful recipients to be announced in June.

Since launching in 2021, the NAB Foundation Community Grants program has supported 418 organisations with more than $5.8 million in funding. The program runs twice a year, with $1.2 million distributed annually across two rounds.

NAB Retail Executive Paul Carter said the grants continue to play a vital role in helping communities withstand and recover from natural disasters.

“Local organisations are the backbone of disaster response; they show up first and stay the course. These grants help ensure communities have the tools and resources they need to prepare, respond and rebuild, and we’re proud to support the vital work they do,” Mr Carter said.

Strengthening resilience through local recovery

Last year, 48 organisations received funding through the program, enabling practical support for organisations like BackTrack, who empower at-risk young people to play an active role in rebuilding disaster‑affected communities through hands‑on recovery work, including those affected by the recent Victorian bushfires.

Through BackTrack Works, young people doing it tough get real hands-on experience, while helping rebuild after fires, floods and storms. With a $50,000 NAB Foundation grant, BackTrack’s crews are able to get on the ground faster, repairing fencing and access roads, protecting livestock and supporting local environments at a time when help is needed most.

Marcus Watson, CEO of BackTrack, said the funding has powerful impact for both the young people and the disaster affected communities. “This grant is helping our young people and the communities they work in walk taller. It shows a much bigger community believes in them,” Mr Watson said. 

About the NAB Foundation Community Grants program

The NAB Foundation Community Grants program is part of NAB Ready Together, an initiative that helps customers, colleagues and communities withstand and recover from natural disasters.

Projects eligible for funding include:

• Training and planning: Workshops and strategic planning to prepare for natural disasters.
• Community recovery: Initiatives that build resilience and wellbeing post-disaster.
• Environment and wildlife: Restoration of habitats and care for injured wildlife.
• Equipment and infrastructure: Tools and upgrades to help communities prepare or recover.

How to apply

Applications for the 2026 NAB Foundation Community Grants are now open. Organisations do not need to be NAB customers to apply, and projects are assessed on their community benefit and alignment to resilience or recovery outcomes. For more information or to apply, visit nab.com.au/communitygrants.