Grants to drive dementia awareness in diverse communities

Up to $30,000 in one-off payments will be available for community organisations to build awareness around dementia with the launch of the 2025 Diversity Small Grant Program.

The grant program, run by Dementia Australia, is available for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or culturally and linguistically diverse communities to fund activities that create awareness and improved understanding in their communities.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said dementia prevalence rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are around three to five times higher than the general Australian population.

“Dementia Australia’s 2025 Diversity Small Grant program is part of our commitment to facilitating equity of access to dementia information and support.

“Following unprecedented demand and more than 200 applications in 2024, we are proud to offer the Diversity Small Grant program for a second year.”

The aim of the grant is to increase equity of access to dementia information and support, build greater understanding and empower staff and community leaders to facilitate conversations.

Last year’s inaugural grant program delivered more than $320,000 to 11 Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse organisations and groups.

Local organisation Cultura received funding in last year’s program to build awareness and understanding among its First Nations community.

Recipients of this year’s funding will also receive a professional dementia information session to help staff develop a better understanding of the disease and give them the confidence to discuss the topic in communities.

The grant program, funded by the Australian Federal Government is open now, until August 13.

For more information and to apply, head to dementia.org.au/diversitygrants