Organisations wishing to apply for a Major Grant must first submit a Stage one - initial proposal for review by AusNet’s technical assessment team. This is to ensure your project is feasible, deliverable and has factored in any network requirements or constraints. If your initial proposal is approved, you will be invited to proceed to Stage two and submit a full application.
Your Stage One - initial proposal must be submitted by 5pm Friday 12 DECEMBER, 2025.
Applicants will be advised of the outcome in early February 2026. Stage two - full applications will be open TBA .
Please note that this is the final Major Grants round of the Energy Resilience Community Fund.
Grant amount:
- $50-$250k
- Only one grant per organisation will be awarded per round
- Quotes, a detailed breakdown of costs, and a delivery plan MUST be included with this submission.
What we will fund:
- Community hubs – ‘shower and power’ centres
- Mobile assets that can be used across various locations i.e. major generators powering sections of a main street, mobile hygiene or kitchen facilities, trailer mounted generators
- Front-of-meter solutions, such as community batteries, may be considered but applicants need to meet with AusNet to discuss their proposal due to network considerations
- Behind-the-meter systems – i.e. major solar and storage solutions for single premises or facilities
- Behind-the-meter small scale generation and storage over multiple facilities i.e. community organisation/peak bodies that support residents over several locations/buildings or small business associations wanting to support multiple members to become more energy resilient.
Please note: we do not funding the upgrading of facilities such as showers, toilets or kitchens.
Who can apply:
- Councils in AusNet’s electricity distribution area
- Community or charitable organisations who can clearly demonstrate the capacity to deliver the project within the articulated budget and time frame. Applications can come from a single organisation or those working in partnership with other organisations
- Small businesses who provide an essential service to the community. Examples of essential services could include food, urgent medical care, pharmacies or small businesses providing emergency response and recovery services.
How to apply:
- Stage one – initial proposals are open for twelve weeks and must be submitted by 5:00pm Friday, 14 November 2025. All applicants will be notified of the outcome in late December
- Stage two – full application will be open for approximately eight weeks
- Full applications are by invitation only to those organisations who are successful in stage one.
Need help?
Enquiries to ERCF@ausnetservices.com.au or contact ERCF Manager, Kim Sullivan on 0499 781 580.
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