Dementia 2026 Diversity Small Grants program launched

Dementia Australia has today launched its 2026 Diversity Small Grants program to help build understanding and awareness of dementia in Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. 

Applications are now open for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse organisations and community groups across Australia to apply for up to $30,000 in funding for activities to create awareness and improved understanding about dementia in their communities. 

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said that following the success in 2024 and 2025, Dementia Australia is proud to offer the Diversity Small Grant program for a third year. 

“Through the grant program Dementia Australia hopes to facilitate greater equity of access to dementia information and support in ways that are culturally appropriate and meaningful,” Professor Buchanan said. 

Previous grant recipient, Bidgerdii Community Health Service, used funding they received through the 2025 Diversity Small Grant program to run dementia awareness and risk reduction workshops within their community which culminated in the development of a book which draws on the lived experiences of community members. 

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health service published ‘Aunty Molly’s Journey’ which follows the story of Aunty Molly, a proud elder who begins to notice changes in her memory. 

“Aunty Molly is fictional but everything in the book is based on the stories and experiences collected from local elders at a series of yarning sessions we held,” Bidgerdii Programs Manager Lauren Noller said. 

“The book is dedicated to our elders because we couldn’t have done it without them.” 

Through Aunty Molly’s journey, she learns there is no shame in speaking up, asking questions and seeking help from her doctor, family and community. 

“It doesn't matter if you're non-Indigenous, anyone could pick up this book and go; ‘This is what my mum is going through’. 

“Aunty Molly doesn't belong to anyone; she belongs to everybody.” 

Full information on the Diversity Small Grant program is available on Dementia Australia’s website. 

Submissions close Wednesday 5 August 2026. For more information or to apply, visit https://www.dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementia-australia-diversity-small-grants   

-Ends- 

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 446,500 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you. For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au. 

Media contacts: David Gear, Media and Communications Advisor, [email protected] 0435 515 221 

Note to Editors: When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines. We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns: If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.