Funding to tackle social isolation and loneliness

Community organisations and not-for-profits are being encouraged to apply for funding under a new Queensland Government grants program to tackle social isolation and loneliness in the community

Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said applications for the new Communities Innovation Fund were now open.

The fund is being supported with $4 million over four years.

“The Communities Innovation Fund is a critical part of our government’s response to the serious issues of social isolation and loneliness in Queensland,” Ms Enoch said.

“Through the 2021 Parliamentary Inquiry into social isolation and loneliness, and my own work with Queenslanders across the state, I’ve consistently heard that social isolation and loneliness are significant issues that will require us all to work together in new ways.

“The Communities Innovation Fund will deliver funding to a diverse range of projects, programs, services and supports across Queensland that will deliver community-led solutions to reduce social isolation and loneliness.”

Smaller grants of up to $50,000 are available for eligible organisations to conduct one-off activities or projects, with larger, multi-year grants of up to $200,000 per year available to trial promising interventions and evaluate them over time.

Ms Enoch said the Parliamentary Inquiry into social isolation and loneliness demonstrated that these are complex issues, with no simple, one-size-fits-all solution.

“We want to support Queensland communities so that they can support every Queenslander to connect, participate, contribute and enjoy all the benefits of our great lifestyle,” she said.

Queensland Community Alliance lead organiser Devett Kennedy said Queensland Community Alliance welcomes the Community Innovation Fund.

“We know that social isolation has been shown to pose a greater health risk than smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise,” Mr Kennedy said.

“Community led and community designed solutions are highly effective in this area, because it is about strengthening relationships and forming identity.

Applications for the Communities Innovation Fund close on Monday 27 February 2023.

Find out more about the Fund at qld.gov.au/communitiesinnovation-fund