Applications are open for the 2025-26 Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grants Program.
Over 330,000 Australians served in the First World War; and 60,000 did not return. Of those who came home, many experienced the lasting physical and emotional effects of the weight of war.
Many of these veterans were buried in unmarked graves, often due to lack of family or inability to afford a headstone.
We encourage individuals, local councils, historical societies, RSL sub-branches, and community groups to apply. Whether you know of a single unmarked grave or several, your efforts can help preserve our history and provide these veterans with the recognition they deserve.
Through funding assistance of up to $620 per grave, the program helps cover the cost of installing a plaque or gravestone marker on eligible graves—recognising the service of those who returned home and later passed away from causes unrelated to their war service.
The Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grants Program gives communities the opportunity to acknowledge their service in a meaningful and lasting way, and ensure these Australians are no longer forgotten.
Applicants are also encouraged to seek an assessment by the Repatriation Commission as soon as possible to determine whether the veteran may have died of causes related to their First World War service. First World War veterans who died of service-related causes may be eligible for official Australian Government commemoration, maintained in perpetuity.
For guidelines and application information, visit GrantConnect.
For more information about the Grant Program, visit Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grants Program | Department of Veterans' Affairs.