Universal Charitable Fund (UCF) makes grants to small and medium sized Australian charities making a big difference in the lives of people in need both in Australia and overseas.

focus has been, and continues to be, on community projects that positively contribute to the alleviation of poverty, disadvantage, marginalisation and distress while building both individual and community capacity.

UCF focuses its grant making on supporting the work of small and medium sized charities (eg income up to $1m pa) which are registered with the ACNC and endorsed by the ATO with Deductible Gift Recipient status (DGR1). Grants range from $500 to $3,000.

Important: Preview the grant application form (hard copy attached here for info only – remember though, application must be completed online through portal) which includes questions and budget template before you get started.

Their priority is to fund small and medium sized Australian charities (less than $1 million income pa) that fit into one (or more) of the following areas and with a focus on alleviation of poverty, distress, disadvantage or marginalisation. 

• Education 
• Health 
• Building self-sufficient communities (sustainable) 
• Children and youth

Any programme you ask us to fund must be able to be completed within 12 months and have a clear charitable purpose consistent with its tax-deductible gift status.

What this means to you:

• We cannot make grants to individuals (even if you are raising money for a good cause)
• Applications must be from the organisation to which the grant will be awarded.
• The applying organisation must be registered with the ACNC.
• We do not make donations to general funds. We do not fund printing, advocacy, start-ups, welfare or marketing.
• The applying organisation must have ATO endorsed Deductible Gift Recipient status (DGR1). 
• Australian applicants only.  Funds may be expended on overseas projects if your organisation has an Australian registered office or already has an auspice arrangement (project account) with an ACNC registered charity with DGR1 tax status.

• Email: office@ucf.org.au