National Palliative Care Projects

The National Palliative Care Projects (NPCP) represent a long-standing commitment by the Australian Government to improve the quality, accessibility, and coordination of palliative care services across the country. Funded since the 1990s, these projects have supported national leadership, innovation, and capacity-building in palliative care through investments in research, education, workforce development, and community engagement.

Looking ahead, the demand for palliative care in Australia is projected to increase 50% by 2035 and double by 2050, driven by an ageing population and rising rates of chronic conditions. To meet this challenge, future NPCPs must be bold, collaborative, and forward thinking.

This grant is an opportunity for organisations to contribute to a national vision where every Australian affected by life-limiting illness can access compassionate, person-centred care— when and where they need it.

Collaborative approaches are strongly encouraged. Applicants are invited to form consortia’s that bring together diverse expertise, perspectives, and networks. Cross sector collaboration—between health, aged care, education, research, technology, and community organisations—will be key drivers in achieving the Strategy’s goals.

To be eligible you must be one of the following entity types. 

• Indigenous Corporation (registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006)
• Company
• Corporate Commonwealth Entity
• Non-Corporate Commonwealth Statutory Authority
• Corporate State or Territory Entity
• Non-corporate State or Territory Entity
• Non-corporate State or Territory Statutory Authority
• Local Government
• Cooperative
• Incorporated Association
• Statutory Entity
• Partnership

If you are applying as a Trustee on behalf of a Trust, the Trustee must have an eligible entity type as listed above.

Applications from consortia are encouraged, providing there is a lead organisation that is solely accountable to the Commonwealth for the delivery of grant project activities and is an eligible entity as per the list above. Only the lead organisation can submit the application form and enter into a grant agreement with the Commonwealth. Consortium arrangements are strongly encouraged and will be viewed favourably during the grant selection process.