The Coca-Cola Foundation is one of the world’s most prominent corporate philanthropic organisations, and for Australian non-profits, it represents a significant opportunity for funding.
Through its local arm—the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation (CCAF) —and the global foundation, Australian charities can access grants ranging from $5,000 for local projects up to $600,000.
In 2024 alone, The Coca-Cola Foundation invested more than $2.5 million in community initiatives across Australia .
With the 2026/2027 funding cycle ongoing, this guide outlines everything you need to know to prepare a successful application.
Coca-Cola Foundation Grants 2026: Calls for Application, Eligibility, Funding & How to Apply
Understanding the Coca-Cola Foundation in Australia
The Australian funding landscape involves two related entities:
1. The Coca-Cola Foundation (Global)
Based in Atlanta, this is the primary international philanthropic arm. It funds large-scale global priorities, including water stewardship, recycling, and disaster relief. In Australia, this has included major environmental grants, such as a US
500,000(A 500,000(A790,000) project to restore seagrass meadows on the Great Barrier Reef .
2. The Coca-Cola Australia Foundation (CCAF)
This is an independent charitable trust funded by the Coca-Cola System in Australia. Since 2002, the CCAF has donated more than $19 million to Australian charities . Its mission is to “create possibilities for a brighter, more sustainable future for Australians today and generations to come” .
The CCAF distributes approximately $1.1 million per year through various grant programs, supporting charities large and small .
Available Grant Programs for 2026/2027
1. Coca-Cola Partner Grant
Entrepreneurs and good business ideas can access funding for their businesses up to $1,000,000. APPLY HERE
2. Employee Connected Grants
This unique program connects Coca-Cola employees with charities they are passionate about. Employees nominate organisations they have a “deeper connection” with through volunteering, fundraising, or board positions .
Example: In 2023, LeaderLife in Dubbo received a $25,000 grant through the Employee Connected Grants program to purchase a tractor for a sustainable farming project working with marginalized Indigenous youth .
3. Community Grants
The CCAF also offers smaller, one-off grants to local organisations throughout Australia. APPLY HERE
4. Disaster Relief & Product Donations
The Foundation also provides support through product donations and emergency funding for communities affected by natural disasters .
Eligibility Criteria
Mandatory Requirements
To be eligible for any Coca-Cola Australia Foundation grant, your organisation MUST have:
- Registered
Additionally:
- Your program must be delivered within Australia
- Organisations with a majority of beneficiaries under 15 years old must adhere to Coca-Cola’s responsible marketing policy (no marketing to children under 15)
What is NOT Funded
- Activities that collect funds for redistribution to other charities
- Overseas appeals or projects outside Australia
- Expeditions or overseas travel
Priority Funding Areas for 2026/2027
Based on current and historical funding patterns, the Coca-Cola Foundation prioritises:
1. Environmental Sustainability & Water Security
This remains the Foundation’s #1 global priority. In Australia, this includes:
- Water availability and sustainable management (UN SDG 6)
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation (UN SDG 13)
- Recycling and circular economy initiatives (“World Without Waste”)
- Habitat restoration (e.g., the Great Barrier Reef seagrass project)
2. Marginalised Youth
The CCAF has a long-standing focus on supporting young Australians aged 12–25 who face social, physical, or economic challenges . Priority areas include:
- Education and leadership development
- Wellbeing and life skills
- Employment readiness and financial literacy
- Indigenous youth programs
3. Community Resilience
- Disaster preparedness and response
- Building resilient communities for a climate-ready future
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Application
Required documentation typically includes:
- Completed application form
- Project summary/business plan
- Detailed budget
- Evidence of outcomes measurement
For Employee Connected Grants:
- You will need a sponsoring Coca-Cola employee
- Both the charity AND the employee must complete sections of the application
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Applications are submitted to:
Coca-Cola Australia Foundation Online
Step 3: Await Notification
Wait for an email response to your application for further direction.
Recent Grant Recipients (For Reference)
Understanding who has received funding can help you assess your organisation’s fit:
| Recipient | Grant | Purpose |
| Great Barrier Reef Foundation | 790,000(US790,000(US500,000) | Seagrass meadow restoration after Cyclone Jasper |
| Warrior Woman Foundation | $508,200 | Financial literacy program for vulnerable young women |
| LeaderLife (Dubbo) | $25,000 | Tractor purchase for sustainable farming program with Indigenous youth |
| Landcare Australia | Flagship Partner (undisclosed) | Environmental sustainability projects |
| Canadian Red Cross (Australia-linked) | $200,000 USD | Disaster relief preparedness |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should we apply for?
For Employee Connected Grants, apply for the amount reasonably required for your objectives. Note that only a limited number of grants are given for the maximum amount ($1,000,000) .
Can we apply for multi-year funding?
Yes for Flagship Partner Grants (up to three years). Community Grants are one-off payments only, though you may reapply annually .
Is there an online application portal?
Yes, applications are typically submitted through the foundation online portal. For historical reference, Flagship Partner applications were accepted via the Coca-Cola company website .
Conclusion
The Coca-Cola Foundation offers substantial funding opportunities for Australian non-profits working in environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, and community resilience. While competition is strong—particularly for the Flagship Partner Grant, which selects only one organisation annually—the Employee Connected Grants and Community Grants programs provide accessible entry points for smaller organisations