Let’s get physical with the Active Australia Innovation Challenge

Media release: Thursday 20 February 2025

Grants up to $30,000 for innovative ideas that get people moving

Community groups, universities and schools could secure grants of up to $30,000 as part of a Heart Foundation challenge which encourages people to be more active for better heart health.

The Heart Foundation’s Active Australia Innovation Challenge is now accepting applications from groups who can offer innovative ideas that can help increase heart rates across the nation to help improve heart health and reduce heart disease.

Heart disease remains Australia’s leading cause of death, but it's largely preventable through lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity.

According to the latest National Health Survey, only 1 in 5 five (22.4%) adults aged 18–64 years meet the recommended levels of physical activity set out in the AustralianPhysical Activity Guidelines. National data also shows that 9 out of 10 (88%) children aged 5-12 do not meet the Australian 24-hour movement guidelines for their age¹.

Heart Foundation National Manager Population Health and Wellbeing Le Smith welcomed bold and ambitious ideas and said they could be in the form of technology, programs or any initiative that can demonstrate increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour.

“Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for heart disease, which is Australia’s biggest killer,” Ms Smith said.

“The Heart Foundation is thrilled to offer grants of up to $30,000 for collectives such as community groups, schools and universities for fresh ideas which will inspire people to move more.

This year’s Heart Foundation program is supported by the Federal Government, with a total fund pool of $200,000 to be invested into community groups who have practical solutions that will inspire people to get physical.

Eligibility

The Active Australia Innovation Challenge is open to individuals, schools, community groups, organisations, and businesses across Australia.

The Heart Foundation is especially interested in ideas supporting people most at risk of heart disease and increasing the participation of diverse groups and priority populations in physical activity, including First Nations populations, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people living with a disability and people living in rural and remote regions.

Winners will receive: A grant to help bring their idea to life, along with ongoing support from the Heart Foundation and opportunities to network with key stakeholders in the field of heart health.

Submission guidelines

Entries must include a detailed description of the idea, its potential impact on increasing physical activity and a proposed budget.

Applications are open and close at 11:59pm AEST Monday 3 March 2025. No late applications will be accepted.

For more details on the challenge and how to enter visit: campaigns.heartfoundation.org.au/aaic

Past winners

A video highlighting some of the 2024 grant winners is available here: