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Next Chapter Innovation Applications 2026

Applications are now open for organisations developing innovative approaches to identifying, responding or preventing financial abuse affecting older people.

Applications close 11.59pm AEDT, 2 November 2026.

Apply now Download guidelines

Your safety is our priority. If you’re not feeling safe, please call 000.

Supporting community-led solutions to financial abuse

CommBank Next Chapter is our commitment to help end financial abuse and support people on their road to long-term financial independence.

Through Next Chapter Innovation, we partner with community organisations to develop practical responses to financial abuse. We know that some of the most effective solutions are shaped by the people closest to the issue, drawing on lived experience, frontline expertise and strong community connections.

Since launching in 2023, Next Chapter Innovation has supported organisations addressing complex and emerging forms of financial abuse, including:

Technology-facilitated abuse
Dowry abuse
Financial abuse in small business settings
Pathways to recovery after financial abuse
Financial abuse affecting First Nations communities

Addressing financial abuse affecting older people

“According to the National Elder Abuse Prevalance Study 2021*, almost one in six older Australians reported experiencing abuse in the past 12 months, and only around one-third of those affected sought help.”

Financial abuse is one of the most common forms of elder abuse. Through Next Chapter Innovation 2026, we’re looking to support practical approaches that help prevent, identify and respond to financial abuse of older people. ¹

Who should apply

Next Chapter Innovation 2026 is for eligible organisations developing innovative approaches to identifying, responding or preventing financial abuse of older people.

Before applying, read the Next Chapter Innovation guidelines to understand:

Who is eligible to apply
The types of projects that can be supported
Application and assessment requirements
Important dates and program conditions

Next Chapter Innovation guidelines

What successful partners receive

Successful applicants will become Next Chapter Innovation Partners and receive funding and support to help progress their project. This includes:

Funding to support their project
Access to executive support and mentoring

FAQs

Next Chapter Innovation 2026 is for eligible organisations developing innovative approaches to address financial abuse of older Australians.

Read the Next Chapter Innovation guidelines for the full eligibility requirements.

We’re looking for innovative approaches that help prevent, identify or respond to financial abuse of older Australians.

The guidelines provide more information about the types of initiatives that can be supported.

Applications open on 1 October 2026 and close at 11.59pm AEDT, 2 November 2026.

Refer to the guidelines for information about eligibility, assessment criteria and program requirements.

Innovation in action

Since 2023, Next Chapter Innovation has supported organisations working on practical responses to complex and emerging forms of financial abuse.

Explore the work of previous Next Chapter Innovation Partners and the initiatives helping to drive change in communities across Australia.

Community

Your safety is our priority

In an emergency, or if you’re not feeling safe, always call 000.

If you’re worried about your finances because of domestic violence or financial abuse, our dedicated Next Chapter Team can provide free and confidential support and referrals by connecting you with a range of specialist services. This support is available to people of all genders and sexualities.

Contact the Next Chapter Team on 1800 222 387, Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm (Sydney/Melbourne time), excluding public holidays. An interpreter can be arranged to assist you.

If it’s difficult for you to chat over the phone, CommBank customers can contact the Next Chapter Team through online chat (Ceba) in the CommBank app.

For confidential information, counselling and support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732. This is a free and confidential service that is not part of Commonwealth Bank.

If you’re worried about your own behaviour, free and confidential support is available through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or through No to Violence.

Safe & Savvy is our guide to help people avoid scams, fraud, and financial abuse of older people.

Download the Guide

Find support from CommBank Next Chapter

Things you should know

Sources:

¹Australian Institute of Family Studies, National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study 2021.

Next Chapter Innovation Applications 2026

Supporting community-led solutions to financial abuse

Addressing financial abuse affecting older people

“According to the National Elder Abuse Prevalance Study 2021*, almost one in six older Australians reported experiencing abuse in the past 12 months, and only around one-third of those affected sought help.”

Who should apply

What successful partners receive

FAQs

Innovation in action

Financial abuse can take more than money: Next Chapter Innovation seeks solutions and support for older people

Seeing the unseen: protecting older customers from financial abuse

CommBank Next Chapter campaign raises awareness of financial abuse support

Your safety is our priority

Things you should know

Next Chapter Innovation Applications 2026

Supporting community-led solutions to financial abuse

Addressing financial abuse affecting older people

“According to the National Elder Abuse Prevalance Study 2021*, almost one in six older Australians reported experiencing abuse in the past 12 months, and only around one-third of those affected sought help.”

Who should apply

What successful partners receive

FAQs

Who can apply?

What types of initiatives are being considered?

When do applications open and close?

What happens after I apply?

Innovation in action

Financial abuse can take more than money: Next Chapter Innovation seeks solutions and support for older people

Seeing the unseen: protecting older customers from financial abuse

CommBank Next Chapter campaign raises awareness of financial abuse support

Your safety is our priority

Things you should know