Direct Giving Program Guidelines

How this Program Works.

The Direct Giving Program delivers targeted, practical financial relief to people experiencing immediate hardship across Australia. We work in close partnership with health professionals and community organisations to ensure support reaches those who need it most. Applications for up to $2,500 can be submitted by eligible representatives and, if approved, we fund the goods or services requested in the application via payment directly to the relevant supplier.

Who Can Apply.

We partner with trusted social workers, case managers or allied health professionals working in public health or registered organisations in community support settings. The program has two streams with specific eligibility for applicants:

1.       Public Hospital and Health Setting Stream:

Open to health professionals working in public health settings nationwide. Eligible referrers include social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, clinical nurses, and allied health professionals submitting applications on behalf of their patients.

2.      Community and Charity Stream:

Open to social workers, case managers, and allied health professionals employed by ACNC registered charitable organisations submitting applications on behalf of their clients.

 Unfortunately, we cannot accept direct applications from individuals or patients. If you are experiencing hardship, please speak with your caseworker, support worker, or health professional about accessing this program.

Organisation Eligibility.

We work collaboratively with organisations that can support their clients or patients throughout the process.

1.       Public Hospital and Health Setting Stream:

Public hospitals and community-based public health services across Australia are eligible and do not need to register with us before applying.

2.      Community and Charity Stream:

We partner with community-based charities that can provide ongoing support to their clients. Your organisation is eligible if it:

  • Provides ongoing case management and support to clients,

  • Is an ACNC-registered charity.

If your organisation hasn’t partnered with us before, please email info@wehalltrust.org.au to request registration.

Where and When to Apply.

All applications are submitted online at through our Application Portal. Each week applications are open from Thursdays at 09:30 (Sydney time) and close Tuesdays at 12:00 (Sydney time).

Client Eligibility Criteria.

Eligible clients are:

  • Australian citizens or permanent residents,

  • Receiving case management from eligible organisations,

  • In financial distress, with no other funding options available (as assessed by qualified staff),

  • Not prior beneficiaries of The Hall Foundation (formerly The Walter & Eliza Hall Trust) funding.

What We Fund.

We focus on urgent, essential needs that maintain safety, security, and wellbeing. Typical requests include:

  • Utility bills

  • White goods

  • Furniture

  • Accessibility equipment

  • Educational equipment

  • Minor health-related expenses

 

We may consider the following in exceptional circumstances:

  • Rent assistance

  • Accommodation for medical treatment

  • Removalist costs

  • Storage fees

  • Forensic cleans

  • Vehicle expenses

What We Don’t Fund.

To be transparent, we do not consider funding the following:

  • Home modifications (except note: portable air conditioners are not considered modifications)

  • Standard consumables

  • Gift vouchers

  • Reimbursements for already-paid costs

  • Specialist or functional assessments (including for NDIS)

  • Rental bonds

  • Debt, loan or credit card repayments

  • Vehicle purchase or modifications.

Application Outcomes.

Application outcomes are announced Thursdays via email. If successful, you will receive confirmation of approval, a copy of the payment receipt, and a formal outcome letter.

Processing times may be delayed if an application is incomplete, inconsistent or is particularly complex.

Payment of Approved Applications.

Payments of approved applications are made directly to the provided of goods the service via BPay or EFT details supplied on the invoice or quote.

Important: Under no circumstances are funds to be given directly to the patient/client or applying organisation.

Tips for a Strong Application.

We want every application to be clear, complete and ready for fast assessment. Here’s how you can set yours up for success:

  • Attach the right documents. Include payable invoices, formal quotes or sales orders which reflect the requested amount of funding.

  • Check payment details on invoices. Double-check that all BPay or EFT details legible and provided in full, so we can process funding without delay.

  • Tell the story. Use the narrative sections to help us understand the individual’s situation, the impact of the item requested, and how it meets an immediate need.

  • Map out other support. If other avenues have been explored (like assistance from other services, family, or payment plans), let us know. It helps us understand the full picture.

  • Consider financial wellbeing. If financial counselling has been offered or accessed, include that context. It shows how broader support is being wrapped around the individual’s situation.

  • Take your time. Review the application before submitting and make sure you’re ready to respond quickly to any follow-up questions.

  • Be ready to hear from us. Ensure you, or an alternative contact, can respond quickly to any follow-up questions, so that we can ensure a swift assessment of your application.

Questions?

We’re here to support you in your application. Contact us at info@wehalltrust.org.au or (02) 9127 3395.