Community Supported Small Grants Program Guidelines

Applications for the program will open on August 1st.

How does this program work, and who is it for?

The Community Supported Small Grants Program provides funds to assist individuals experiencing immediate financial hardship. Due to the high demand for our limited resources, we can help only when needs are the most desperate. We help to maintain the minimum standards of safety, security, protection, and comfort for the individual or family. This program operates in Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, and Victoria.

Who can make an application?

Social workers, case managers or allied health professionals employed by supporting charitable organisations (holding DGR item 1 status) may apply on behalf of an individual in need. Applications from individuals on their own behalf are not accepted. Individuals experiencing financial hardship should speak with their caseworker, support worker, financial counsellor, or medical/allied health professional about a possible application.

How can I find out if my organisation is eligible to apply?

The Community Supported Small Grants Program partners with eligible community-based charitable organisations in this program. For organisations to be eligible to partner with us, the must be:

  1. Providing ongoing case management and support to the client they are representing,

  2. A registered charity holding DGR Item 1 status,

  3. Able to receive donations and issue donation receipts,

  4. The client resides in Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT or Victoria,

  5. Able to facilitate payment to the provider of the goods and services associated with the grant, if successful.

If your organisation is new to the Walter & Eliza Hall Trust Community Supported Small Grants Program, please email us at info@wehalltrust.org.au to request registration.

Where can I apply?

All applications must be made online via our website www.wehalltrust.org.au.

When can I apply?

The Community Supported Small Grants Program operates on a weekly cycle.

Applications open on Thursday at 09:30 and close on Tuesday at 12:00 (Sydney time).

You will not be able to start a new application, update an existing one, or submit one when the applications are closed.

When applying, ensure that you, or a nominated second contact, are available to answer any questions we may have about the application. As our turnaround times are fast, we ask that you only apply when you have the capacity to respond.

Is my client eligible?

For a client to be eligible for this program, they must be:

  • An Australian citizen or permanent resident,

  • Receiving ongoing case management and support by the representing organisation,

  • Experiencing financial distress (as assessed by social workers, financial counsellors or similarly qualified professional staff) with no other funding avenues available to them,

  • Not a recipient of a small grant from the Walter & Eliza Hall Group of Charities in the past.

How is the grant paid?

If an application is successful, the grant is paid directly to the nominated service provider or supplier. The Walter & Eliza Hall Trust does not pay the applicant directly nor reimburse for expenses already paid.

Payments can only be made via BPay or Direct Deposit (EFT). Applications with invoices, quotes, or sales orders without BPay or Direct Deposit (EFT) payment details are ineligible for consideration.

Please note: never, under any circumstances, are funds to be given directly to the patient and any unspent funds must be returned to the Walter & Eliza Hall Trust.

What kinds of things are considered in this program?

The Community Supported Small Grants Program considers requests for assistance to maintain minimum standards of safety, security, and wellbeing. Some examples of requests that fall within the parameters of the program include:

  • Utility bills,

  • White goods,

  • Furniture,

  • Accessibility equipment,

  • Educational equipment,

  • Minor health-related expenses.

The following requests are considered in exceptional circumstances only:

  • Payment of public/community housing rent or rental arrears,

  • Travel expenses (excluding funding for flights),

  • Accommodation for medical treatment,

  • Removalist costs,

  • Storage fees,

  • Forensic cleans,

  • Vehicle expenses.

Note: when applying, you will need to provide payable tax invoices, quotes, or sales orders as they relate to the amount of assistance you are seeking. These must include BPay or Direct Deposit (EFT) details.

What kinds of things are not considered in this program?

The Community Supported Small Grants Program will not consider applications for funding for goods or services that are not essential to maintain minimum standards of safety, security, and wellbeing. Some examples of requests that do not fall within the parameters of the program include:

  • Delivery/installation fees,

  • Home modifications (including the installation of an air conditioner). Note: portable air conditioners are not considered home modifications,

  • Standard consumables,

  • Gift vouchers,

  • Reimbursements of costs already met,

  • Specialist and functional assessments (including those needed for NDIS assessments),

  • Rental bonds,

  • Repayments of debt, loans or credit cards,

  • Vehicle purchase and/or modifications.

How do I request funding accurately?

  • Funding amounts: We receive funding applications ranging from $ 100 up to approximately $ 2,500, tailored to meet your client's specific needs. It is crucial that the requested amount is well-supported by evidence and aligns with your client’s requirements.

  • Matching amounts: The funding amount requested must be substantiated by invoices/bills/payable quotes. Avoid rounding up the requested amount.

  • Partial funding: If you are seeking partial funding, please include a clear plan outlining how you intend to cover the remaining costs. It is also requested that you approach us as the last funder in the funding process, as our program operates on a weekly schedule.

  • Documentation requirements: When applying, you must provide valid payable invoices, quotes or sales orders. Please make sure your invoice includes payment details, specifically BPAY or direct deposit information. We advise that invoices are addressed to your client. Applications submitted with invoices lacking these details will be deemed ineligible.

  • List of Goods/Services: Please note that the “List of goods/services” section should only reflect the specific goods/services for which you are seeking funding.

When will I find out if my application was successful or unsuccessful?

Application outcomes are announced Thursdays via email. If the application is successful, payment of the goods/services will be made directly to the provider by Direct Deposit or BPay. Please be aware that outcomes and assessment of applications may be delayed if the application is incomplete or inconsistent. Additional assessment time may also be required for applications with more complex circumstances. Approval of applications is at the discretion of the Walter & Eliza Hall Charitable Foundation board.

Please note: never, under any circumstances, are funds to be given directly to the patient and any unspent funds must be returned to the Walter & Eliza Hall Trust.

What happens after I apply?

You can expect the following if you apply for our program:

  • Contact via email or phone if there questions about your application.

  • If successful, you can expect a copy of the receipt of payment and a formal outcome letter.

  • This program does not have any follow up paperwork.

What’s a common mistake that I should avoid?

Ineligible bills/quotes/invoice! Ensure that you provide quotes, invoices or sales orders with either BPay or Direct Deposit details.

As you apply online, be sure to hover over it as it has reminders and tips that may be useful. We also expect that, when applying:

  • All supporting evidence should be included as attached documentation, and you should provide a detailed narrative in the open questions section of the application form.

  • Financial counselling, where appropriate, has been embraced to prevent future crises.

I have questions! How can I get in touch?

If you have any further queries, please get in touch on info@wehalltrust.org.au or (02) 9127 3395.