Australian Public Health Small Grants Program Guidelines

What is the Australian Public Health Small Grants Program?

The Australian Public Health Small Grants Program provides financial assistance to patients in Australian public health settings for purposes considered necessary and/or essential to a patient’s health and wellbeing. This program operates in all Australian states and territories.

Who can make an application?

Applications for assistance must be made by social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or other health professionals employed in public health settings on behalf of their patients. We do not accept applications from individuals and require professionals in a public health setting to apply on behalf of their patients (e.g., social workers, clinical nurses, allied health professionals).

Is my patient eligible?

For a patient to be eligible for this program they must be:

  • An Australian citizen or permanent resident,

  • A current hospital inpatient, outpatient, or regular patient in a community health setting,

  • Experiencing financial distress (as assessed by social workers, allied health professionals 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.

Where can I apply?

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

When can I apply?

The Australian Public Health Small Grants Program operates on a weekly cycle. Applications open on Thursday at 09:30 and close Tuesday at 15:00 (AEST). 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.

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

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 does this program provide funding for?

The Australian Public Health Small Grants Program considers requests for the funding assistance for goods or services necessary and/or essential to a patient’s health and wellbeing. Some examples of requests that fall within the parameters of the program include:

  • Utility bills,

  • White goods,

  • Small medical procedures,

  • Accessibility equipment and consumables,

  • Medical equipment and consumables,

  • Medications/pharmacy accounts.

The following requests are considered in exceptional circumstances only:

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

  • Travel expenses,

  • Removalist costs,

  • Storage fees,

  • Forensic cleans.

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 Australian Public Health Small Grants Program will not consider applications of funding for goods or services that are not essential to a patient’s health and wellbeing. Some examples of requests that do not fall within the parameters of the program include:

  • Delivery fees,

  • Home modifications,

  • Standard consumables or gift vouchers,

  • Reimbursements of costs already met,

  • Rental bonds,

  • Repayments of debt, loans or credit cards,

  • Specialist and functional assessments,

  • Vehicle purchase and/or modification.

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 exactly correspond with the evidence provided. Avoid rounding up the requested amount; it should match the total of the attached bills.

  • 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: The amount of funding you request must be supported by appropriate documentation, such as an invoice, a quote, or a screenshot. Ensure that these documents are attached to your application.

  • 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. 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.

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?

When providing an invoice for your application, please ensure that it includes payment details (BPAY or direct deposit information). Without this information, your application will be unsuccessful. As you apply online, be sure to hover over the as it has reminders and tips that may be useful.

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.