Community Supported Small Grants Program Guidelines

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, you’ll need to contact us before making an application.

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 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.

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 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.

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,

  • Removalist costs,

  • Storage fees,

  • Forensic cleans,

  • Vehicle expenses.

What kinds of things are not considered in this program?

The Community Supported Small Grants Program will not consider applications of 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,

  • Standard consumables,

  • Gift vouchers,

  • Reimbursements of costs already met,

  • Specialist and functional assessments,

  • Rental bonds,

  • Repayments of debt, loans or credit cards,

  • Vehicle purchase and/or modifications.

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

Application outcomes are announced Thursdays via email. If the application is successful, a donation will be made to the representing organisation equivalent to the amount requested in the application. The representing organisation will then need to facilitate payment to the supplier for the goods or services related to the grant.

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 client 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 an email with a copy of the funds transfer, a formal outcome letter and instructions regarding grant reporting requirements.

What’s a common mistake that I should avoid?

Not providing supporting documents! Ensure that you provide quotes or screenshots with the costings for the goods or services you are requesting, as this provides evidence and justification for the amount you are requesting.

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

  • Assistance has been sought/is being sought from other charitable organisations.

  • No assistance is available from family or extended family members.

  • Time payment options have been exhausted in respect of utility and rental arrears if assistance is being sought for these items.

  • 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) 9264 9480.