Building Excellence in Support and Training

The Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Grants Program is intended to assist the veteran and Defence communities by providing support and resources to ex-service organisations (ESOs) for compensation and/or wellbeing advocacy.

What is the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Grants Program

The BEST Grants Program supports the work of ESOs in providing advocacy services to the veteran and Defence communities. Advocates give advice and assistance about claims, entitlements and services.

BEST grants provide a contribution towards the costs incurred by ESOs in providing advocacy services. The grants do not cover all the costs associated with employing advocates, and organisations are expected to provide in kind or other support.

How can the grants be used

BEST grants are available to assist with:

• salary costs of military compensation advocates who help veterans with their claims for compensation and administrative assistants who support this work
• equipment and administrative expense assistance.

BEST grants are not available for:

• rent, electricity or other utility costs
• functions such as commemorative and social activities
• office expenses and fees including insurance, advertising expenses, audit and bank fees
• any administrative, equipment or training expense not primarily attributable to the provision of compensation advocacy, wellbeing advocacy or support.

Who can apply

ESOs that have at least one Advocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP) - qualified advocate in their organisation can apply for BEST. ESOs are required to be registered on the Accredited Advocate Register and ensure their details are up to date. 

All advocacy workload reported must be undertaken by appropriately qualified ATDP advocates. The applicant needs to be an incorporated entity. Alternatively, an incorporated ESO can sponsor an unincorporated ESO to submit an application. See the Grant Opportunity Guidelines on GrantConnect for further information.

How do I apply

The BEST Grants Program is a demand driven grant opportunity that accepts applications annually.

All DVA grants are advertised on the GrantConnect website, including information about the grant and how to apply. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read all grant opportunity documentation, especially the guidelines and any instructions in the application form.  The grant opportunity documentation is specific to each round and contains important information about the purpose of the program, eligibility and compliance requirements, eligible items, timeframes and how to apply.

You can register on GrantConnect to receive notifications of any new grant opportunities that may become available.
More information can be found at Getting started with GrantConnect.

Assistance with your application can be obtained through the Community Grants Hub. Phone 1800 020 283 or send an email to support [at] communitygrants.gov.au (support[at]communitygrants[dot]gov[dot]au)

If you think you may need help with your application, please ask early. This will help us to resolve any problems in time for your application to be considered for funding.

How are applications assessed

Applications are assessed based on the criteria and workload information set out in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.

Recommendations are made to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, who is the decision maker.

When will I know the outcome of my application

You will be notified of the outcome of your application after the closing date and when the assessment process is completed.

What happens if my grant application is successful

If successful, you will be sent a grant agreement. Payments are made after you have correctly signed and returned your grant agreement.

Grants need to be acquitted when the project is completed and within the timeframe specified in the grant agreement.

You cannot receive another grant until all outstanding DVA grant acquittals have been submitted.