Grants in Aid

The Grants in Aid (GIA) Program aims to encourage co operation and communication between the ex-service community, ex service organisations (ESOs) and the Australian Government. It also aims to encourage the advancement of the objectives of national ESOs.

What is the Grants in Aid (GIA) Program

The GIA Program aims to support national ESOs to provide coordinating and representational support for Australia’s veteran and Defence community. The GIA Program is open to invited national ESOs. Eligible organisations are reviewed annually by DVA.

How can the grants be used

The GIA Program offers funding for projects and activities that:

• assist national ESOs to support their branches, sub-branches and affiliated organisations in performing compensation and/or wellbeing advocacy or welbeing support work
• assist national ESOs to advance the objectives of all ESOs more generally
• assist national ESOs to improve co-operation and communication between national bodies, branches, sub branches and affiliated organisations on repatriation and military compensation matters
• encourage co-operation and communication between the ex-service community, ESOs and the Australian Government.

Who can apply

The GIA Program is a closed non-competitive grant opportunity that opens annually.  As a requirement of this grant, eligible entities must be the national head of a veteran organisation, with oversight of ESOs under their national agenda. See the Grant Opportunity Guidelines on GrantConnect for further information.

How do I apply

Only the national ESOs invited to apply through GrantConnect are eligible to apply for this grant. An invitation does not guarantee success in receiving funding.

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 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.