Community group funding
Financial assistance is available for community organisations which provide support or community connection for Defence families.
Grants are one-off payments which must be spent before the end of the same financial year in which they are awarded.
Any not‑for‑profit, incorporated group representing a significant number of Defence families can apply for a grant, provided they run programs which help overcome the effects of mobility and address the needs of Defence families.
These programs can fall into any of these three categories:
- community engagement, such as setting up newsletters or social network sites, holding welcome events or establishing a neighbourhood house or community centre.
-
personal growth and development, such as healthy lifestyle programs, self‑development courses like anger or stress management, hobby and interest groups, workshops addressing challenges of Defence life or parenting courses.
-
child and youth development, such as playgroups, toy libraries, leadership training for teens, mentoring programs or youth groups.
Grant applications close on 30 April each year and reopen early in the next financial year.
Guidelines and eligibility criteria for applying
Applications are made through the online grant request system at http://osd.defence.gov.au and instructions can be found in the guidelines.
Contact the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 for more information.
Community group insurance assistance
If you have a not‑for‑profit Defence community group and are having difficulty obtaining affordable insurance, you can apply to join the umbrella insurance negotiated by DCO and the Defence Insurance Office and provided by Marsh Pty Ltd. This includes public and products liability, contents and volunteer workers.
'Like' the DCO Facebook page to receive updates and info
