Donate

Grants & Sponsorships Program Applications

Applications for Deaf Connect’s Grants and Sponsorships Program are open year-round and we can support your application. 
 
We encourage you to contact us early in your planning. Our team can answer questions about the program, discuss which funding level is the best fit for your organisation or project and help you prepare the strongest application possible. 
 
While we’re happy to provide guidance throughout the application process, all funding decisions are made independently by Deaf Connect’s Grants and Sponsorships Assessment Panel. 
 
If you’re unsure whether your idea is eligible, we’d still love to hear from you. We’re committed to working with applicants to develop strong proposals that deliver meaningful outcomes for Deaf Australians and Auslan users.

Apply Now
image (16)

Who can apply

Individual Grants

Maximum funding: up to $3,000
Who can apply?
  • Deaf Australians 
  • Individuals with projects to support the Deaf community 

Individual Grants support personal and professional development, including education, training, leadership opportunities, business development and other activities that help individuals achieve their goals and strengthen the wider community.

Community Grants

Maximum funding: up to $5,000
Who can apply?
  • Community groups 
  • Schools 
  • Incorporated associations 
  • Not-for-profit organisations 
  • Individuals delivering projects with a demonstrated community benefit 

Community Grants fund projects that directly benefit Deaf Australians and Auslan users. This may include workshops, community activities, education programs, cultural initiatives, events or other projects that create opportunities for people to connect, learn, participate and build community.

Sponsorships

Maximum funding: up to $10,000
Who can apply?
  • Businesses 
  • Community groups 
  • Incorporated associations 
  • Schools 
  • Not-for-profit organisations 
  • Other organisations with an ABN / ACN 

Sponsorships support events, programs and initiatives that align with Deaf Connect’s purpose and provide a clear benefit to Deaf Australians and Auslan users. Sponsorships are intended for public-facing activities where Deaf Connect receives appropriate recognition in return for its investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who decides whether my application is successful?

All applications are assessed by Deaf Connect’s Grants and Sponsorships Assessment Panel against our funding framework, available funding and the expected benefit to Deaf Australians and Auslan users. 

Yes. We encourage you to contact us before submitting your application. Our team can help you understand the funding streams, discuss your project and answer questions about the application process. While we can help you prepare your application, all funding decisions are made independently by the Assessment Panel.

We support projects, events, partnerships and personal development opportunities that provide a clear benefit to Deaf Australians and those who communicate in Auslan. 

Examples include: 

  • Community workshops and events 
  • Personal education and training 
  • Leadership development 
  • Cultural activities 
  • Community participation initiatives 
  • Projects that improve access or inclusion 

Generally, we do not fund: 

  • The addition of interpreters or other access support for otherwise inaccessible events (see below) 
  • Activities that do not provide a clear benefit to the Deaf community 
  • General operating expenses unrelated to the project 
  • Political campaigns or activities 
  • Alcohol, gifts or prizes 
  • Retrospective funding for completed projects 
  • Projects that duplicate existing funded initiatives without demonstrating additional community benefit 

Generally, no. 

Deaf Connect is a not-for-profit organisation. We believe language access is a core responsibility of event organisers and should be included in event planning and budgeting. The inclusion of access should not be dependent on receiving external funding. 

In exceptional circumstances, Deaf Connect may provide interpreting services at a sponsorship rate as part of our overall funding contribution where this significantly improves community access. Any interpreting support forms part of the total funding provided and is not an additional grant. 

Yes. 

Successful applicants will enter into a funding agreement outlining the approved funding, reporting requirements and any recognition obligations. At the completion of the project, you’ll be asked to provide an acquittal demonstrating how the funding was used and the outcomes achieved. 
 
The recognition required will depend on the type and value of funding provided and may include social media posts, logo placement, acknowledgements at events or other agreed promotional activities. 

You may submit more than one application during the year, however applicants are generally limited to one successful grant or sponsorship per calendar year. If you have previously had a successful application, please note in your application why this project also requires funding support.  

We’ll acknowledge your application within five working days and aim to provide an outcome within 30 working days. Complex applications or requests for additional information may take longer. If there is a strict time limit on your application please contact us and let us know. 

There are more detailed FAQ’s available here 
 
If you still have questions, you’re unsure whether your project is eligible or you’d like to discuss your idea before applying, we’d love to hear from you. Our team is here to help you submit the strongest application possible.

2022.02_new website imagery (2560 × 1707 px) (7)

Successful recipients

Our program proudly supports a range of diverse and exciting projects from all over Australia.  

We love to celebrate and share the success stories of our recipients and how we played a part in their impact.  

 

Learn More
image (15)

Need help or have a question?

If you have any questions regarding the Deaf Connect Grants program OR if you would like support in developing your application, you can contact us through:  

image (17)