Investing in community-lead solutions
SSI’s Grassroots Collective is a pilot initiative that provides flexible funding and practical support to community organisations delivering locally driven solutions.
We believe communities are best placed to identify their needs and create meaningful change. This pilot helps turn community-led ideas into action while building long-term capability.
Through financial and in-kind support, participating community groups and organisations join a growing network committed to strengthening connection, inclusion and resilience. Together, we’re testing new ways to support grassroots innovation and community capability across Australia.
What's on offer
Beyond funding: Selected organisations receive guidance throughout delivery, connections to local stakeholders, opportunities for shared learning, and inclusion in The Grassroots Collective network.
Learn more about The Grassroots Collective
Eligibility
Stream 1
Community Group
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
- Non-incorporated community groups with an incorporated auspice (legal & financial responsibility)
- Social enterprises with community purpose
- Community-led organisations (multicultural, grassroots, lived experience)
- New or emerging ethno-specific organisations
- Groups with limited grant experience or facing barriers
Stream 2
NGO Supported Community
- Small NGOs applying with a community that has no formal organisation
Ineligble applicants
- Individuals
- Political organisations or activities
- For-profit entities without a clear community benefit
- Organisations not working with eligible migrant or settlement-pathway communities
Important requirements: Applicants must show a strong, genuine connection to communities facing settlement and integration challenges.
This pilot focuses on communities within specific visa and settlement pathways.
Geographic scope: This pilot is open to organisations delivering initiatives in regions of South East Queensland and Perth.
Eligible initiatives
Initiatives should focus on one clear and practical outcome for participants. Here are some examples of eligible activities across our priority areas:
Children and Young People
Strengthen participation, confidence, voice and connection for children and young people within their communities.
Examples include:
- Creative, cultural, or digital projects led by young people, ending in a community event or shared outcome
- Peer or mentor-led activities that build confidence, leadership, and community involvement
- Workshops where children and young people share their ideas and help design solutions to issues affecting them
- Safe and inclusive group activities that connect young people with community spaces, mentors, or support services
Refugees and People Seeking Asylum
Reduce isolation, build confidence and support participation and navigation within local communities.
Examples include:
- Community-led sessions that help people understand health, education, housing, and local services
- Peer-led groups or safe spaces that support connection and shared learning for newly arrived people
- Inclusive activities for refugees and people seeking asylum with disability, ensuring accessibility
- Projects that connect newly arrived people with local residents, groups, or community networks
Health and Wellbeing
Strengthen wellbeing, health literacy and community connection through culturally responsive, preventative approaches.
Examples include:
- Creative or storytelling projects that explore wellbeing, mental health, or disability in simple and accessible ways
- Peer-led sessions that reduce stigma and help people understand available support services
- Community activities that build social connection and support overall wellbeing
Integration, Inclusion and Belonging
Build relationships, trust and shared understanding across diverse communities.
Examples include:
- Intercultural events or projects that encourage meaningful interaction, not just attendance
- Storytelling, arts, or community discussions that explore identity, belonging, and shared experiences
- Projects that bring together newly arrived and long-term residents for a shared goal
- Creative or cultural activities that support inclusion and active participation in the community
Service Navigation and System Literacy
Improve understanding and confidence in navigating mainstream services and systems.
Examples include:
- Community-led workshops or sessions on how to access important services
- Peer educators or community ambassadors who help others understand and use services
- Simple, culturally appropriate resources that explain how to find and use services
- Activities that build practical knowledge of how systems work and where to get help
Employment Readiness
Early-stage employment readiness, aspiration and pathway development (not job placement).
Examples include:
- Community-led workshops on job readiness and workplace culture
- Sessions or events that connect people with employers or different industries
- Mentoring or storytelling from people who have found pathways into work
- Activities that build skills and confidence to pursue training, volunteering, or jobs
Strengthening Community Leadership and Capacity
Across all priority areas, activities may also focus on strengthening leadership and delivery capability where this directly supports the identified outcome.
Examples include:
- Leadership training or mentoring for community members running the project
- Training in governance, project delivery, or community organising linked to the project
- Peer-led activities that build skills and support the community to continue after the grant ends
Ineligible activities
- Core organisational operations: General administration, staff salaries not directly linked to the project, rent, utilities, or insurance unrelated to the initiative.
- Ongoing existing service delivery: Ongoing service delivery already funded elsewhere, programs with government contracts, or activities duplicating existing funded services.
- Political advocacy or campaigning: Activities supporting political parties or candidates, lobbying for legislative change, or political rallies.
- Capital works or major infrastructure: Building or renovation works, purchase of vehicles, or major equipment (minor equipment directly related to the activity may be considered).
Key dates
Applications open: 1 April 2026
Applications close: 30 April 2026
Application assessment period: 7 May – 21 May 2026
Notification and onboarding: Late May
Funds released: Early-mid June 2026
Application process
(1) Expression of Interest: Submit a short and accessible EOI outlining your idea.
(2) Guided discussion: Shortlisted organisations will be invited to discuss their initiative with the selection panel.
(3) Assessment: Applications are assessed using clear, outcome-focused criteria.
(4) Notification and onboarding: Successful organisations will receive a formal offer and onboarding support.
(5) Initiative delivery: Projects are implemented with light-touch monitoring and support.
What to expect
Successful organisations will:
- Enter into a simple funding agreement
- Deliver the approved initiative within agreed timeframes
- Participate in a mid-point update and final reporting process
- Provide a basic expenditure summary
- Acknowledge SSI support in communications and materials
SSI will provide guidance, support and opportunities for shared learning throughout the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include incorporated not-for-profit organisations, community groups supported by an incorporated auspice, and social enterprises aligned with the initiative’s purpose.
Organisations should be community-led and demonstrate strong connection to communities experiencing settlement or integration challenges.
This pilot round is open to initiatives delivered in Queensland and Western Australia.
Can unincorporated community groups apply?
Yes. Unincorporated community groups can apply if they are supported by an incorporated organisation willing to act as an auspice and take legal and financial responsibility for the funding.
What is an auspice organisation?
An auspice organisation is an incorporated organisation that agrees to receive and manage funding on behalf of an unincorporated community group.
The auspice is responsible for financial accountability and ensuring the funding is used for the approved initiative.
Do we need to be a registered charity?
No. Organisations do not need to be registered charities.
However, they must be incorporated and demonstrate a clear community benefit aligned with the purpose of the initiative.
Can organisations outside Queensland or Western Australia apply?
No. This pilot round is focused on initiatives delivered in Queensland and Western Australia.
Can individuals apply?
No. This initiative supports community-led organisations and groups.
Individuals are not eligible to apply.
Can an initiative cover multiple priority areas or only one outcome area?
Initiatives should focus on one primary outcome area.
Projects may contribute to additional outcomes, but applications will be assessed based on the clarity and feasibility of the main outcome identified.
Can we propose a one-off event?
Yes. One-off events can be supported if they are community-led and demonstrate a clear and practical outcome for participants.
Can we propose a program delivered over several months?
Yes. Initiatives may be delivered over a period of time, provided they can be completed within the approved project timeframe and demonstrate achievable outcomes.
Can we continue an existing program with this funding?
Funding is intended to support new initiatives or pilot activities.
Existing programs may only be considered if the proposal introduces a clearly defined new component, innovation or expanded outcome.
Can we submit our EOI in a language other than English?
Yes. SSI aims to make the process accessible and may accept responses in other languages where appropriate.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the program team if language support is required.
Can we submit a video instead of written responses?
Yes. Applicants may have the option to submit a short video response at the Expression of Interest stage if this better supports accessibility and communication of their idea.
Can we receive feedback if unsuccessful?
Yes. SSI will aim to provide brief feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
Where capacity allows, organisations may also be offered an opportunity to discuss how to strengthen future applications.
Can project timelines change after approval?
Project timelines are expected to align with the approved delivery period.
If circumstances change, organisations should contact SSI as early as possible to discuss potential adjustments.
Can organisations use SSI logos and branding?
Yes. Successful organisations will receive simple communications guidance, including approved acknowledgement wording and SSI logo files, to support appropriate recognition of SSI’s support.
What is an Incorporated Not-for-Profit Organisation?
An incorporated not-for-profit organisation is a group that:
- Has been formally registered as a legal entity
- Operates for a community, charitable, or social purpose (not for profit)
- Does not distribute profits to members (any surplus is reinvested into its activities)
What is the registration requirement for an Incorporated Not-for-Profit Organisation?
In Queensland incorporated Association must register with Office of Fair-Trading Queensland. In Western Australia, organisations must register with Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety. For national registration, some incorporated organisations may also register as charities with Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
Do you have any specific requirements for submitting the video? Such as, capacity limit, and video types?
Please see the below guides for how to submit your video.
How to upload your video to YouTube and share the link
Is this available to all regions within Western Australia and Queensland?
In Queensland we are able to support initiatives in the regions of Brisbane, Ipswich, Redlands and Moreton Bay South.
In Western Australia we are able to support the regions of Stirling, Swan, Wanneroo, Gosnells, Armadale, Kwinana, Canning and Joondalup.
Ready to apply?
If your organisation has a community-led idea that aligns with the initiative’s purpose, we encourage you to apply.
Before you apply: Please note that once you start your application, you cannot exit and resume the session. Please be prepared with your responses for your written, or video, submission.
Details that will need to be covered:
Your Activity or Project
- What you want to do (activity, event, or project)
- Who will join or benefit
- How the community is involved (leading or working together)
Community Benefit
- What positive change this will bring
- What problems it helps solve (e.g. isolation, language barriers, wellbeing)
Funding Request
- How much funding you need
- What the money will be used for (main items only)
For Stream 2 (NGO-supported applications):
- Explain the NGO’s role
- Confirm how the communities you work with helped design the project
Get in touch
Email: grassrootscollective@ssi.org.au
Phone: (02) 9685 0100