Victorian grants program set to support unpaid carers

Key points:

• The ‘Connecting Carers in their Community’ grants program is intended to support eligible unpaid carers in Victoria

• Eligible organisations will be able to apply for a one-off grant of between $20,000 to $40,000 dollars

• Grant applications will open from 9:00 a.m., August 18, 2023 and close 5:00 p.m., September 15, 2023

Carers Victoria has unveiled the ‘Connecting Carers in their Community’ grants program to provide support for organisations which connect unpaid carers to those who need assistance.

Judith Abbott, chief executive officer of Carers Victoria, said there were over 700,000 unpaid carers across the State and she hoped that Connecting Carers in their Community will benefit a significant number of them.

“We want to give organisations around the State — regardless of size and location — the opportunity to access these grants so they can support carers from all walks of life; from a young carer caring for a sibling, parent or grandparent, caring for a person with a disability, mental illness/issue or addiction, to a person caring for a family member or loved one with a chronic illness,” Ms Abbott said.

The CEO said that eligible organisations will need to hold an Australian business number, operate as a not-for-profit and have public liability insurance. Carers Victoria welcomed the opportunity to review applicants which demonstrated innovation and breadth, particularly, organisations which have the ability to reach isolated unpaid carers.

“Organisations interested in applying for the grant are urged to visit the Carers Victoria website for further details and submission guidelines. Together, we can build a more connected and supportive community for Victorian carers.”

An independent panel will be established by Carers Victoria to review the project plan, activity evaluation, mid- and end-point reports and financial acquittal, which will be required for successful applicants.

Talking Disability journalist David McManus spoke with Carers Victoria General Manager of Impact and Engagement Andrew Lyall about the application process. He explained that the grants were designed with simplicity in mind and accessible for volunteer-led organisations.

“What we’ve done with the application process online is really start to ask some key questions. An applicant will only have to put in an applicant description which is only about 200 words — what is the aim of the project?,” Mr Lyall continued.

“We would encourage people to think about what’s missing from their local communities — what, really, could you do that would bring about something new for unpaid carers in your community?

“That’s what I would encourage people to think about: ‘how can I help those unpaid carers?’ It is about their local communities.

“We are really looking for clever ideas, when I say ‘innovation,’ [I mean] outside of the box — something that is perhaps unique to your communities, because it is a local community grant […] until we see [the projects] we won’t really know what they’ll look like.”

Andrew encouraged organisations to reach out and emphasised how the process was streamlined to help people from the moment they apply and up until the project completion date.

To get involved and apply — please visit Carers Victoria to learn more. 

Let the team at Talking Disability know your thoughts on improving support for local unpaid carers. Are you a carer?