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GO8148: National Autism Strategy: Improving Social Connections Grant Opportunity

Overview

This grant opportunity was announced as part of the Strategy release in January 2025.

The purpose of this grant opportunity is to support the delivery of peer support programs that improve the ability and opportunities for Autistic people to build and maintain meaningful social connections.

These peer support programs aim to reduce social isolation, enhance wellbeing, and foster inclusive communities by providing safe, supportive, and accessible environments where Autistic individuals can connect with peers and participate in community life.

This grant opportunity aligns with the objectives of Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031, particularly in promoting inclusive communities, improving social and economic participation, and ensuring people with disability have the opportunity to live fulfilling lives.

It also supports the emerging priorities of the Strategy, which seeks to improve outcomes for Autistic people living in Australia through greater inclusion, access to supports, and recognition of neurodiversity.

To view the grant opportunity documents, please select the red "Grant Opportunity Documents" button on the left-hand side.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible you must be one of the invited organisations listed and have received an invitation to apply from the Department.

The listed eligible organisations are:

  • AMAZE Incorporated (ABN 15 600 724 949)
  • Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) (ABN 12 000 637 267)
  • Autism Association of Australia Ltd (ABN 42 130 217 962)
  • I CAN Network Ltd (ABN 63 608 173 100)
  • Reframing Autism Ltd (ABN 33 634 493 628)

Applicants must meet the five statutory funding conditions under the Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023 (comply with the Code of Conduct; implement and maintain a complaints management and resolution system; implement and maintain an incident management system; not be subject to a banning order under section 73ZN of the NDIS Act (this also applies to key personnel); and comply with any other DSI Act terms).

If successful, personnel working on the activity must maintain Working with Vulnerable People registration (or equivalent), Working with Children check, and compliance with the DSI Act.

Applications must include required attachments (proof of entity type, bank verification, and attachment pack including activity budget template and risk management plan).

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Quick Info
Funding Amount
Eligible grant activities (explicit): community engagement, co-design and consultation; data collection and analysis; research and design; community collaboration and communication; project management including governance and administrative activities related to the grant; workforce development and training strategies; peer-led groups/programs promoting social connection for Autistic children, young people, or adults; involving Autistic people in design/development/evaluation of peer support initiatives; training for peer facilitators (especially Autistic individuals); accessible materials, toolkits or digital resources supporting social connection and inclusion; collaborations with local organisations to enhance reach and sustainability; systems to measure effectiveness and impact, including participant feedback and outcome tracking. Eligible expenditure (explicit): operational costs directly related to delivering services (e.g. rent, vehicle leasing, printing, stationery); wages of employees/contractors directly delivering services including superannuation; payments to Autistic peer mentors or facilitators; costs associated with training peer facilitators or staff (registration fees, materials, delivery); hire of accessible venues and supports (e.g. Auslan interpreters, sensory-friendly modifications, transport assistance); development/production of printed or digital materials, toolkits, or resources; purchase or hire of equipment specifically for delivering/accessing programs (e.g. tablets, audio-visual tools); costs for promoting the program to Autistic communities including accessible communications and outreach; costs for collecting feedback, conducting evaluations and reporting on outcomes; expenses related to stakeholder engagement, co-design workshops or collaboration with community organisations. Restrictions (explicit): cannot be used for purchase of land, paying ransom for cybercrime, wages/salaries not directly related to delivery, major capital expenditure or major construction, retrospective costs, costs incurred preparing the application, subsidy of general ongoing administration (electricity, phone, rent), overseas travel, activities for which other governments have primary responsibility, or activities organisations are obliged to undertake as part of legal/operational obligations including reasonable adjustment under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
Closing Date
6 February 2026(-172 days left)
Eligible Locations
National (All States)
Contact
1300 484 145Grant.ATM@health.gov.au
Apply NowView on Official Website

Last updated: 12 February 2026