Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST)
BEST Grant Funding Round 15 (2013-14)
Applications for BEST Funding Round 15 are now closed.
Applications for funding in BEST Round 15 closed on 30 April 2013. Assessment of grant applications is currently being undertaken.
Applicants may have applied for funding for an existing organisation/centre or to assist in the development of a new organisation/centre. Depending on the demand on funding and the prioritisation of all applications, part funding only may be offered. Eligibility for BEST funding, the funding criteria and priorities as well as accountability and acquittal requirements are all detailed in the BEST Grants Program Application Guidelines, available here (Word, 328KB).
Applicants are advised to consult this site periodically to be informed of any updated information.
Grants for National Organisations (2013-14)
The Grants for National Organisations applications period is now closed.
Applications for funding for the Grants for National Organisations closed on 30 April 2013. Assessment of grant applications is currently being undertaken.
The Grants for National Organisations program aims to support the role of national ex-service organisations (ESOs) which provide co-ordinating and representational support within the veteran and Defence communities. The Grants for National Organisations Application Guidelines are located here (Word, 170KB).
What is the BEST program?
The Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Grants program forms part of the Government’s commitment to support the role of ex-service organisation (ESO) pensions and welfare practitioners and advocates, who provide advice and assistance to the veteran and Defence communities. BEST assists by providing a contribution to the work of ESO practitioners. BEST links closely to the Training and Information Program (TIP). TIP provides the essential skills for claims, advocacy and welfare work in organisations that receive BEST funding.
Program Objectives
The objectives of the BEST program are to:
- improve the quality of claims received at the primary determining level, and assist ESOs in achieving this objective;
- reduce the rate of appeals to the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB) and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT); and/or
- promote the provision of welfare services to the veteran and defence community.
Review of DVA-funded Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs) Advocacy and Welfare Services
The full Review Report (PDF 625 KB) (RTF 11MB), Charts and Graphs (PDF 221 KB) (RTF49 MB) are available at this link. The recommendations in the Report endeavoured to build increased consistency in approach within and across the three grant programs, and give a greater degree of transparency and accountability, while endeavouring to establish program structures that will see their contribution well into the future. In doing so, the review accounted for the valuable contribution of the volunteer workforce which always has the welfare and interests of the veteran community as its priority. The Government has accepted all 45 recommendations which are being implemented progressively.
More information
If you need more information the BEST program please contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).