DVA Grants

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).

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
  • promote the provision of welfare services and assist with access to the veteran and defence community. BEST-funded organisations will provide information on a wide range of available welfare services and benefits.

Review of DVA-funded Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs) Advocacy and Welfare Services

The full Review Report (PDF 625 KB) (RTF 11 MB), Charts and Graphs (PDF 221 KB) (RTF 49 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.

Saluting Their Service commemorations grants

Saluting Their Service grants support projects and activities which directly commemorate Australia’s servicemen and women who served in wars, conflicts and peace operations to promote appreciation and understanding of the role those who served have played in shaping the nation.

See: Details about Saluting Their Service grants and how to apply

Veteran and Community grants

The Veteran and Community Grants (V&CG) Program aims to improve the independence and quality of life of members of the veteran community by providing financial assistance for activities, services and projects to sustain and/or enhance wellbeing.

The V&CG Program has been reviewed as part of the Review of DVA-funded ESO Advocacy and Welfare Services.  The Review recommended that funding rounds be reduced from three to two each year.  It has since been decided that a more flexible and practical approach is needed. 

So, from 1 July 2012, funding rounds will occur on an ongoing, rolling basis.  When sufficient applications are received or a two month period has elapsed, a funding round will be processed for the Minister’s decision.

Applications will be accepted at any time from 1 July 2012.

For more information about the V&CG Program see Details about V&C grants and how to apply.

Long Tan bursary

The Long Tan bursary provides funding to help Australian Vietnam Veterans' children meet the cost of tertiary education and help them obtain formal qualifications and skills needed to pursue their chosen career.

See: Details about Long Tan bursary and how to apply

More information

See factsheets: