Appendix G - Discretionary grants

The Department managed the following grants programs during 2005-06. A list of grant recipients for these discretionary grants is available on request.

Veteran & Community Grants

Veteran & Community Grants provide seeding funds for projects that support a healthy, quality lifestyle for members of the veteran community and assist them to remain living independently in their own homes. Grants also fund initiatives that reduce social isolation, support carers and improve access to community care services.

Ex-service and community organisations, veteran representative groups and private organisations that can demonstrate a contribution to the welfare of members of the veteran community are eligible to apply for Veteran & Community Grants.

Grants totalling $2 902 140 were approved for 226 projects to benefit the veteran community in 2005-06.

Health and Medical Research Grants

The Health and Medical Research Grants Program funds individual research grants that address health issues of particular relevance to entitled veterans and war widows/widowers. Payments totalling $636 100 were made to seven existing grants during 2005-06, funding research into areas such as prostate disease and alcohol abuse. The grants program is being phased out following the findings of a research review conducted in 2003, with the last of the existing grants due to conclude in December 2007.

Building Excellence in Support and Training

The Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program is linked to the Training and Information (TIP) program to both resource and train ex-service organisations (ESO). The BEST and TIP programs form the cornerstone of the DVA/ESO relationship in the compensation and social welfare fields and complement each other in addressing claims assistance and welfare needs. The aim of the BEST program is to provide support and resources to ESO practitioners for pensions and welfare work to assist Australian and Allied veterans, their dependants and/or past and present members of the Australian Defence Force.

To be eligible for funding under the revised BEST Guidelines, an ESO must either be incorporated under the relevant State legislation, or alternatively, be sponsored by an incorporated bona fide ESO. The Department encourages ESOs to explore the option of a cooperative project/centre, using the resources of two or more organisations to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

BEST is an annual grants program. In 2005-06, 176 ex-service organisations received BEST grants totalling $3.531million.

Commemorations grants

Under the Saluting Their Service program, ex-service and community organisations, local government authorities and other organisations may apply for grants for a range of commemorations projects and initiatives. Grants are available to assist with the restoration or updating of war memorials that are the community focus for commemoration, or the establishment of new memorials that will be the focus for commemoration, where none exists. These grants are usually to a maximum of $4 000. In 2005-06, 392 grants totalling $951 420 were approved by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

Grants are also available to assist in projects that include the preservation and display of wartime memorabilia, commemoration of special anniversaries, significant reunions, education initiatives and public awareness activities. These grants are usually up to a maximum of $3 000. In 2005-06, 217 grants totalling $587 180 were approved by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

Grants in Aid

The Grants in Aid program aims to assist the national bodies of ESOs with their administration expenses in recognition of the services these organisations provide to the ex-service community. Outcomes from such assistance may include the support of organisations with declining or limited membership, improved access to meeting venues for the ex-service community and improved communication on repatriation matters. The program encourages cooperation and communication between the ex-service community, ESOs and the Australian Government. During 2005-06, 12 grants to the value of $160 302 were awarded.