Recipients for the 2026–27 Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program have been announced, with 109 ex-service organisations (ESOs) to share in $50.7 million in grant funding over three years.
The 2026–27 grant round is the first to be delivered under a redesigned BEST Program, which provides funding to support ESOs to provide free advocacy services. These services help veterans, Defence members and families understand their entitlements, navigate claims and review processes, and connect with the support they need.
The Australian Government has committed up to $50.7 million (GST exclusive) over 3 years from 2026–27 to 2028–29 to support advocacy services across Australia. This investment more than doubles annual funding under the program.
The redesigned program gives ESOs greater certainty through a more streamlined process, a 3-year grant agreement period and increased funding to support paid, volunteer and trainee compensation and wellbeing advocates.
The changes will help ESOs recruit, retain and develop advocates, supporting continued access to advocacy for the veteran and Defence community.
The new funding model also shifts the focus from the number of claims lodged to the number of advocates an organisation employs, or intends to employ, over the grant period. This includes support for the salary costs of trainee advocates, helping to strengthen advocacy capability into the future.
For more information about the BEST Program, visit Building Excellence in Support and Training | Department of Veterans' Affairs.