The Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Grants Program supports the work of ex-service organisations (ESOs) in providing free advocacy services to the veteran and Defence communities. Advocates give advice and assistance about claims, entitlements and services.
This year’s round marks a significant change to the BEST Program with the introduction of a 3-year grant round and grant agreement period.
This means ESOs will only be able to apply for the BEST Program in the 2026-27 round. This round will cover the next 3 years, and, if eligible, they will receive grant agreements for 3 years.
Funding has also more than doubled per year, with a total of up to $58.6 million (GST exclusive) over 3 years from 2026–27 to 2028–29 available for the BEST Program
This more streamlined approach provides increased stability for ESOs’ employment of advocates and is delivered in support of both Recommendation 99 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and the Senate Standing Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee Inquiry into Issues relating to advocacy services for veterans (accessing compensation and income support).
The BEST Program 2026-27 round is now open and closes on Wednesday 15 April 2026.
After this year’s round closes, the next round of BEST Program won’t open for applications until 2029, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
Click here to find out more about the changes to the program.
For more on the BEST Program and to apply, go to Building Excellence in Support and Training | Department of Veterans' Affairs
