We strongly encourage prospective applicants to phone or email ACCAN's grants team to discuss your project idea. Remember, applications are assessed independently, so we are able to help you develop your idea and hone it appropriately for the ACCAN Program. We're also available for any other questions you might have about ACCAN Grants.

Phone: 02 9288 4000

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or via the National Relay Service

 

ACCAN Grants Program Banner - Woman researching at libraryThe Panel assesses applications to ACCAN's Independent Grants Program and recommends the strongest applications to the ACCAN Board for funding. The Panel is an important part of ensuring the independence and rigour of the Grants Program process. 

ACCAN Grants Program Banner - Woman researching at libraryACCAN is committed to best serving telecommunications consumers by administering a high quality Grants Program that is responsive to consumer needs. We have a two-stage application process, with only  Streams depending on the type of work you are planning to do. 

 

First, choose your Stream

You can apply under one of two Streams:

1. Research Stream

Choose this Stream if your proposed project is predominantly research.

2. Education and Representation Stream

Choose this Stream if your proposed project is predominantly consumer education and/or representation.

The lead applicant MUST be from the community sector, or demonstrate strong and genuine community sector partnership.

Expression of Interest stage

Expressions of Interest are completed via a shortened application form and assessed according to the Guidelines by the Independent Grants Panel. 

Step 1 - Read the Guidelines and Strategic Plan.

Step 2 - Create a rough draft of your project idea.

Step 3 - Contact the grants team to review the idea and get advice on whether it is likely to be considered eligible:

Email: grants @ accan.org.au

Call: 02 9288 4000

Or contact us through the National Relay Service

Step 4 - Complete the Expression of Interest form on the SmartyGrants application portal. (You will need to register for a SmartyGrants account if you don't already have one.)

Step 5 - Submit your application online by the due date stated in the Guidelines. Late applications will not be accepted. Note that closing times are in Australian Eastern times.

Expression of Interest form

Download a sample copy of the EOI application form below. Use this to help prepare your application offline or with a team.

Do NOT submit this sample form. All applications MUST be submitted online via the SmartyGrants application portal.

The 2024 application form will be shared here when the round opens. It is expected to be similar to last year's:

Download: docx2023 ACCAN Grants EOI Form - sample.docx88.81 KB

 

Full Application Stage

If your Expressions of Interest is successful, you will be invited to submit a Full Application, also via SmartyGrants. Use the same login details as you used at the EOI stage.

A Word version of the application form will be provided below. As with your EOI, you cannot submit this sample form. You must submit your application online via the SmartyGrants application portal.

Download: docx2023 ACCAN Grants Full Application form.docx105.97 KB (2024 application form will be provided after the round opens)

We strongly encourage all Full Application stage applicants to consult the Guidelines and to contact the ACCAN Grants Team to discuss your application to ensure it is eligible and competitive. Please note that answers in the Full Application form do not have to match those given at the EOI stage - applicants are able to change their answers to strengthen their applications by adding further detail, clarifying any areas, or adjusting approach. The amount requested can also be adjusted, though any substantive change should be justified.

Supporting documents

If the Assessment Panel needs more information such as annual reports or other documents, they will request it. They do not need to be uploaded at the time you make the application.

What should I put in the budget?

You are required to submit a budget with your application. You must think of all the income components from every source. You must think of, and reasonably estimate, each cost (expense) necessary for your project.

Income and expenditure need to add up to the same amount: you can't spend more than the project receives, and you can't spend less either.

Income

The income table is a summary of all other sources of funding you will be using for this project (e.g. if your organisation is contributing cash or in-kind support). If you have another grant for this project, show that grant in the list. Each source should be listed separately. Make sure your Total Income is the same amount as Total Expenditure. These two figures need to equal each other.

Expenses

In the expenses table, list all costs directly associated with the project. You may need to buy or rent equipment, fund a research worker, pay for travel, printing, or even room hire. Think through all the things you will need to make your project a success. If you have included in-kind in the income, then make sure you include it as part of the total expenditure. Expenditure is the list of things that are expended as part of the project.

Only include travel that is absolutely necessary for your project, and this needs to be well justified. Simply presenting results at a conference is not sufficient justification as the activities must form an integral part of the project.

Will ACCAN fund overheads?

ACCAN won't fund overheads, such as administration levies, general office space and so on. We do not cover normal operating costs for an organisation to do its business either. Check the complete list of exclusions in the Guidelines. The grant program funds clearly defined projects and project activity towards specific outputs.

We do cover all costs that are directly attributable to the project itself, e.g. project labour, project management, project accounting, or even office space and room hire if it can be justified as directly attributable to the project.

It all depends on how clearly the cost is related to the project - If you were not doing this project would the cost still exist? If yes, then we will not cover it. Is it an arbitrary levy added by your organisation on top of the project? If yes, we won't cover it. We only cover costs for activities inside the project.

Do I include GST?

No. All amounts you put in the budget should exclude GST. If you are successful, GST will be paid in addition to the amount you apply for.

Accessibility

All resources produced under the Grants Program need to conform to basic accessibility principles. This means that:

    • all documents, images and webpages are accessible to screen readers ie. You are using alt text on images and Heading Styles are consistent
    • digital resources such as videos contain captions and audio description, or a transcript.

Ensure your application demonstrates your plan for this, or if some resources are intended to not be made accessible, your justification. ACCAN staff can provide guidance before you apply. 

If you are funded, ACCAN will meet with you early in your project to confirm your plans for accessibility. We have accessibly-formatted templates that we can share with you for writing reports, or if you will be using a graphic designer or web developer without experience in accessibility, we can highlight the key design features they’ll need to consider.

Download our basic instructions on how to make documents accessible:

Download: docxHow to make documents accessible.docx4.02 MB

 

Top Tips

  • Ensure your project fits: Is it really a telecommunications project? Does it satisfy one of the listed priorities? Read the Guidelines well, and contact us to discuss your project idea.

  • Write in clear, simple English: avoid jargon and long-winded sentences. Say exactly what you're going to do.

  • Be specific: Rather than "a large number of consumers will benefit" say "150 consumers in the Armidale community will access tailored digital literacy training programs."

  • Balance your budget: Income needs to equal expenditure. Include all cash and in-kind contributions. Be realistic about what time and resources you will need. This shows you have thought things through.

  • Demonstrate that you understand the context for your project  - what gap are you filling in terms of the research and other work that already exists? Check other published work, including ACCAN's research, and government bodies such as communications regulators.

  • Clearly explain how your project differs from other related projects that exist. This is particularly important for projects involving cyber-safety and digital literacy training. This is because the Australian government and other not-for-profits are addressing these issues through various training programs. If you see a gap or a limitation to these resources, explain why and how your project is addressing a significant gap. Ensure you refer to the ACCAN resources already available. If you are developing new materials, how will they complement what's already 'out there'?

  • Clearly explain the future your project will have after our funding ceases. Do you expect the work to continue in any way? What provisions have you included in your planning to ensure this can happen?

  • Look through our previous grants projects to get a better understanding of what and who we fund.

Additional resources

ACCAN Grants Program Banner - Woman researching at library2024 Grants Round

The next round of the ACCAN Indpendent Grants Program will open: Tuesday 30th January, 2024.

If you are thinking of applying, we encourage you to contact us in advance. The Grants Team is available all year round* to provide feedback on your project idea and answer any questions you have. Please Contact Us.

*Note that the ACCAN office will close December 22nd 2023 and reopen Monday 8th January 2024.

When the round opens, we will publish updated Guidelines and Priority Themes, which are expected to be similar to previous years. Below you can find information about last year's Round for your reference:

2023 Round Guidelines (2024 Guidelines COMING SOON)

Consult the Guidelines for everything you need to know about how the ACCAN Grants Program works, including eligibility, how to apply, the timeline and what to expect. These guidelines contain the rules for the Program and the assessment approach.

Download:docxACCAN Grants Program Guidelines 2023.docx4.69 MB

Download:pdfACCAN Grants Program Guidelines 2023.pdf1020.47 KB

2023 Round Priority Themes (2024 Priorities COMING SOON)

All applications MUST be framed in terms of a specific consumer problem aligned with ACCAN's strategic plan. 

If you are applying under the Research Stream, you MUST ALSO demonstrate alignment with one of the below Priority Themes. Priorities are formulated in consultation with ACCAN's stakeholders and change year to year.  

2023 Priority Themes: 

  • Communications privacy and security e.g., cyber-security.
  • Digital exclusion e.g., policy issues; practical responses; economic cost.
  • Communications affordability e.g., Obstacles to device and service upgrades; mis-selling; sales tactics; financial hardship.
  • Solutions to communications issues for remote consumers.
  • Other topics which can demonstrate direct alignment with ACCAN’s strategic plan.

     

2023 Round Timeline (2024 Timeline COMING SOON)

Expressions of Interest round OPENS

30 Jan 2024

Expressions of Interest round CLOSES

TBA

EOI Applicants informed of outcome

TBA

Full Application round OPENS

(for invited applicants only)

TBA

Full Application round CLOSES

TBA

Full applicants informed of outcome

30 June 2024

Funded projects can begin from

1 July 2024

Who can apply?

Eligible projects come from a range of applicants, such as individual researchers, community organisations, local councils and universities – all you need is an ABN and some great ideas. Check our website to see previous grant recipients. We strongly encourage partnerships, so if you're interested in a partnership with industry, a community organisation or university, get in touch with us as we may be able to make an introduction.

What is eligible?

Eligible projects address telecommunications consumer issues. A telecommunications consumer issue is one that is systemic, persistent and generally widespread, affecting consumers in their use of telecommunications and internet services. The issue could be something that affects the general public or it might be an issue affecting a particular part of the community such as children, older people, or people with disabilities, but preferably one where multiple sectors would benefit from a solution.

It could be a project that addresses consumer rip-offs or people getting into debt over their phone or internet usage. Or you may be studying the regulatory space for telecommunications services in Australia. These are just some examples. Whatever your project, it fills an identified gap and improves telecommunications goods, services or information for Australian consumers.

Make sure you have a look at ACCAN's strategic plan, our policy priorities and website before applying.

What won't get funded?

We often see applications which use apps, websites or other technologies to benefit Australian consumers in some other way eg. to improve their health, educate them about community services, or deliver arts or wellbeing programs to Australians in need. While these are all worthwhile projects, they do NOT fall within ACCAN's remit and would be deemed ineligible under the ACCAN Grants Program. Your project needs to demonstrate outcomes for telecommunications consumers.

Questions to ask yourself include:

  1. How does my project improve the purchase or use of phone and internet services in Australia?

  2. What are the outcomes for the telecommunications sector? Is my project directed at telcos, telecommunications regulators, government or consumers with regards to their telecommunications use?  - If so, then your project is likely within scope. If your aim is to improve other sectors, then your project is ineligible.

 ACCAN's scope generally does NOT include content, unless that content is related to telecommunications eg. phone plans, billing, privacy of telco contracts, consumer rights with regard to phone or internet services.

If you're unsure if your project fits our Program, or even if you're sure it does, talk to us. If you give us enough time, we may even be able to provide feedback on application drafts.

For the full list of eligibility criteria, see the Guidelines.

Will ACCAN fund overheads?

ACCAN won't fund overheads, such as administration levies, general office space and so on. We don’t cover normal operating costs for an organisation to do its business either. The grant program funds clearly defined projects and project activity towards specific outputs.

We do cover all costs that are directly attributable to the project itself, e.g. project labour, project management, project accounting, or even office space and room hire if it can be justified as directly attributable to the project.

It all depends on how clearly the cost is related to the project - If you weren’t doing this project would the cost still exist? If yes, then we won’t cover it. Is it an arbitrary levy added by your organisation on top of the project? If yes, we won't cover it. We only cover costs for activities inside the project.

Contact us

We strongly encourage prospective applicants to phone or email ACCAN's grants team to discuss your project idea. Remember, applications are assessed independently, so we are able to help you develop your idea and hone it appropriately for the ACCAN Program. We're also available for any other questions you might have about ACCAN Grants.

Email: grants @ accan.org.au
Phone: 02 9288 4000
Or contact us via the NRS. 

This is a resources page.

ACCAN Grants Program Banner - Woman researching at libraryContact Us

We encourage you to talk to us before applying for an ACCAN Grant. The Grants Team is available to help develop your project idea, ensure it's within scope, and with enough notice, we may be able to review a draft and help you make the most of your application.

The best way to reach us is via email - let us know a good time & number to phone you, or simply pop your questions & project ideas into the email. We will get back to you as soon as we can: 

Email: grants @ accan.org.au

Phone: 02 9288 4000 (ACCAN reception) or via the National Relay Service

Subscribe

To keep up to date with all things grants related and to better understand ACCAN's work, subscribe to the mailing lists below:

 

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)

Online Safety Codes require social media platforms to build safety features that empower users to protect themselves from technology-facilitated abuse. However, 42% of Australians agree that existing safety features are inadequate, leaving women and gender-diverse users most vulnerable. ACCAN’s submission to the Codes recommends involving end-consumers early on to produce consumer-centric outcomes.

This project investigates how women and gender-diverse users engage with safety features on social media, to identify their strengths/limitations. Following “Safety by Design” principles, the project will collaborate with users, designers and policymakers, to produce consumer-centric recommendations to proactively design online safety mechanisms that address vulnerable consumers’ safety expectations.

WorkVentures Ltd

Appropriate device access remains a pervasive challenge for many Australians, with First Nations Australians among the most digitally excluded. Meanwhile, annually the Australian public and corporate sector refreshes c.2 million devices, with most being sold on international markets or recycled. This project supports the establishment of a National Device Bank (‘NDB’) model through a targeted First Nations proof of concept. A NDB seeks to distribute refurbished technology, donated by companies and government agencies, for free to digitally excluded communities. A NDB was also recommended by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (‘FNDIAG’), supporting Target 17 of Closing the Gap.

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)

This project progresses research funded by ACCAN (2021) which analysed digital inequalities amongst public housing residents. That project revealed the pivotal role neighbourhood centres play in digital skill acquisition and troubleshooting for people who face barriers to being digitally included. This project analyses work and learning practices of neighbourhood centre staff and students and will create insights into 1) best practice in personalised digital skill training 2) barriers to digital access that inform need for skill acquisition and troubleshooting. Findings will assist neighbourhood centres to optimise their teaching and assist telecommunications companies to address barriers that impede access.

Deaf Australia

Since publication of the ‘What Standards?’ Auslan translation guidelines in 2015, the NDIS and pandemic have significantly reshaped Auslan user needs. This project will evaluate and update these guidelines by reviewing current usage and compliance across Australia, improving guidelines for Deafblind consumers, and incorporating emerging Auslan-first products, often viewed as a better alternative to translations. Ultimately, the findings will provide Auslan translation guidelines for current and foreseeable requirements, deeper consideration of Deafblind needs, and an understanding of when Auslan-first products should be produced instead of Auslan translations.

Center For Accessibility Australia

This project has been funded by ACCAN to explore the issues raised with CFA Australia by people with disability regarding the difficulty in cancelling mobile phone plans. To identify potential issues in cancelling plans provided by SIM providers, a comprehensive assessment was taken of 44 SIM providers in relation to user testing and conformance against the WCAG 2.2 standard.

The results identified that there are currently no telco apps or websites that completely support people who are blind or have low vision, and a very low number of apps that can completely support people that are deaf or hard of hearing in cancelling their plans. All apps or websites had some form of accessibility support for people that have a cognitive disability, but none of the apps were entirely accessible across the board. People who are blind or have low vision face an additional challenge in that there were accessibly issues with both using their preferred assistive technologies such as screen readers, and accessibility issues with the app or website itself not conforming to WCAG standards.

While all SIM providers have room for improvement, it is encouraging that there are some leaders in this area and providers are encouraged to look at the accessibility and service offerings of companies that provide effective support in this space to provide broader improvements going forward. The data table for all 44 SIM providers in Appendix A is published on the CFAA projects page. Training support to SIM providers is included as part of this project to support the improvement and awareness of digital access processes.

See the CFAA projects page for their suite of reports: 

  • Cancellations for All main report
  • Cancellations for All supporting document (a guide to the audit results for each telco)
  • User Efficiency Table (provides a 'traffic light' system for the accessibility of each telco app)
  • Cancellations for All companion report (looks at the accessibility of telco plan sign up processes)

 

This work is part of a series looking at accessibility for people with disabilities, and includes Telcos for All which was also funded by an ACCAN grant, in 2020.

Griffith University

While cybersecurity self-help advice is readily available to consumers, most resources are focused on preventing unintended sharing of devices, passwords, accounts, and personal information. This advice is ill-suited to intimate relationship contexts where sharing is common. A lack of baseline knowledge about smartphone-sharing practices and the reasons behind them has hampered Australian efforts to strengthen consumer cybersecurity. This project will create a new evidence base to understand everyday consumer smartphone sharing in intimate relationships using a survey and interviews with diverse consumers, to improve privacy protections and cybersecurity for all Australians.

Projects

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