The 2012 Round of the ACCAN Grants Scheme opens today with $250,000 in funding available for consumer-focused telecommunications research and consumer education or advocacy tools.

Now in its third year, the ACCAN Grants Scheme funds projects that help to work towards the organisation’s vision of affordable communications services for all Australians.

Projects should focus on creating versatile resources for communications consumers and/or a strong evidence base for ACCAN's telecommunication consumer advocacy activities.

The ACCAN Grants Scheme carries an annual budget of $250,000 and accepts applications during one round each year. The 2012 Round will close 2nd April. Applicants are encouraged to apply for funding amounts appropriate to their project to a maximum of $60,000.

ACCAN Chief Executive Officer Teresa Corbin said the Scheme has already produced some great work.

“Last year the Scheme attracted 71 applications for a really wide scope of activities. Funded projects had one common goal in mind and that’s making the telecommunications market work for consumers.”

“Examples of previous work include a joint project with Swinburne University, Central Land Council and the Centre for Appropriate Technology that undertook research into home internet models for remote Indigenous communities, which was subsequently awarded funding by the Australia Research Council (ARC); a youth advocacy project led by the Brotherhood of St Lawrence; and consumer resources on social media accessibility for people with disability by Media Access Australia.”

“The work that comes out of these projects is quite unique and we’d encourage everyone with a great idea to get in touch with the Grants team to discuss it.”

Projects will be assessed by an Independent Grants Panel which will make recommendations to the ACCAN Board. An announcement about funded projects will be made in June 2012.

Find out more about the ACCAN Grants Scheme here.

View the 2012 Guidelines here.

Contact the ACCAN Grants Scheme team via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone Robin on (02) 9288 4000.

Media contact: Elissa Freeman M: 02 9288 4014 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Follow ACCAN on Twitter: @ACCAN_AU

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