Up to $500,000 to support sustainable employment pathways for people with intellectual disabilities and high support needs, focusing on rural and remote locations across Australia.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Structural Adjustment Fund?
The Structural Adjustment Fund (SAF) is a grant program initiated by the Australian Government, specifically designed to create sustainable employment pathways for people with intellectual disabilities and high support needs.
Round 2 of the SAF continues the work of Round 1, with an enhanced focus on supporting projects in geographical areas not previously funded, including South Australia, Northern Territory, and rural and remote locations across Australia. The fund also emphasizes assisting First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) individuals with high support needs.
SAF level of support
The Australian Government has allocated up to $14.7 million for this second round.
While there is no cap on the grant amount, most grants are expected to range between $50,000 and $500,000.
However, larger projects that support a significant number of people with disabilities or target priority cohorts may receive grants exceeding $500,000.
SAF important dates
- This is closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
SAF objectives
The SAF Round 2 aims to:
- Create sustainable employment, training, and capacity-building opportunities for people with high support needs.
- Improve pathways to open employment for individuals with disabilities.
- Transform supported employment workplaces to better meet community expectations by paying higher wages and fostering community connections.
Projects and expenditure eligible for SAF support
Eligible projects should align with the Guiding Principles for the Future of Supported Employment and must aim to:
- Support people with high support needs to achieve their employment goals.
- Focus on person-centred, evidence-based approaches.
- Prioritize sustainability and scalability of the project outcomes.
- Address the needs of diverse cohorts, including First Nations people, CALD individuals, women, and LGBTIQA+ people with disabilities.
Applicants should note that organisations which received funding under Round 1 of the SAF are not eligible to apply for Round 2.
Additionally, the grant cannot be used for activities already funded by another government source, the purchase of land, or overseas travel.
Projects must also comply with child safety obligations and the statutory funding conditions under the Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023.
See the guidelines for full details of projects and expenditure eligible for SAF support.
Other SAF important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for SAF support
To apply for the SAF Round 2, organisations must be registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers.
Eligible entity types include:
- Companies
- Cooperatives
- Incorporated associations
- Indigenous corporations
- Local government entities
- Partnerships
- Sole traders
- Statutory entities
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
SAF assessment criteria
The SAF Round 2 applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Alignment with Guiding Principles: The project’s alignment with the SAF’s objectives, scalability, and sustainability.
- Organisational Capability: The organisation’s experience and capacity to deliver the project, including partnerships with key stakeholders.
- Value for Money: The project’s budget, payment structure, and overall value for money for the government.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the SAF?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the SAF application
Here’s a summary of the key documents and information that need to be prepared:
- Project Budget: Applicants must prepare a detailed project budget using the template provided in the grant opportunity documents available on GrantConnect.
- NDIS Registration Certificate: Organisations must submit their most recent National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) registration certificate as part of the application process.
- Supporting Information for Assessment Criteria: Applicants should provide relevant evidence to support their claims in response to the assessment criteria. This includes detailing how the project aligns with the guiding principles, demonstrating organisational capability, and outlining how the project will deliver value for money.
- Activity Work Plan: Successful applicants will be required to complete an Activity Work Plan, which outlines specific grant requirements, planned deliverables, milestones, and outputs.
- Compliance with Child Safety Obligations: If the proposed activities involve direct interaction with children, applicants must demonstrate compliance with the Australian Government’s Child Safety obligations.
- Statutory Funding Conditions: Applicants must ensure they meet the statutory funding conditions under the Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023, which includes holding a Certificate of Compliance for regulated activities.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the SAF
Applications for the SAF Round 2 must be submitted online via GrantConnect.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
SAF resources
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