Grants of up to $400,000 to support collaborative projects involving multi-stakeholder partnerships aimed at resolving workplace issues and promoting systemic, long-term improvements in workplace relations.
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 Cooperative Initiatives Grants Program?
The Cooperative Initiatives Grants Program (CIG Program) is an initiative of the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) designed to foster collaborative projects that enhance compliance with Commonwealth workplace laws. This national program supports multi-stakeholder partnerships aimed at resolving workplace issues and driving systemic, long-term improvement in workplace relations.
CIG promotes innovative and cooperative engagement strategies across diverse sectors and is grounded in the belief that collaborative approaches yield stronger, more sustainable outcomes for both employers and workers.
Cooperative Initiatives Grants Program level of support
- Minimum amount: Around $150,000 per year
- Maximum amount: Up to $400,000 per year
- Total pool available: $7.2 million over four years (2025–2029), with $1.8 million allocated annually.
Co-contribution Requirement: There is no mandatory co-contribution requirement specified in the guidelines. However, applicants must demonstrate value with relevant money and outline budget sustainability and scalability, which may imply a preference for projects with in-kind or additional financial support.
Cooperative Initiatives Grants Program important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Cooperative Initiatives Grants Program objectives
The Cooperative Initiatives Grants Program seeks to:
- Promote harmonious, productive, and compliant workplaces
- Foster sustainable partnerships across diverse workplace participants
- Assist in the development of innovative mechanisms that drive lasting change
- Provide targeted assistance to workers and employers under the federal workplace relations system
Projects and expenditure eligible for Cooperative Initiatives Grants Program support
Projects must promote federal workplace law compliance and improve workplace relations. Eligible activities include:
- Development and delivery of voluntary compliance frameworks
- Innovative approaches that drive a culture of compliance
- Community education and engagement programs
- Data gathering and evaluation supporting workplace law adherence
Ineligible Expenditures:
- Purchase of land or major capital works
- Construction-related activities
- Lobbying or government advocacy
- Activities focused solely on State or Territory employment laws
- Costs incurred outside the grant period (before 1 July 2025 or after 30 June 2029)
- Overseas travel
- Any costs funded by another government source
- General application preparation costs
Other Cooperative Initiatives Grants Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Cooperative Initiatives Grants Program support
The lead organisation must:
- Be based in Australia
- Have an ABN
- Be registered for GST (unless exempt)
- Be legally able to enter into agreements
- Be one of the following:
- ACNC-registered charity
- Non-charitable not-for-profit
- Industrial association
- Peak council
Partner organisations must not include:
- Individuals, unincorporated associations or partnerships
- Government entities
- Entities on the National Redress Scheme non-participant list
- Overseas-based organisations
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Cooperative Initiatives Grants Program assessment criteria
1. Project Proposal and Need (40%)
- Relevance and evidence of workplace issue
- Innovation and long-term impact
- Expected outcomes and alignment with program objectives
- Feasibility and sustainability
- Budget clarity, value for money, scalability
2. Capability and Capacity to Deliver (30%)
- Organisational experience
- Staff expertise and governance structures
- Risk management plan (mandatory attachment)
3. Partnership, Engagement and Collaboration (30%)
- Commitment from confirmed and proposed partners
- Roles and governance clarity
- Experience working collaboratively
- Engagement with FWO, and strategies to reach the target cohorts
How do I get the Cooperative Initiatives Grants Program?
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/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Cooperative Initiatives Grants Program application
Applicants must prepare and submit:
- Itemised Activity Budget
- Risk Management Plan
- Letters of Support from partner organisations
- Evidence of eligibility (if not an ACNC-registered charity)
- E.g. constitution, rules of association, proof of non-profit status
- Responses to all three assessment criteria
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Cooperative Initiatives Grants Program
Applications are 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.
Cooperative Initiatives Grants Program resources
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