Funding opportunity to support nationally delivered awareness, training and capability-building activities that promote neuro-affirming, inclusive justice system interactions for Autistic young people and their families.
On this page you will find
What is the National Awareness and Inclusion Activities to Support Social Inclusion for Autistic People (NAIAAP)?
The National Awareness and Inclusion Activities to Support Social Inclusion for Autistic People grant is a targeted competitive funding opportunity delivered under the National Autism Strategy 2025–31.
This grant will focus on improving outcomes for Autistic young people engaging with Australia’s justice system. The initiative aims to build understanding, awareness, and capability across justice system settings to ensure interactions are neuro-affirming, inclusive, and supportive of Autistic people, their families, guardians, and carers.
Funding will support the development and national delivery of awareness, training, and capability-building resources for professionals working across police, courts, corrective services, and legal environments.
National Awareness and Inclusion Activities to Support Social Inclusion for Autistic People level of support
Funding Amount
- Total funding available: $900,000
- Minimum funding amount: Not specified
- Maximum funding amount: Not specified
- Funding profile:
- 2025–26: $450,000
- 2026–27: $450,000
Funding is subject to annual indexation.
Co-contribution required: No co-contribution is specified or required under the guidelines.
National Awareness and Inclusion Activities to Support Social Inclusion for Autistic People important dates
- Applications close: 6 February 2026 at 2:00pm (ACT local time)
- Earliest project start: June 2026
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
National Awareness and Inclusion Activities to Support Social Inclusion for Autistic People objectives
The objectives of this grant opportunity are to:
- Develop and deliver national awareness and inclusion activities and resources that build the capability of justice system professionals to support Autistic young people.
- Increase awareness and understanding of the diversity within the Autistic community, including lived experience perspectives.
- Reduce misconceptions about autism within justice system contexts.
- Improve the quality of interactions and experiences Autistic young people have when engaging with the justice system.
Projects and expenditure eligible for National Awareness and Inclusion Activities to Support Social Inclusion for Autistic People support
Funded activities must be delivered nationally and align with the objectives of the National Autism Strategy.
Eligible projects may include (but are not limited to):
- Co-design, consultation, and community engagement activities with Autistic people
- Development of reference guides, case studies, toolkits, and digital resources
- Video modules and e-learning content
- Workforce development and training strategies for justice system professionals
- Research, data collection, monitoring, and evaluation activities
- Stakeholder collaboration and communication initiatives
- Project governance, administration, and reporting activities
Ineligible Expenditure
Grant funding cannot be used for:
- Purchase of land
- Overseas travel
- Major capital works or construction
- Ordinary wages not directly related to the funded activity
- Retrospective costs
- Costs associated with preparing the grant application
- General ongoing organisational administration (e.g. rent, electricity, phone)
- Activities already funded by other government programs
- Activities that organisations are legally obliged to undertake (e.g. reasonable adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act)
Other National Awareness and Inclusion Activities to Support Social Inclusion for Autistic People important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for National Awareness and Inclusion Activities to Support Social Inclusion for Autistic People support
This is a restricted, invitation-only grant.
Only organisations explicitly invited by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing are eligible to apply. Eligible organisations include:
- Amaze Incorporated
- Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia)
- Autism Awareness Ltd
- Autism CRC Ltd
- Autism Queensland Limited
- Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
- Reframing Autism Ltd
Consortium applications are permitted only where an eligible organisation is the lead applicant and remains solely accountable to the Commonwealth.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
National Awareness and Inclusion Activities to Support Social Inclusion for Autistic People assessment criteria
All assessment criteria are equally weighted. Applications must score “Average” or above against each criterion to be considered for funding.
Assessment Criterion 1: Alignment with Grant Objectives and Outcomes
Applicants must clearly demonstrate:
- Strong alignment between proposed activities and the grant’s stated objectives and intended outcomes
- How activities contribute to increased awareness and understanding of autism within the justice system
- Evidence of meaningful co-design with Autistic people and Autistic-led organisations
- Clear strategies for stakeholder engagement across justice system settings
- Alignment with the guiding principles of the National Autism Strategy
- A robust evaluation approach, including performance indicators and data collection methods
Assessment Criterion 2: Organisational Capacity and Capability
Applicants must demonstrate:
- A strong track record delivering similar national or large-scale initiatives
- Access to appropriately skilled personnel and specialist expertise
- Sound project planning, including timelines, milestones, and governance structures
- Effective partnerships and collaboration models
- A comprehensive Risk Management Plan, addressing:
-
- Identified risks
- Likelihood and impact
- Mitigation strategies
Assessment Criterion 3: Efficient and Economical Use of Grant Funds
Applicants must clearly outline:
- How proposed expenditure delivers value for relevant money
- Alignment between budget allocations and project activities
- Cost-effective delivery methods that achieve high-quality outcomes
- Ethical and transparent grant administration practices
- Clear intended outcomes and priority target groups
Applicants must submit an Indicative Activity Budget, which does not count toward word limits.
How do I get the National Awareness and Inclusion Activities to Support Social Inclusion for Autistic People?
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.
To be successful, applicants should clearly demonstrate that they:
- Have been formally invited to apply by the Department
- Possess deep expertise in autism awareness, inclusion, and lived experience-led approaches
- Can co-design and deliver national-scale resources and training
- Have established relationships within the justice system or relevant professional cohorts
- Can evidence strong governance, risk management, and financial oversight
- Are capable of delivering measurable outcomes aligned with the National Autism Strategy
- Offer value for money through efficient, ethical, and impactful project delivery
Information to prepare for the National Awareness and Inclusion Activities to Support Social Inclusion for Autistic People application
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Proof of legal entity type
- Recent bank verification
- Indicative Activity Budget
- Risk Management Plan
- Evidence of compliance with:
-
- Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023
- Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012
- Commonwealth Child Safe Framework
- Details of consortium partners (if applicable)
- Letters of support (for consortium arrangements)
Applying for the National Awareness and Inclusion Activities to Support Social Inclusion for Autistic People
Applications 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.
National Awareness and Inclusion Activities to Support Social Inclusion for Autistic People resources
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