Funding up to $300 million to improve access to high-quality, culturally appropriate, and safe residential-based aged care services in metropolitan, rural, regional, and remote areas.
Current status of program
CLOSED
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On this page you will find
What is the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program Residential-based Aged Care Services and Staff Accommodation?
The Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP) Residential-based Aged Care Services and Staff Accommodation aims to maintain or improve access to high-quality, culturally appropriate, and safe residential-based aged care services. It also funds staff accommodation to help service providers attract and retain workers, particularly in regional, rural, and remote locations.
Through this opportunity, providers can undertake building projects, refurbishments, and expansions that support best-practice design and meet the growing need for residential care services, including specialised services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in metropolitan areas.
ACCAP Residential-based Aged Care Services and Staff Accommodation level of support
This grant opportunity offers funding up to a total amount of $300 million over four years (2025-26 to 2028-29).
- There is no specified minimum or maximum. Each application’s funding request must be reasonable and justified by project scope.
- Corporate State or Territory Entities must contribute at least 50% of the total eligible project costs.
- For other eligible organisations, a financial co-contribution is strongly encouraged (though not mandatory), to maximise the number of projects supported.
ACCAP Residential-based Aged Care Services and Staff Accommodation important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
ACCAP Residential-based Aged Care Services and Staff Accommodation objectives
- Improve Access to Residential-based Care: Support high-quality, culturally appropriate services for older Australians, especially in regional, rural, and remote areas (MMM 2–7) and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders in metropolitan locations (MMM 1).
- Deliver or Upgrade Staff Accommodation: Facilitate the construction or refurbishment of suitable staff housing in regional, rural, and remote areas to help with workforce recruitment and retention.
- Enhance Aged Care Infrastructure: Provide capital works funding to modernise existing services or build new facilities that cater for dementia care, reduce shared rooms, and offer home-like environments.
- Strengthen Financial Viability: Help maintain or improve aged care services in thin markets where escalating building and operational costs may otherwise lead to service closure or hinder investment.
Projects and expenditure eligible for ACCAP Residential-based Aged Care Services and Staff Accommodation support
Eligible projects may include (but are not limited to):
- Construction of new residential-based care services or expansions, upgrades, and refurbishments (e.g. converting shared rooms to single ensuite rooms).
- Construction, expansion, or refurbishment of staff accommodation (e.g. individual units or shared housing) in MMM 2–7.
- Land or building purchases specifically for residential aged care or staff accommodation.
- Furniture, fittings, and equipment (for example, specialised beds, mobility aids, commercial kitchen upgrades, laundry infrastructure, security systems, and generators).
- Information Technology enhancements such as nurse call systems, telehealth equipment, or network upgrades.
Ineligible Expenditures
- Workforce wages or salaries (including management and board members).
- Preparation of grant applications or associated documentation.
- General operational costs (insurance, rent, utility bills) outside specific build/fit-out scope.
- Activities primarily funded by other government grants (unless co-contribution arrangements are in place).
- Relocation costs for older Australians from aged care services.
- Costs to acquire and operate vehicles.
- Any expenses incurred before the grant agreement is executed (i.e., retrospective costs).
Other ACCAP Residential-based Aged Care Services and Staff Accommodation important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for ACCAP Residential-based Aged Care Services and Staff Accommodation support
Eligible organisations must already be an approved provider under the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018, and must be one of the following entity types:
- Indigenous Corporation
- Company
- Corporate or Non-Corporate State/Territory Entity or Statutory Authority
- Local Government
- Cooperative
- Incorporated Association
- Statutory Entity
- Partnership
- Unincorporated Association
If applying on behalf of a Trust, the Trustee must be of one of the eligible entity types. Joint or consortium applications are allowed, provided the lead applicant is eligible and takes responsibility for the project.
ACCAP Residential-based Aged Care Services and Staff Accommodation assessment criteria
Applications are assessed competitively against three equally weighted criteria:
1. Demonstrated Need
- Show how your project addresses critical infrastructure or service gaps.
- Describe current challenges, impacts on the community, and the potential benefits of the proposed improvements.
- Urgency and alignment with National Aged Care Design Principles (if relevant).
2. Management of the Activity
- Explain how your organisation will manage the project and mitigate disruptions to service delivery.
- Outline governance, risk management approaches, and key personnel expertise.
- For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services, demonstrate cultural competency and community partnerships.
3. Funding Justification
- Justify the grant amount and explain why the organisation cannot fund or fully fund the project.
- Show alignment with value for money principles: cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and long-term viability.
- Provide a clear budget, identifying any co-contribution or contingency allocations.
While no percentage weightings are specified in the guidelines, each criterion is of equal importance. Applications must achieve a sufficient rating in all criteria to be successful.
How do I get the ACCAP Residential-based Aged Care Services and Staff Accommodation?
Check your Eligibility
- Confirm you are an approved aged care provider.
- Verify you fall into an eligible entity type.
- Ensure that your project location meets the MM category requirements (i.e. MM 1, if Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander–focused, or MM 2–7).
Familiarise Yourself with the Guidelines
- Understand allowable and ineligible costs.
- If you are a Corporate State/Territory Entity, budget for your 50% co-contribution.
Align Your Project with Program Objectives
- Clearly show how your proposal meets the objectives of improving access, supporting staff, and ensuring viability.
Prepare a Strong Application
- Develop a well-structured Activity Work Plan, budget, and Risk Management Plan (if requested).
- Include evidence (photos, plans, letters of support, cost estimates) that demonstrates project feasibility.
Information to prepare for the ACCAP Residential-based Aged Care Services and Staff Accommodation application
Ensure you have the following documentation ready:
- Activity Work Plan: Detailed timeline of milestones, construction phases, and key outputs.
- Indicative Budget: Itemised costs for each project component. If seeking $2 million or more, you must provide professional quotes or estimates.
- Risk Management Plan: Identifies project risks and mitigation strategies (required if the grant request is $300,000 or more).
- Evidence of Support: A formal letter from your Board or decision-making body endorsing the project’s importance.
See the guidelines for more details of information requirements.
Applying for the ACCAP Residential-based Aged Care Services and Staff Accommodation
Lodge via the official Online Application Form on 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.
ACCAP Residential-based Aged Care Services and Staff Accommodation resources
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