Funding of up to $23.3 million over four years is available to establish a Centre of Excellence aimed at improving disability employment outcomes 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 Disability Employment Centre of Excellence (DECE)?
The Disability Employment Centre of Excellence Grant is a significant initiative launched by the Australian Government, administered by the Department of Social Services and the Community Grants Hub. This grant opportunity is designed to establish a Centre of Excellence aimed at improving disability employment outcomes across Australia. The Centre will serve as an evidence-informed, best-practice hub, providing resources, tools, and training to enhance the quality of services offered by disability employment service providers and employers.
DECE level of support
The Disability Employment Centre of Excellence Grant offers a single grant with a total value of $22.106 million, distributed over four financial years from 2024–25 to 2027–28. The annual breakdown of funding is as follows:
- 2024–25: $0.683 million
- 2025–26: $6.397 million
- 2026–27: $7.522 million
- 2027–28: $7.504 million
DECE important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Co-contribution: There is no requirement for co-contribution from the grantee under this grant opportunity.
DECE objectives
The Centre of Excellence aims to increase employment outcomes for people with disability by providing targeted training, resources, and support to service providers and employers. The Centre will focus on the following key objectives:
- Collecting and translating disability employment-related research into practical resources and tools.
- Enhancing the capacity of employment service providers to deliver high-quality services tailored to the needs of people with disability.
- Building and maintaining an online hub that serves as a central repository for all resources, tools, and training materials developed by the Centre.
- Promoting awareness and usage of the Centre’s resources among stakeholders in the disability employment sector.
Projects eligible for DECE support
The Disability Employment Centre of Excellence Grant is designed to support projects that align with its core objectives of enhancing disability employment outcomes in Australia. Eligible projects must contribute to the establishment and operation of the Centre of Excellence by focusing on the following key areas:
Development of Resources and Training Materials:
- Projects aimed at creating evidence-based, best-practice resources tailored to the needs of disability employment service providers and employers.
- Development of training programs that focus on disability awareness, employer engagement, cultural competency, human rights, and customised employment approaches.
- Creation of resources specifically designed to address the needs of First Nations organisations delivering employment services.
Establishment of an Online Central Hub:
- Projects that involve the design, development, and maintenance of a standalone online hub that will serve as the central repository for all resources, tools, and training materials created by the Centre.
- The online hub must be fully accessible, adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 at a minimum AA standard and where possible, a AAA standard.
Collaboration and Partnerships:
- Initiatives that foster collaboration with key stakeholders, including universities, research institutions, employment service providers, and advocacy organisations.
- Projects that build and maintain partnerships to share knowledge, coordinate access to resources, and avoid duplication of efforts within the disability employment sector.
Innovation in Service Delivery:
- Projects that introduce innovative approaches to service delivery, such as customised employment models, job coaching, career planning, and support for transitions between services.
- Development of tools and practices that address complex barriers to employment for people with disability, particularly in rural or remote locations, or specific trades and sectors.
Capacity Building and Sector Engagement:
- Projects that aim to upskill employment service providers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to better meet the needs of people with disability and employers.
- Engagement activities that raise awareness of the Centre’s resources and promote their use among disability employment service providers and other relevant stakeholders.
See the guidelines for full details of projects eligible for DECE support.
Other DECE important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for DECE support
To be eligible for this grant, applicants must be one of the following entity types:
- Company (incorporated under the Corporations Act 2021)
- Cooperative
- Corporate Commonwealth Entity
- Incorporated Association
- Indigenous Corporation
- Local Government Entity
- Statutory Entity
Consortium applications are also accepted, with a lead organisation responsible for the submission.
DECE assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Capacity and Capability: Demonstrated experience in delivering similar projects and the ability to establish and operate the Centre of Excellence effectively.
- Proposed Model and Governance: The structure and approach to staffing, governance, and collaboration with stakeholders.
- Delivery of Core Functions: How the Centre’s core functions will be delivered, including the establishment of an online hub by 1 September 2025.
- Engagement and Collaboration: The ability to collaborate with research institutions, service providers, and other stakeholders.
- Value for Money: A comprehensive budget plan that demonstrates cost-effective delivery of the Centre’s objectives.
How do I get the DECE?
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 DECE application
Preparing a successful application for the Disability Employment Centre of Excellence Grant requires thorough planning and attention to detail. Here’s what you need to consider:
1. Understand the Grant Guidelines:
- Carefully review the grant guidelines to ensure your project aligns with the objectives and eligible activities of the Centre of Excellence.
- Ensure your organisation meets the eligibility criteria and is prepared to comply with the statutory funding conditions under the Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023.
2. Develop a Comprehensive Activity Work Plan:
- Outline the specific activities, deliverables, timeframes, and success measures for your project in a detailed Activity Work Plan.
- Include a clear budget plan, stakeholder engagement strategy, and risk management plan. Make sure the budget is aligned with the grant funding available for each financial year.
3. Gather Required Supporting Documents:
- Prepare all necessary documentation, including evidence of support from your organisation’s board or consortium members, and any legal or governance documents required.
- If applying as a consortium, ensure all members provide letters of support, detailing their commitment and role in the project.
4. Focus on Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Identify key stakeholders, such as research institutions, service providers, and advocacy groups, and plan how you will collaborate with them throughout the project.
- Develop a stakeholder engagement plan that details how you will communicate and work with these partners to achieve the Centre’s objectives.
5. Plan for Accessibility and Inclusivity:
- Ensure that your project and its outcomes are accessible to all, including people with disability, and meet the standards outlined in the grant guidelines (e.g., WCAG 2.2, Digital Transformation Agency’s Service Standards).
- Consider the needs of diverse cohorts, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those with intersectional identities.
6. Prepare for Evaluation and Reporting:
- Be ready to participate in the independent evaluation of the Centre’s outcomes, including providing data and information as required by the Department of Social Services.
- Plan how you will track and report on your project’s progress, ensuring you meet the reporting requirements outlined in the grant agreement.
By thoroughly preparing and aligning your project with the objectives of the Disability Employment Centre of Excellence, you can strengthen your application and increase your chances of securing funding.
Applying for the DECE
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.
DECE resources
I need help applying for grants
Our Insights showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application. But no matter how well prepared you are, winning grants takes time—something we know many business owners and directors just don’t have. And that’s why we’re here to help.
- Check out our How to Prepare Before You Apply insight to help you reduce the stress levels when you apply for a grant.
- Check out How to write a successful grant application to learn some time-saving tips to make the grant writing process easier.
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s next grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Our in-depth eBook is the single most valuable resource you will find that helps organisations to truly understand how to win government grants.
Download The Grant Application Starter Kit eBook to discover grant-winning secrets
Our free eBook features 12 chapters of expert advice, professional tips and more to help you do better with grants, whether you’re new to the process or you’ve applied before.
Get your copy of the Guide to Winning Grants now.
Is your business eligible for this government grant?
Or perhaps you’re not sure and want to know more?
GrantHelper offers a range of government grant services, helping businesses of all sizes to discover, apply for, and win the best grant opportunities. We can help you with anything from finding the right grants, to writing your application, formulating an ongoing grant strategy, and more.
Get started now by filling in the form below, or tap the ‘Book a Discovery Call’ button to schedule a no-obligation virtual meeting with an experienced government grants consultant.
Prefer to talk? Call 0409 478 850 now for a no-obligation discussion. We’re here to help your business better understand grants, submit your best possible application, and get you in the winners’ circle.
Check out some of the clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
