Grants of up to $250,000 to support place-based, short-term activities connecting disadvantaged communities with sustainable employment pathways, addressing labour market challenges in defined Employment Regions.
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What is the Local Jobs, Local People Grant?
The Local Jobs, Local People (LJLP) Grant is part of the Australian Government’s broader Local Jobs Program, designed to support place-based, short-term activities that connect disadvantaged community members with sustainable employment pathways. It does so by funding initiatives aligned with local priorities and encouraging partnerships with small and medium-sized businesses.
With $10 million in total funding available, this open competitive grant opportunity invites eligible organisations to propose initiatives that will help tackle labour market challenges within specific Employment Regions.
This grant is administered by the Community Grants Hub on behalf of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
Local Jobs, Local People Grant level of support
- Minimum grant amount: $50,000
- Maximum grant amount: $250,000
No co-contribution is required. However, applicants must demonstrate value with relevant money, and the assessment process considers this factor carefully.
Local Jobs, Local People Grant important dates
- Applications close: 9:00 pm AEST on 24 September 2025
- Latest date to submit enquiries: 5:00 pm AEST on 17 September 2025
- Earliest start date: Early 2026
- All grant activities must be completed by: 30 June 2027
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Local Jobs, Local People Grant objectives
The Local Jobs, Local People Grant aims to:
- Deliver short-term activities that address priorities outlined in the relevant Local Jobs Plan
- Provide clear pathways to employment or secure jobs for those facing employment barriers, including:
- First Nations peoples
- Australians aged over 45
- Migrants, refugees and humanitarian visa holders
- Young people up to 24 years of age
- Stimulate employment in sectors critical to Australia’s growth, such as:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Care and Support
- Digital and Emerging Technologies
- Energy Transition
Partnerships with local small to medium-sized businesses are strongly encouraged and preferred.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Local Jobs, Local People Grant support
Projects Eligible for Support
To be eligible, proposed projects must meet the grant’s core objectives and comply with both the eligibility and expenditure criteria. Specifically, projects must:
- Be developed in consultation with the region’s Job Coordinator or a designated departmental contact. This ensures alignment with local employment needs and the Employment Region’s Local Jobs Plan.
- Lead to ongoing, secure employment or build clear pathways to employment or further training, particularly for people experiencing disadvantage in the labour market.
- Demonstrate strong community and employer partnerships, particularly with small and medium-sized businesses that offer current or emerging job opportunities.
- Be designed with cultural appropriateness, participant safety, and inclusivity in mind. Projects must account for:
- The participant’s employment experience and skill level
- Lived experience and barriers to employment
- Capacity to undertake tasks safely
- Cultural background and community needs
- Incorporate contingency measures that allow flexibility in delivery should unanticipated events (e.g. floods, pandemics) impact implementation.
Examples of Eligible Projects and Activities
The program supports a broad range of activities designed to help individuals gain meaningful employment or progress toward it. Examples include:
- Job Readiness and Employability Programs
Tailored short courses that improve essential skills, such as literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, workplace etiquette, and communication. - Pre-Employment Training
Accredited or non-accredited training that equips participants with qualifications or industry-specific knowledge (e.g. White Cards for construction, aged care certifications). - Workplace Simulation or Job Trials
Structured placements, work tasters, or simulations that help participants gain practical experience and confidence before entering formal employment. - Wraparound Support Services
Projects that incorporate non-vocational supports such as:- Mental health services
- Housing support
- Childcare assistance
- Transport solutions
- Employment Pathway Projects
Activities that involve career coaching, mentoring, goal setting, and the development of individualised employment plans in partnership with service providers. - Industry Engagement and Transition-to-Work Activities
Initiatives that connect participants directly with employers in critical growth sectors (e.g. care economy, energy transition) via site visits, internships, or recruitment events. - Employer-led Training and Induction Models
Programs co-designed with businesses to deliver job-specific onboarding and training tailored to real vacancies. - Place-Based Workforce Development
Local solutions that address labour shortages through skills development, including group-based activities or micro-credentialling in targeted sectors. - Project Management and Stakeholder Coordination
Activities that ensure effective delivery, including planning, reporting, data collection, and community consultation. - Resource Development and Delivery Infrastructure
Development of resources, platforms, or partnerships that improve job placement outcomes and support long-term workforce integration.
These projects may also include feedback loops for participants and their employment service providers to support continued development and improve future employment outcomes.
Eligible Expenditure includes:
- Project setup and insurance
- Non-vocational supports (e.g. mental health, transport, housing)
- Accredited and non-accredited training
- Stakeholder partnership development
- Office equipment and project-specific supplies
- Project management and progress reporting
- Participant feedback and job transition support
Ineligible Expenditures include:
- Wage subsidies, staff costs unrelated to the activity
- Retrospective costs (incurred before agreement)
- General operational expenses (e.g., rent, phone, electricity)
- Construction, capital works, or asset purchases (including laptops and computers)
- Domestic or overseas travel costs
- Costs already funded by other government programs
Other LJLP Grant important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Local Jobs, Local People Grant support
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have an ABN
- Be based in Australia
- Hold a bank account with an Australian financial institution
- Be a legal entity capable of entering into a binding contract
Eligible entity types include:
- Companies
- Co-operatives
- Incorporated Associations
- Indigenous Corporations
- Local Government Entities
- Partnerships
- Sole Traders
- Statutory Entities
Consortium applications are encouraged, but must be led by an eligible entity. Subcontractors can be involved, but must be clearly identified in the application.
Note: Organisations delivering Job Coordinator services in the same Employment Region are ineligible.
Local Jobs, Local People Grant assessment criteria
Applications will be evaluated against three weighted criteria:
Criterion 1 – Activity Proposal (40%)
- Clear alignment with the grant objectives and Local Jobs Plan priorities
- Demonstrated benefit to local labour market and employment pathways
- Thoughtful participant engagement strategy
- Community stakeholder involvement
- Demonstration of how activities complement—not duplicate—existing services
- Anticipated long-term benefits for participants
Criterion 2 – Project Plan (30%)
- Defined activity goals and expected outcomes
- Target cohort or sector, including number of participants
- Detailed activity timeline, milestones, and dependencies
- Scope of work, clearly showing inclusions and exclusions
- Roles and responsibilities for all partners and key personnel
- Geographic focus, including specific Employment Region(s)
- Evaluation and monitoring strategy to track progress
Criterion 3 – Capability and Capacity (30%)
- Past experience with similar projects or relevant expertise
- Understanding of target cohorts and sectors
- Resource requirements, including delivery personnel
- Experience and qualifications of key individuals
- Knowledge of local labour market
- Demonstrated partnerships with key stakeholders
Each criterion has a 6,000-character limit in the application form. Applicants are encouraged to provide concise yet detailed responses with relevant evidence.
How do I get the Local Jobs, Local People Grant?
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 Local Jobs, Local People Grant application
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed online application form via GrantConnect
- Letter(s) of support from partners in a consortium (if applicable)
- Trust deed and variations (if applying as a trustee)
Attachments must not exceed 2MB each.
Only one application per applicant will be accepted. If multiple submissions are received, only the most recent will be assessed.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Local Jobs, Local People Grant
Applications must be submitted 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.
Local Jobs, Local People Grant resources
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