Grants of up to $6 million to address the acute housing needs of veterans and their families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
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 Veterans’ Acute Housing Program?
The Veterans’ Acute Housing Program (VAHP) is an initiative of the Australian Government aimed at addressing the acute housing needs of veterans and their families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The VAHP will provide grant funding under 2 streams:
- Capital Works Grant: Capital works funding for projects to expand the availability of crisis and transitional housing
- Specialist Services Grant: For organisations to deliver specialist support services that address the risk factors for homelessness
VAHP level of support
Capital Works Grant:
- Total Amount Available: $24 million
- Estimated Grant Value: $1 million to $24 million
Specialist Services Grant:
- Total Amount Available: $6 million
- Estimated Grant Value: $600,000 to $6 million
Co-contribution Requirements: Applicants for both streams are encouraged to co-contribute or secure additional funding from other sources, such as private sector partnerships, philanthropic contributions, or leveraging existing assets like land.
VAHP important dates
- This program is closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
VAHP objectives
- Capital Works Grant: The primary goal is to expand the availability of crisis and transitional housing for veterans, focusing on regions and veteran cohorts that are underserved by current housing services.
- Specialist Services Grant: The objective is to enhance the availability of specialist support services tailored to the unique needs of veterans and their families facing homelessness.
Projects and expenditure eligible for VAHP support
Capital Works Grant: Eligible projects include the building, renovation, or acquisition of crisis and transitional housing specifically for veterans. Applicants can deliver additional housing through new constructions, the purchase of dwellings, or renovations of existing properties.
Ineligible expenditures:
- Projects focused on social or affordable housing without crisis or transitional elements.
- Renovations of housing stock that is already suitable for crisis accommodation.
- Costs related to health, mental health, or advocacy services that are not directly tied to housing.
- Community or recreational facilities like Veterans’ Hubs or Men’s Sheds.
Specialist Services Grant: Eligible activities include providing veterans with access to financial support, housing, medical, psychological, and employment services to address the underlying causes of homelessness.
Ineligible expenditures:
- Costs unrelated to the primary objectives of the grant, such as general operating expenses, existing activities, or projects previously funded by other Commonwealth programs.
See the guidelines for full details of projects and expenditure eligible for VAHP support.
Other VAHP important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for VAHP support
To apply for the VAHP, organisations must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Veteran-aware Community Housing Providers: These organisations must be registered with the National Regulatory System for Community Housing or equivalent state-based registries. Their primary mission should include delivering housing services tailored to veterans.
- Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs): ESOs with a proven track record of supporting veterans and their families, particularly those at risk of homelessness, are eligible to apply. They should demonstrate knowledge of the specific challenges faced by veterans and provide specialised services in housing or homelessness support.
- Consortia Applications: Collaborative applications are strongly encouraged, where veteran-aware housing providers, ESOs, and other service providers form partnerships. This allows for a more comprehensive approach by pooling expertise, resources, and networks to maximise the impact on veteran homelessness.
- Other Organisations: Charities, not-for-profits, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations that have experience in housing or homelessness services and demonstrate connections to the veteran community are also eligible. These organisations may apply individually or as part of a consortia.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
VAHP assessment criteria
Each application will be assessed against a set of weighted criteria to determine eligibility and project viability. Below are the key criteria for both grant streams:
Criterion 1 – Service Delivery & Increasing Housing Supply (30%)
Applicants must clearly demonstrate how their project will contribute to increasing the supply of crisis and transitional housing for veterans. They should:
- Justify the location of the proposed housing or services and how it meets identified needs.
- Estimate the number of veterans that will benefit and the duration of their accommodation or support.
- Provide innovative solutions for expanding housing capacity or delivering specialist services.
Criterion 2 – Budget & Funding Strategy (30%)
A detailed and realistic budget is crucial. Applicants must:
- Provide documentation on co-contributions or in-kind support from partners.
- Submit a clear project timeline, with milestones and deliverables.
- Detail any additional capital or land contributions from partners and how these will enhance the project.
Criterion 3 – Organisational Capacity & Governance (30%)
Applicants must demonstrate their organisational capability to deliver the project, including:
- A track record of managing similar capital works or service projects.
- Strong governance structures, particularly in consortium arrangements, and how the organisation will manage risks and ensure compliance with all regulations.
- Financial stability, supported by the last two years of audited financial statements.
Criterion 4 – Sustainability & Performance Monitoring (10%)
Long-term sustainability is a key focus. Applicants should:
- Demonstrate how they will monitor and evaluate the success of their project, including plans for data collection and reporting.
- Provide a maintenance and operational plan for the housing or services to ensure ongoing benefits for veterans, particularly beyond the grant period.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the VAHP?
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.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives
- Provide complete information requirements.
Each application must be tailored to either the Capital Works Grant or the Specialist Services Grant, with separate submissions required for each stream.
See the guidelines for full details of other requirements.
Information to prepare for the VAHP application
To submit a successful application, you will need:
- A detailed project plan, including a budget, timeline, and risk management strategy.
- Evidence of co-contributions or additional funding.
- Proof of organisational capacity and past experience in delivering similar projects.
- All required supporting documents, such as financial statements and insurance certificates.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the VAHP
Interested organisations can apply for the VAHP through 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.
VAHP resources
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