Child Safeguarding Grants Program

Objective: To extend reach and impact of existing programs and services

Who can apply: 

Eligible organisations that already deliver child safeguarding readiness and training programs or services can apply for a grant to enhance their existing work and extend their reach and impact. 

This funding will assist organisations to:

1. expand the number of entities and individuals receiving child safe readiness training to build the internal culture and processes necessary to comply with the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024
2. undertake change management processes to centre child safeguarding within their structures, policies and operations
3. provide extra assistance to sectors, for example, the development of resources, information on available training and support services.

Funding amounts:

• Minimum grant: $10,000
• Maximum grant: $90,000

Objective: To build the capacity of a sector or sectors

Who can apply: 

Eligible applicants that can demonstrate initiatives that enhance child safeguarding across a range of sectors can apply for a grant in this category. This also includes sector-specific activities for entities best placed to uplift capability and capacity within a specific sector. 

This funding will assist organisations to:

1. provide key capability building content to assist sectors to build their internal culture and processes in compliance with the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024
2. translate the Child Safe Standards and Universal Principle to the specific sector and to understand their obligations with regard to reportable conduct (if relevant)
3. support entities to undertake change management processes to centre child safeguarding within their structures, policies and operations
4. source extra assistance if needed, for example, professional services, or produce/identify sector-specific resources.

Funding amounts:

• Minimum grant: $10,000
• Maximum grant: $90,000

Objective: To support the implementation of the Universal Principle and build the capacity of organisations/sectors to uphold cultural safety

Who can apply: 

Eligible organisations that are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and led can apply for a grant in this category. This grant will assist sectors and organisations to understand how to implement the Universal Principle. 

This grant program will assist organisations to:

1. produce and provide capability building content for organisations to assist them build their internal culture and processes in compliance with the Universal Principle in the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024
2. translate the Universal Principle for their specific sector
3. undertake change management processes to centre child safeguarding within their structures, policies and operations, with particular emphasis on the Universal Principle
4. source extra assistance if needed, for example, professional services, training, resource development

Funding amounts:

• Minimum grant: $10,000
• Maximum grant: $90,000

Applicants can submit only one grant application. 

If multiple applications are submitted, the latest accepted application form will progress. The Grant Selection Committee may consider an application for funding under an alternate funding stream if the application is deemed to have merit and a funding stream is undersubscribed.

We have allocated up to $2.9 million (GST exclusive) in 2024-2025 for the Child Safeguarding Grants program. 

The total allocation of these grants will be decided on completion of the selection process. This will depend on the quality and number of applications but will not exceed the funding allocated to the grants program. 

Grant activity must be completed within 12 months of the date the grant agreement is signed and executed. 

On completion, you must provide a final acquittal and report, as per the terms and conditions of the grant contract.

This timeline provides an overview of the grant lifecycle and key steps involved. 

The below timeline details the key dates for all three categories.

Wednesday, 10 March 2025 – All three grant categories open (9am AEST)

Monday, 31 March 2025 – Question period for grant categories 1 and 3 closes (5pm AEST)

Monday, 7 April 2025 – Grant categories 1 and 3 applications close (11.59pm AEST), late applications will not be accepted

Monday, 7 April 2025 – Question period for grant category 2 closes (5pm AEST)

Monday, 14 April 2025 – Grant category 2 applications close (11.59pm AEST)

May 2025 – Grant Selection Committee assesses all applications and makes decisions

May 2025 – Notification of outcomes for grant categories 1 and 3 and applicants enter into grant agreements

May 2025 – Notification of outcomes for grant category 2 and applicants enter into grant agreements

May – June 2025 – Payment of grants and grant project implementation begins

Successful applicants must adhere to milestone reporting and financial acquittals, as outlined in the Grant Agreement, to ensure accountability and compliance with the funding agreement. 

The grant funding is for a 12-month period, starting from the date the grant agreement is executed.

To be eligible to apply for any of the grant categories, you must be a legal entity and can be one of the following entity types:

• Incorporated or registered under an Act of Parliament
• Company  i.e. a proprietary or public company limited by shares or trusts where the shareholders are not individuals and/or for-profit companies
• have not-for-profit objectives
• Indigenous owned business/corporation or Community controlled organisation
• Cooperative; or
• Incorporated association

In addition to the above, you must:

• have an active ABN
• have operated for a minimum of one year in Queensland
• have a Queensland headquarters or a business location in Queensland
• not be insolvent or have owners/directors that are an undischarged bankrupt
• have a bank account in the company’s name
• can provide a bank verification form stamped by its financial institution
• be able to demonstrate that the majority of your work involves provision of services and/or facilities for the use of children and/or supports the operation of businesses that do. 

Applicants for grant category 3 must meet the eligibility criteria above and must also be either a: 

• First Nations owned business, i.e. a registered business that is at least 50% owned by an Indigenous person or a certified business that is 51% or more Indigenous owned, managed and controlled, or
• A community controlled organisation is an entity, incorporated under Commonwealth, State or territory legislation, as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation where the Board comprises a majority of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander members. As part of your application you will need to provide a copy of your Certificate of Incorporation as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation.

You are not eligible to apply if you are a/an:

• organisation, or your project partner is an organisation, included on the National Redress Scheme’s website on the list of ‘Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme’
• Commonwealth or State Government department or Statutory Authority
• government-owned corporation
• Local Government entity – see caveat in Joint (consortia) applications section
• international entity
• sole trader – see caveat in Joint (consortia) applications section
• unincorporated association
• individual 

We recognise some organisations may want to work together to jointly deliver a grant activity.

In these circumstances, a ‘lead organisation’ must be appointed. Only the lead organisation can submit the application form and enter into a grant agreement. The application must identify all other members of the proposed consortium. Organisations included on the National Redress Scheme’s website on the list of ‘Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme’ will not be eligible to be members of a consortium arrangement. 

Lead organisations should ensure they have a written agreement from member organisations to collaborate on the project. These may be requested as part of the assessment process. 

There must be a formal arrangement in place with all parties prior to execution of the grant agreement. A copy of this agreement will be requested as an addendum to the grant agreement.

While Local Government entities and sole traders are not eligible to apply for grants as a ‘lead organisation’, we recognise the value these entities can provide to the successful delivery of projects. We welcome the inclusion of Local Government entities and sole traders as subordinate project delivery partners via a consortia application.

Successful grant recipients can also contract the services of sole traders to assist them in delivering their projects, depending on the skills, knowledge and expertise that are required for successful implementation. 

We will collect information about grant applicants to assist in the assessment and management of grant funding. This information will be accessed only by authorised persons of the QFCC. Information may be made available to other areas of the QFCC for the purposes of correspondence, notification, marketing and promotional activities. Information will not be disclosed to any other parties unless authorised or required by law.

The QFCC may contact applicants and/or identified referees for more information. Details of successful applications may be provided to Members of Queensland Parliament and used in promotional material, including media releases, annual reports and brochures and on relevant Queensland Government websites.

All information will be stored, accessed and used in accordance with the provisions of the Information Privacy Act 2009 and the permissions granted by applicants as part of the application process.

The QFCC will keep any information in connection with the grant agreement confidential to the extent that it meets all of the 3 conditions below: 

1. the recipient clearly identifies the information as confidential and explains why it should be treated it as confidential
2. the information is commercially sensitive
3. revealing the information would cause unreasonable harm to the recipient’s organisation or someone else. 

In all of the grant categories, applications can be made for:

• events/workshops/seminars
• training, coaching and/or micro-credentialing tailored to an organisation and/or particular sector
• resource development, including design, publications and printing
• ICT – inclusive of new data systems
• consultancy services – engaging fee-for-service experts in the sector/child safeguarding to build organisational/sector capacity and compliance
• increasing youth leadership and/or volunteer knowledge and capacity. 

This list is not considered to be exhaustive or indicate any order of priority. Applicants are requested to refer to the objective and purpose of the grant category to determine if their proposed activity aligns. 

You can’t apply for funding to cover:

• organisational operating costs – exemptions to this rule are detailed below
• extensions, upgrades or purchases of facilities, equipment, vehicles or any other capital expenditure
• purchase of alcohol, gifts or prizes in the case of an event/workshop
• domestic or international conference registration fees and associated travel and accommodation charges. 

You can only spend the grant funding on eligible expenditure you have incurred on eligible grant activities. 

Eligible expenditure items include: 

• staff salaries and on-costs that can be directly attributed to the provision of the funded grant activity
• training for paid and unpaid staff, including committee and board members, that is relevant, appropriate and in line with the grant activity
• venue hire, insurance, catering, marketing and promotion for events, seminars and workshops
• up to 15% of the grant can be used for administration expenses that can be directly attributed to the provision of the funded grant activity, such as telephones, computer, website, software, utilities, postage, stationery and printing, accounting and auditing, as well as the costs related to project planning, consultation, and monitoring
• costs of suppliers, consultants, specialists/experts and contracted labour undertaking eligible project activities. 

For your expenditure to be eligible, it must be incurred on your grant activities between the start and end/completion date of your grant agreement.

You cannot use the grant for the following activities: 

• cross-subsidisation of existing programs or initiatives run by your organisation
• subsidy of general ongoing administration of an organisation, such as electricity, phone and rent not directly attributed to the activity being delivered as part of the grant agreement
• existing activities that may be considered the day-to-day corporate activities of your organisation (for example, updating your website)
• activities or programs that cannot be completed before the activity end date of the grant agreement
• purchase of land, major capital expenditure or major construction/capital works
• cover of retrospective costs before the commencement of the grant agreement
• costs incurred in the preparation of a grant application or related documentation
• overseas travel or activities or programs that will be completed outside of Australia
• costs to attend and travel to conferences
• activities or programs that are likely to contribute to racial, religious or cultural intolerance or that are otherwise contrary to the Child Safe Standards and Universal Principle. 

If you have questions about whether a proposed activity or expenditure is eligible, email csogrants@qfcc.qld.gov.au.

A competitive application clearly demonstrates how your project aligns with the grant objectives and delivers meaningful impact, benefitting child safeguarding and the implementation of the Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle in Queensland. 

Here are some tips to help you prepare a strong application:

• Answer the questions in the application form: Clearly respond to all required sections, providing evidence to support your claims.
• Demonstrate need & impact: Show why your project is necessary and how it will drive meaningful change.
• Have a clear implementation plan: Outline a realistic timeline, key activities, and achievable outcomes. Use the project plan template provided.
• Showcase partnerships and collaboration: Leverage sector relationships and existing initiatives to enhance reach and effectiveness.
• Provide a transparent budget: Ensure your budget is detailed, justified and aligned with the project goals. 

 A well-prepared application strengthens your chances of securing funding and sets your project up for success. 

Your grant application will be considered only if it is submitted through the SmartyGrants portal. The application process will require you to submit attachments, including:

1. Project plan (template supplied) detailing key milestones, activities, resources, timeframe for delivery and risk management plan and a detailed budget that provides a breakdown of specific income and expenditure related to the grant funds
2. Statement of personnel capability
3. Bank verification form stamped by your financial institution
4. Referee letter attesting to your organisation’s ability to deliver projects on time, on budget and achieve stated outcomes.

If you are applying for grant category 3, and you are a community controlled organisation, you will need to provide a copy of your Certificate of Incorporation as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation.

Effective project planning is key to ensuring your initiative meets its intended objectives. When designing your project, consider the following: 

• Capacity and resources: Ensure your organisation has the necessary staffing, expertise, and infrastructure to deliver the project effectively.
• Stakeholder engagement: Collaborate with relevant partners, sector leaders, and community representatives to enhance project impact.
• Risk management: Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, including operational, financial, and reputational risks. Refer to the risk management plan in the project plan template.
• Sustainability: Consider how the initiative can be sustained beyond the grant period. Building long-term capacity and embedding systemic change are critical to success. 

By proactively planning, you set your organisation up for success and maximise the benefits of the funding. 

Cultural safety and adaptability are central to the success of any child safeguarding initiative. When designing and delivering your project, ensure you do the following: 

• Engage with communities: Consult with culturally diverse and First Nations communities to ensure services are responsive and respectful.
• Apply the Universal Principle: Embed cultural safety as a core component of your safeguarding approach.
• Tailor your approach: Recognise different communities have unique needs and experiences. Adapt resources and messaging accordingly.
• Prioritise lived experience: Involve those with lived experience and cultural authority in the design, delivery, and evaluation of your project to ensure relevance and impact. This is particularly important in engaging children and young people in processes where appropriate.

 Embedding cultural responsiveness enhances effectiveness, trust, and long-term change. 

If you have any questions during the application process, you can contact the Child Safeguarding Grants team by email csogrants@qfcc.qld.gov.au.

Questions will be responded to within 5 working days. Answers to questions will be posted on the Smarty Grants portal.

The question period will close at 5pm (AEST), one week before the closing date of the grant applications. Following this time, only questions about using the portal or submitting the application form will be answered by the Smarty Grants support team service@smartygrants.com.au.

Information about developing and submitting applications can be found above and on the Smarty Grants portal.

The QFCC will not prepare content, discuss or advise on the proposed project’s content with an applicant (except in an initial consideration of eligibility) or provide assistance in writing applications.

Applicants seeking to submit a late application will be required to submit a late application request by email to csogrants@qfcc.qld.gov.au. The request should include a detailed explanation of the circumstances that prevented the application being submitted prior to the closing time. Where appropriate, supporting evidence can be provided to verify the claim of exceptional circumstances. 

Broadly, exceptional circumstances are events characterised by one or more of the following:

• reasonably unforeseeable
• beyond the applicant’s control
• unable to be managed or resolved within the application period.

Exceptional circumstances will be considered on their merits, in accordance with probity principles, any considerations relating to funding availability for the overall grants program and adverse impact on other grant applicants.

How to lodge a late application 

Applicants seeking to submit a late application will be required to submit a late application request via the Smarty Grants portal. The request should include a detailed explanation of the circumstances that prevented the application being submitted prior to the closing time. Where appropriate, supporting evidence can be provided to verify the claim of exceptional circumstances. The late application process will be managed through the Smarty Grants portal.

Requests for a late application must be made within 3 days of the grant opportunity closing, unless otherwise specified. The decision maker (QFCC Principal Commissioner) or their appointed representative will determine whether a late application will be accepted. The decision of the decision maker will be final and not be subject to review or appeal. 

Once the outcome is determined, the applicant will be notified.

Grant applications will be assessed on the criteria below. 

All criteria are equally weighted. There are universal assessment criteria for all three grant categories. Grant categories 2 and 3 have additional criteria that will be applied when considering relevant applications.

We are looking for proposals that demonstrate the following:

1. Maximise reach and impact: Funding will be awarded to proposals that maximise the reach and impact of capacity building efforts across as many organisations as possible. Initiatives should aim to serve multiple organisations or sectors, with preference given to projects that engage a broad range of stakeholders and deliver scalable benefits.
2. Leverage existing resources and relationships: Projects that leverage existing materials, networks, and relationships within the child safety, safeguarding and protection sector will be prioritised. Applications should clearly outline how they will incorporate and build upon existing available tools, training materials, and partnerships to enhance their capacity building effectiveness.
3. Emphasise efficient and sustainable capacity building: Proposals must emphasise sustainable capacity-building approaches, such as the development of training materials, resources, or online modules that can be accessed and used repeatedly over time. Projects focused on creating lasting resources that can be easily maintained and updated, rather than one-off events or workshops, will be prioritised to ensure long-term impact.
4. Demonstrate innovation in approach: Applications that demonstrate unique approaches to complying with Child Safe Standards and building capacity, including the use of technology to improve efficiency or effectiveness in supporting compliance with Child Safe Standards, will be welcomed.
5. Support the Universal Principle: Applications with a strong focus on the Universal Principle, building cultural safety, diversity, equity and inclusion through child safe standards will be strongly regarded.

Applications that demonstrate a clear need for financial support as a last-resort option must provide evidence that sector leaders, regulators, and other available resources have been fully used and exhausted, and that they are unable to achieve compliance without funding.

Applications demonstrating the inclusion of cultural authority in the approach to building cultural safety within sectors or organisations, or with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion through child safe standards will be strongly regarded.

A feedback summary will be published on the Smarty Grants portal to provide all organisations with information about the selection process and the main strengths and areas for improving applications for future grant rounds.

Individual feedback will not be provided.

If there are not enough suitable applications to meet the program’s objectives, the QFCC may approach organisations directly and invite them to apply through a relevant targeted competitive or closed non-competitive selection process.

If an application is not approved for funding and you still want funding, you can submit a new application in future grant rounds offered by the QFCC.

Successful grant activities will be listed on the Smarty Grants portal and the QFCC website. Details relating to the grant may also be provided to Members of Queensland Parliament, responsible Ministers and other State government bodies. 

The QFCC also reserves the right to publish details of funded grant activities in the QFCC’s communication channels, including newsletters, annual reports, and social media channels.

The QFCC’s Complaints Procedure applies to complaints about the Child Safeguarding Grants Program. All complaints, including grant decisions, must be made in writing. Read more here.

For information about how the QFCC handles complaints, see our Complaints Management System.

Managing your grant effectively ensures compliance and demonstrates the impact of your work. 

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Progress Reports: You may be required to submit progress reports detailing project activities, achievements, and any challenges encountered.
• Financial Reporting (Acquittals): You must track and report on how funds have been spent. This includes providing receipts, invoices, or financial statements to verify expenditure.
• Final Acquittal Report: At the end of the grant period, a final report will be required summarising outcomes, key learnings, and financial reconciliation.
• Final report: A report template will be provided for the final report due at the end of the 12-month funding period, aligning your organisation’s outcomes with the grant objectives.
• Recordkeeping: Keep detailed records of project activities, financial transactions, and communications for auditing purposes. 

We are here to support you throughout the process. If you have any questions about reporting requirements, email csogrants@qfcc.qld.gov.au. 

Demonstrating the impact of your project is crucial for accountability. We encourage you to evaluate your activities by establishing processes and impact measures using clear success indicators, such as the following:

• Quantitative measures: Number of participants engaged, services delivered, or compliance/capacity/capability improvements achieved.
• Qualitative measures: Testimonials, case studies, and stakeholder feedback demonstrating positive change.
• Capacity building outcomes: Evidence of improved knowledge, skills or operational capacity within your organisation or sector.
• Sustainability and legacy: Long-term adoption of improved practices, policies, or frameworks beyond the grant period. 

We recommend using a mix of data collection methods, such as surveys, interviews, and project tracking tools, to effectively measure outcomes based on the type of project your organisation will deliver. If you are reporting on improvements in knowledge, capability, etc, you will need to collect a baseline measure to demonstrate the degree of change achieved.