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

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.

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 Commission 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 Commission.

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

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

The Commission'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 Commission handles complaints, see our Complaints Management System.

Successful applicants will receive a formal Grant Agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the funding, applicable to your category. This agreement will specify: 

• the maximum grant amount – The maximum grant amount will not be exceeded under any circumstances. If extra costs are incurred these are the responsibility of the grant recipient.
• approved project scope and deliverables
• reporting and acquittal requirements
• key milestones and deadlines
• acknowledgment of funding requirements. 

It is essential for successful applicants to review this agreement thoroughly and ensure your organisation understands and complies with all obligations. If required, we will provide an initial briefing to help you get started. 

For organisations applying as the lead in a consortium, express written agreement must be provided from all member organisations in the Grant Agreement. 

The Commission will request information from the grant recipient to establish them as a supplier in the Commission’s financial management system. Monies cannot be paid until this occurs. Successful applicants will be requested to provide these details at the same time as the agreement is executed. Monies will not be paid until an agreement is executed.

Once the agreement is signed, funds will be distributed. The Commission will pay 100% of the grant on commencement of the activity. If you are registered for GST, where applicable, the Commission will add GST to the grant payment and issue a Recipient Created Tax Invoice. 

Successful applicants can then commence your project, ensuring all activities align with the grant’s purpose and objectives. 

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.