Disability self help grants program

Disability self help grants are available to assist disability self help groups in financing general expenses, minor works and equipment. 

The Victorian Government is committed to supporting people with disability and their families.

The Disability self help grants program recognises the value of people coming together and sharing their experiences.

2021–2023 Disability self help grants program

Applications for the 2021–2023 funding round of the Disability self help grants program are now open and will close at 4pm on 15 February 2022.

This year’s funding round will prioritise groups representing diverse communities, as well as those in rural and regional Victoria, to ensure all Victorians with disability and their families have access to the benefits self help groups offer their members.

Priority groups for 2021-23 include:

  • Aboriginal Victorians  
  • young people (aged 12-25) 
  • women and girls 
  • people from culturally diverse communities  
  • people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse or intersex 
  • groups based in regional or rural Victoria.

How can the grant be used?

Grants of up to $10,000 over 2 years are available to support Victorian disability self help groups to:

  • Strengthen the capacity of people with disability to live independently and participate in the community 
  • Support members to make informed decisions about their own lives
  • Encourage a network of community peer support and information exchange for people with disability and their families and carers
  • Increase opportunities to provide information and education on the experiences of people with disability.

How to apply

Applications for the 2021-2023 funding round are online through the SmartyGrants online grants management platform.

Hard copies of the funding round documents including a copy of the application form, are available on request.

More information

Groups can contact the Office for Disability on 1300 880 043 or email disabilityshg@dhhs.vic.gov.au.