Grant applications must demonstrate the ways the project will build the number and nature of networks and social ties, increase participation in community or family life, or improve access to basic human entitlements such as health and education.
As well as building social connections, the projects most likely to be funded will also reflect the Telstra Foundation’s priorities of social innovation, capacity building, measurable impact and creative use of information and communication technologies.
The Telstra Foundation will commit at least one third of the Social Innovation Grants to projects that use information and communication technologies to improve the education outcomes and health of Indigenous children and young people, and projects which promote, protect, maintain or strengthen Indigenous culture.
Grant size
Grants from $75,000 per year for up to three years are available. There is no set upper limit on the size of a grant, however larger requests will be considered against a limited budget.
Reporting and Evaluation
All successful applicants will be required to evaluate their project against the stated objectives and indicators and to provide comprehensive reports, including evaluation, to the Telstra Foundation annually and at the end of the project.
For applicants receiving two and three year funding, continued funding will depend upon the progress of the project.
A third party evaluation is encouraged by the Telstra Foundation and should be included within the project budget.
How to apply
Expressions of interest are invited each year and information is available on our website when applications are open.
Community Leadership Program
With a mission to have stronger and lasting relationships with our grant recipients and to help build the capacity of community organisations to achieve their social improvement goals, the Telstra Foundation Community Leadership Program links Telstra executives with the leaders of organisations funded through the Social Innovation Grants. The 12 month mentoring and strategic capacity building program is delivered in partnership with Social Ventures Australia.
Enquiries
Due to current funding commitments, there will not be an application round for the 2009/2010 financial year. Future announcements on dates in which applications can be made will be posted on this website.