Applications are now open for independent advocacy organisations to submit expressions of interest for the Supported Employment Advocacy Project. The deadline for applications is 7 April 2025 at 5:00 pm AEST.

If you prefer to submit via a Word document or require assistance with your application, please contact us at projects@dana.org.au for alternative submission options.

About the Project

This project is funded by the Department of Social Services and is a joint initiative between Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) and Inclusion Australia. It will run until 30 June 2027.

The project aims to provide case-based advocacy support to people with intellectual disabilities and high support needs who are employed in Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs), as well as young people transitioning from school to work. Advocacy support will be short-term and focused on helping individuals review employment options and address employment-related issues.

A key component of this project is a supported decision-making approach, ensuring that the preferences, rights, and needs of people with disabilities and their families are recognised and upheld.

Who Can Apply?

Funding is available to independent advocacy organisations currently funded through the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) or state and territory-based individual advocacy programs. Organisations applying for the Indigenous advocacy component must be part of the current Indigenous advocacy pilot.

Successful applicants will receive training and be invited to join an ongoing community of practice with other grant recipients. Recipients will also collaborate with Inclusion Australia members and partner organisations in their state to promote the work of the project.

Funding Allocations

Funding is proportionally allocated based on the number of ADEs in each state. The funding includes staffing costs (based on 1 EFT = $150,000/year, including salary and on-costs) and travel assistance.

The funding allocations per region are as follows:

• NSW – $260,000/year ($650,000 total)
• VIC – $230,000/year ($575,000 total)
• QLD – $110,000/year ($275,000 total)
• WA – $95,000/year ($237,500 total)
• SA – $83,000/year ($207,500 total)
• TAS – $83,000/year ($207,500 total)
• ACT – $32,000/year ($80,000 total)
• NT – $40,000/year ($200,000 total)
• Indigenous Advocacy – $67,000/year ($167,500 total)

For further details on funding calculations, please contact the DANA Projects Team.

Key Dates

• 12 March 2025: Grant round opens
• 7 April 2025: Expressions of Interest close (5:00 pm AEDT)
• 16 May 2025: Applicants notified of outcomes
• May – June 2025: Contracting agreements established
• June 2025: Grant partners commence project work

Reporting Requirements

• Child Safe Reporting: 1 March each year
• Workplan Reporting:
  • December 2025
  • June 2026
  • December 2026
  • June 2027 (Final Report)
• 30 June 2027: Project concludes

For more information, please visit the DANA website or contact the Projects Team at projects@dana.org.au.