Bill Shorten encourages NDIS providers to apply for grant funding

Key points:

• The NDIS has announced five million dollars to be distributed to eligible providers and organisations through grant funding over the next two years 
• Approximately 231,730 active providers are currently registered with the NDIS, as per recent data from the NDIS website
• NDIS providers and organisations have used previous grant funding to create information sessions, resources and training products

The NDIS has announced another round of grants under the Support for NDIS Providers program. With over five million dollars allocated by the Australian Government, NDIS providers are encouraged to apply for funding.

Approximately 231,730 active providers are currently registered with the NDIS, with each provider servicing an average of three NDIS participants, as per recent data from the NDIS website.

The NDIS grants program, which commenced in 2018, has provided 18 grant opportunities. 

The Australian Government emphasised the importance of this round of grant applicants to focus on ‘delivering outcomes for priority cohorts, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants and people with disability living in rural and remote communities.’

NDIS Minister Bill Shorten commented on the importance of the grant funding for NDIS providers and participants.

“[…] the government is committed to getting the NDIS back on track and improving the lives of people with disability. I’m proud to announce this five million dollar investment in improving the knowledge and skills of everyone connected to the NDIS,” he said.

“We want to invest in projects that are co-designed and co-created with people with disability and show a connection to all Australians with disability, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or culturally and linguistically diverse people with disability.” 

Approximately 649,620 eligible participants are registered with the NDIS, according to information on the NDIS website.

Acting NDIS Commissioner Michael Phelan also highlighted the impact of the grant funding to improve the NDIS for providers and participants alike. 

“People with disability have a right to access quality and safe NDIS supports and services and to have access to skilled and knowledgeable NDIS providers and workers. This grant will enable projects that will help to make the NDIS better for everyone and we encourage all organisations with innovative ideas to apply,” said Mr Phelan.

Successful grant applications will focus on aspects such as knowledge and skill development in this grant round. More details for prospective applicants are available in the Support for NDIS Providers Grants Program Guidelines resource.

Previous grant funding has enabled providers and relevant organisations to create improved methods for receiving complaints, resources for participants to better understand their rights and how to raise concerns and to assist allied health professionals in completing required NDIS registrations.

Previous grant-recipient organisations include the Summer Foundation, the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council and the Deaf Indigenous Community Consultancy. 

While NDIS providers are encouraged to apply, the grant guidelines state that ‘you do not have to be an NDIS provider — registered or unregistered — to apply for a grant under this grant opportunity.’ 

To apply for grant funding through this program, you can find more information on the GrantConnect website. While five million dollars has been allocated in total, individual grant funding for providers and eligible organisations is expected to be between $100,000 and $500,000. 

Application submissions will close on August 30, 2024, at 2pm AEST, according to the GrantConnect website.

The NDIA has also funded other projects across the nation through programs such as the Economic and Community Participation grant round and the Individual Capacity Building Program round. More information about previously funded projects can be found on the NDIS website.

Are you an NDIS provider? How would your organisation use NDIS grant funding?

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