Housing and Homelessness Service Improvement and Sector Support Activity
The following questions and answers are specific to this funding round. Please also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page for general questions about applying for DSS grants.
New questions are added to the end of this document.
1. Is the grants application process related to funding under the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH) funding?
No. The National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness is an agreement between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments. This grants application process is distinct from the NPAH and involves a separate funding pool, under which grants will be provided directly by the Commonwealth to organisations.
2. Why can’t I find funding for the Reconnect and HOME Advice Programmes?
These programmes have strong linkages with the services being provided in the new Families and Communities Programme. As part of the new grant arrangements, HOME Advice has been incorporated with Money Management into a new Sub Activity called Financial Capability. Financial Capability sits under the Financial and Wellbeing and Capability Activity and details of the selection process can be found in the information for that Activity.
Reconnect now sits in the Young People Sub Activity under the Families and Children Activity. There are no selection processes for the Young People Sub Activity at this time. The current funding agreements for the Reconnect programme will remain in place until 30 June 2016.
3. Is funding available for building projects?
As outlined in the programme guidelines, funding is not available for the purchase of land or for major construction/capital works.
4. Is funding available for research projects?
As outlined in the programme guidelines, funding is available for research projects. Organisations that may be contracted to provide housing and/or homelessness research include universities, independent researchers, peak bodies and other non-government organisations.
5. How can I target my application for research funding?
Funding is available to build the research evidence based for effective policy that addresses homelessness and housing affordability over the long term.
6. Is funding available for service innovation projects?
As outlined in the programme guidelines, funding is available for innovative projects that could be identified as best practice models and be promoted and replicated to enhance existing housing and homelessness policies and programmes
7. Can I apply for projects with national/state coverage?
Yes, projects with national/state coverage can be applied for.
8. Will additional information contained in attachments be considered as part of my application?
You may attach supporting documents to your application; however, assessment of your proposal will be based on answers to selection criteria in the application form.
9. Does the grant activity have to start in January 2015 or can it start in a future funding year?
Commencement of funded activity can commence and conclude at any time between
1 January 2015 and 30 June 2018.
10. Can I apply for more than one activity? For example peak funding and innovative projects.
You may apply for multiple activities; however, applications will need to be submitted separately as each will be assessed on its individual merits against the relevant selection criteria.
11. How much funding am I able to apply for under each of the Sub-Activities?
The total funding allocation for this programme is $21.13 million over four years from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2018. This allocation also includes funds already committed in funding agreements and the Department may leave some funds unallocated in order to meet future and/or emerging Government priorities. The total amount of funding across the four Sub Activities will only be known once applications have been received and assessed.
12. Are five year funding agreements available under this programme?
Through this selection process, funding for the Housing and Homelessness Service Improvement and Sector Support Activity is available from 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2018. This is the maximum period of funding for any grant under this Activity.
13. Where do I go for further information?
Enquiries on the application process can be sent to
New Q&A – Added 4 July 2014
14. Can I apply for more than one sub-activity? For example peak funding and innovative projects. Can I also apply more than once under each sub-activity? For example submitting two applications under innovative projects.
You can submit an application under more than one sub-activity. For example, you might apply under both innovative projects and peak funding.
You can also submit multiple applications under the one sub-activity. For example, you might submit two applications for innovative projects.
Please note applications will need to be submitted separately as each will be assessed on its individual merits against the relevant selection criteria.