Everything you need to finalise your 2025 Research Funding Round 1 application

Start here! The Grant Guidelines are your go-to resource for this round of grant funding. The Grant Guidelines outline the information you need to include in your application. They are available in Plain Language, Easy Read, Auslan and a detailed version, on our website.

How we choose projects to fund and support

We will choose projects that are likely to create a large and positive impact in relation to the safety of people with disability.

The application form asks you for information on 5 key assessment criteria:

Impact on policy, practice or programs (25% weighting) – up to 600 words.
Impact of the project’s process (15% weighting) – up to 600 words.
Project methods (30% weighting) – up to 1,000 words.
Capacity and resources to deliver the project (30% weighting) – up to 400 words.
Overall value and risk (unweighted) – up to 300 words.

You can find more information about what to write in your application about these criteria in the detailed version of this Guidelines document on our website.

When you're shaping your answers, you can also check the Scoring Matrix.

Independent Review Panels will read the applications and give a score based on the assessment criteria. They will use the Scoring Matrix to support fair and clear scoring.

It includes statements that describe the qualities of outstanding responses to each criterion. It also outlines factors that may result in a lower score.

You can download the Scoring Matrix or view it on our website.

What happens once applications close?

Step 1: Applications close 28 April 2025, 5:00 PM AEST. Make sure everything is submitted via SmartyGrants before the deadline.

Step 2: Independent review panels assess eligible applications.

Step 3: The Research Committee reviews the strongest applications. The committee decides which of these projects, if funded together, will have the biggest collective impact. Our Board will make the final decisions.

Step 4: Funding outcomes announced. All applicants will be notified of the outcome. Funded projects will be publicly announced before the end of June 2025.

Make sure everything is ready to go by 5:00 PM AEST on 28 April and if you have any questions, check our FAQs or reach out before then.

Thanks again to everyone who has engaged with this round. We’re looking forward to supporting impactful, inclusive projects that advance safety for people with disability.