RFAs: Tobin Brothers Foundation Grant Program (Australia)

The Tobin Brothers Foundation provides annual grants of up to $10,000 to eligible organisations and individuals delivering community-focused projects across Melbourne. The programme supports initiatives that demonstrate meaningful community benefit, positive social outcomes, and a clear plan for using funds to strengthen local communities.

Overview of the Tobin Brothers Foundation Grants

The Tobin Brothers Foundation Grants provide philanthropic funding to support community projects and initiatives that create measurable benefits for people living in the Melbourne area.

The Foundation focuses on supporting organisations and individuals whose work contributes to stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.

Applicants must demonstrate:

The purpose and impact of their project.
The community group that will benefit.
How funding will improve their organisation or activities.
The long-term value created through the initiative.

Why It Matters

Community organisations often require financial support to deliver programmes that improve social wellbeing, inclusion, and local participation.

The Tobin Brothers Foundation helps eligible applicants by providing funding for projects that:

Address community needs.
Create positive social outcomes.
Strengthen community participation.
Expand access to valuable services and activities.
Support sustainable community development.

The programme encourages projects that demonstrate clear benefits beyond the organisation itself.

Funding Amount

Successful applicants can receive:

Maximum grant amount: Up to $10,000.
Funding type: Community project and initiative support.
Location focus: Melbourne area.

Applicants must explain:

The exact purpose of the funding request.
How the grant money will be used.
Whether the funding supports a specific project.
Whether the grant covers the full project cost or only part of it.

Supported Activities and Projects

The Foundation supports community initiatives that demonstrate meaningful public benefit.

Eligible projects should clearly explain:

The community issue being addressed.
The activities planned.
The people who will benefit.
The expected outcomes.

Funding may support activities that strengthen community services, programmes, and initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s philanthropic objectives.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are open to eligible organisations and individuals that meet the Foundation’s requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

Demonstrate meaningful community benefit.
Provide details about their project or initiative.
Explain how funding will create positive outcomes.
Meet the Foundation’s eligibility requirements.

Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Requirement

Organisations applying for funding must meet specific tax eligibility requirements.

Eligible organisations must:

Be endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) under Division 30 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
Provide a valid DGR Certificate issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Applicants must include this documentation as part of their application.

Required Application Information

Applicants must provide detailed information about their organisation and proposed project.

The application requires:

Organisation Details

Applicants must provide:

Organisation purpose and objectives.
Address and contact details.
Australian Business Number (ABN).
Establishment year.
Staffing information.
Annual revenue details.
Government funding information, if applicable.

Grant Request Details

Applicants must explain:

Amount requested.
Purpose of funding.
How funds will be spent.
Whether the funding supports a specific project.
Whether other funding sources are involved.

Community Impact Details

Applicants should describe:

The community benefiting from the project.
The social value created.
Expected outcomes.
How the project improves community wellbeing.

Referees

Applications must include:

Two referees who understand the project or organisation.
Contact details of referees who can verify the proposed work.

How to Apply

Applicants can follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the Community Need

Clearly define:

The issue or opportunity being addressed.
The community group that will benefit.
Why the project is important.

Step 2: Prepare Project Information

Develop a clear description covering:

Project goals.
Planned activities.
Expected outcomes.
Community benefits.

Step 3: Prepare Funding Details

Explain:

The amount requested.
How funds will be allocated.
Whether the grant will cover the entire project cost.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Information

Include:

Organisation details.
ABN information.
DGR Certificate (where required).
Revenue and staffing information.
Referee details.
Project impact information.

Assessment Process

Applications are assessed based on the information submitted by applicants.

Reviewers consider:

The purpose of the funding request.
Community benefit.
Strength of the proposed project.
How effectively funds will be used.
Value created for the wider community.

Successful applicants may be invited to participate in a 2–3 minute organisational spotlight video highlighting their work and community impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Providing unclear explanations of how funds will be used.
Failing to demonstrate community benefit.
Missing required documents such as the DGR Certificate.
Submitting incomplete organisation details.
Not explaining how the project creates measurable outcomes.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances by:

Clearly describing the community problem being addressed.
Explaining who benefits from the project.
Providing a realistic funding plan.
Demonstrating long-term community impact.
Including strong referee contacts.
Showing how the grant will add value beyond existing activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Tobin Brothers Foundation Grant?

The Tobin Brothers Foundation Grant provides financial support for community projects and initiatives that create meaningful benefits across Melbourne.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Eligible applicants can receive grants of up to $10,000.

Who can apply for the grant?

Eligible organisations and individuals that meet the Foundation’s requirements can apply. Organisations must meet the required DGR eligibility conditions.

What is a DGR Certificate?

A DGR Certificate confirms that an organisation has Deductible Gift Recipient endorsement under Australian taxation law and is eligible for certain philanthropic funding arrangements.

What information is required in the application?

Applicants must provide organisation details, ABN, project information, funding purpose, community benefit details, financial information, and two referees.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are reviewed based on the proposed use of funds, community impact, and the value the project provides to the community.

What happens if an application is successful?

Successful applicants may be required to participate in a short organisational spotlight video showcasing their project and community contribution.

Conclusion

The Tobin Brothers Foundation Grants provide valuable financial support for community initiatives that create positive social impact in Melbourne. By funding projects with clear community benefits, the Foundation helps organisations and individuals strengthen local communities and deliver meaningful outcomes for those who need support.