Deadline: 07-Aug-2026
The Specialist Building Digital Skills Grant Program supports organisations in delivering free, face-to-face digital literacy training to people with disabilities aged over 50. The program funds accessible learning activities using Be Connected courses to help older participants build essential digital skills, confidence, and independence.
The grant provides financial support for eligible organisations to conduct community-based digital skills training through small group sessions, one-on-one mentoring, or a combination of both approaches.
What is the Specialist Building Digital Skills Grant Program?
The Specialist Building Digital Skills Grant Program is an initiative designed to reduce the digital divide among older Australians with disabilities by improving access to technology education.
The program supports organisations that help participants develop basic digital literacy skills, increase confidence using digital devices, and participate more actively in the digital world.
Training activities must be delivered:
- Free of charge to participants
- In person
- Through accessible and inclusive learning environments
- Using courses available through the Be Connected learning platform
Additional learning resources may be included where they provide culturally appropriate or community-specific support.
Program Objectives
The main objectives of the Specialist Building Digital Skills Grant Program are to:
- Improve digital literacy among people with disabilities aged over 50
- Increase confidence in using computers, tablets, smartphones, and online services
- Provide accessible technology training opportunities
- Support inclusive participation in the digital economy and society
- Help older Australians overcome barriers to digital access
Who Can Benefit from the Program?
The program is designed for:
- People with disabilities aged over 50
- Older Australians who need support developing basic digital skills
- Communities requiring accessible and inclusive digital learning opportunities
Training providers must ensure that learning approaches are practical, supportive, and suitable for participants’ individual needs.
Funding Details
Eligible organisations can receive funding to deliver digital literacy programs over a 12-month period.
Grant Amount
The program provides two possible contract sizes:
- First-time Be Connected Building Digital Skills grant applicants: Eligible to apply for a grant of $3,000
- Organisations that successfully meet learner registration requirements and submit satisfactory financial acquittals: May become eligible for a second grant
Organisations may receive up to two Building Digital Skills grants within a 12-month period.
What Activities Can the Grant Support?
Funding can be used for activities and resources directly related to delivering digital literacy training.
Eligible expenses include:
- Creating culturally appropriate learning materials and environments
- Purchasing computers, laptops, or tablets
- Software upgrades
- Internet access fees
- Digital mentor costs
- Digital mentor training
- Printing educational resources
- Police checks for staff and volunteers
- Marketing and promotional activities
What Expenses Are Not Supported?
Grant funding cannot be used for:
- Building or construction works
- Capital works projects
- Construction materials
- Activities unrelated to digital literacy training delivery
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Organisations applying for the Specialist Building Digital Skills Grant must meet the following requirements:
Organisation Requirements
Applicants must:
- Support people with disabilities aged over 50 to develop basic digital skills
- Be a member of the Good Things network or have submitted a Join the Network application
- Have accessible premises suitable for older participants
- Provide appropriate facilities for participants with disabilities
- Hold public liability insurance
- Have no outstanding acquittals from previous Good Things grants
Training Requirements
Eligible organisations must be able to:
- Deliver free, in-person digital literacy training
- Use Be Connected learning courses
- Provide practical learning experiences
- Ensure participants have access to digital devices during training
How Does the Training Work?
Organisations can choose flexible delivery methods based on participant needs.
Training Options
- Small Group Mentoring
- Sessions can include up to eight participants
- Encourages peer learning and community support
- One-on-One Digital Support
- Provides personalised assistance
- Suitable for participants requiring additional support
- Combined Learning Approach
- Organisations may combine group sessions with individual mentoring
How to Apply?
Eligible organisations should follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm that the organisation:
- Supports people with disabilities aged over 50
- Meets Good Things network requirements
- Has suitable facilities and insurance coverage
Step 2: Prepare a Digital Skills Training Plan
The application should explain:
- Target participants
- Training approach
- Learning activities
- Use of Be Connected resources
- Expected outcomes
Step 3: Prepare a Budget
Applicants should provide details of how funding will support:
- Digital devices
- Learning materials
- Mentor support
- Training delivery costs
- Community engagement activities
Step 4: Submit the Application
Applications should be submitted according to the grant provider’s requirements and within the announced funding period.
Why This Grant Matters
Digital skills are increasingly essential for accessing:
- Online government services
- Healthcare information
- Banking and financial services
- Communication platforms
- Community resources
- Educational opportunities
For older people with disabilities, barriers such as accessibility challenges, limited confidence, and lack of training opportunities can prevent digital participation.
This program helps create more inclusive communities by ensuring vulnerable groups can safely and confidently use digital technologies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Proposing activities that are not directly related to digital literacy
- Requesting funding for building or construction work
- Failing to demonstrate accessibility for participants
- Not explaining how Be Connected resources will be used
- Providing unclear budgets or unrealistic project plans
- Applying without meeting Good Things network requirements
Tips for a Strong Application
Successful applications should:
- Clearly describe community needs
- Explain how participants will benefit
- Provide practical training methods
- Include measurable outcomes
- Demonstrate accessibility and inclusion
- Show how funding will directly improve digital confidence
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Specialist Building Digital Skills Grant Program?
The program provides funding to organisations that deliver free, face-to-face digital literacy training for people with disabilities aged over 50.
2. Who can apply for the grant?
Eligible applicants include organisations that support older people with disabilities, meet Good Things network requirements, have accessible facilities, and hold public liability insurance.
3. How much funding is available?
First-time applicants can apply for a $3,000 grant. Organisations that meet reporting and learner registration requirements may become eligible for a second grant.
4. What type of training must be provided?
Training must be delivered in person and include Be Connected learning courses. Organisations may also add culturally appropriate learning resources.
5. Can grant funding be used to purchase digital equipment?
Yes. Funding can support purchases such as computers, laptops, tablets, and software needed for digital literacy training.
6. Can funding be used for building improvements?
No. The grant does not support capital works, construction materials, or building projects.
7. How many grants can an organisation receive?
An organisation may receive up to two Building Digital Skills grants within a 12-month period, subject to meeting eligibility and reporting requirements.
Conclusion
The Specialist Building Digital Skills Grant Program helps organisations create accessible digital learning opportunities for people with disabilities aged over 50. By supporting free, practical, and inclusive technology training, the program strengthens digital confidence and enables older Australians to participate more fully in modern digital life.
For more information, visit Good Things Foundation.