Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The BEST Program 2026–27 provides targeted funding to ex-service organisations (ESOs) delivering free compensation and wellbeing advocacy services to Australia’s veteran and defence communities. The program covers staff salaries, training, equipment, IT systems, and operational costs, helping ESOs maintain and expand vital services nationwide.
Overview of the Program
The Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program is designed to strengthen ex-service organisations in Australia by funding services that support veterans, serving defence members, and their families. Funding focuses on compensation advocacy, wellbeing support, and the delivery of free advocacy services.
Key areas supported include:
- Compensation and wellbeing advocacy services – Funding advocates and support staff to provide advice and assistance to veterans and defence communities
- Training and capacity building – Covering training directly related to advocacy and wellbeing services
- Operational support – Funding equipment, IT systems, office consumables, domestic travel for advocacy, and marketing communications to promote free services
- Administrative assistance – Supporting essential administrative functions that enable service delivery
The program operates on a non-competitive, demand-driven model, allocating funding based on organisational need and total eligible demand, with no set minimum or maximum grant limits. Funding contributes to core costs but does not fully fund ESOs, ensuring resources are directed to priority areas critical for service delivery.
Funding Structure and Duration
- Grant Model: Non-competitive, demand-driven, needs-based allocation
- Duration: Three-year funding cycle under a Commonwealth Simple Grant Agreement
- Reporting: Annual milestone reporting required to access funding for subsequent years
- Scope: National, covering all Australian states and territories
By providing targeted funding for staff, training, equipment, and administrative support, the BEST Program enables ESOs to maintain and expand high-quality services that meet the evolving needs of veterans and defence communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for BEST Program funding?
Ex-service organisations (ESOs) that provide free compensation and wellbeing advocacy services to Australia’s veterans, serving defence members, and their families.
2. What types of activities are funded?
- Compensation and wellbeing advocacy services
- Staff salaries and on-costs for advocates and support personnel
- Training directly related to advocacy and wellbeing
- Office equipment, IT systems, and consumables
- Domestic travel related to advocacy work
- Marketing and communications of free services
3. Is there a minimum or maximum grant amount?
No, the BEST Program uses a demand-driven model without minimum or maximum grant caps. Funding is allocated based on organisational need and eligible demand.
4. How long does the funding last?
Funding is provided through a three-year grant agreement, with annual milestone reporting required to access subsequent years.
5. Does the program fully fund organisations?
No, BEST funding contributes to priority areas but does not fully fund ESOs. This ensures that resources are targeted to critical service delivery needs.
6. Which geographic areas are covered?
The program is national in scope, supporting ESOs across all Australian states and territories.
7. How are funds accessed?
Successful applicants enter into a Commonwealth Simple Grant Agreement and receive funding based on milestone achievements reported annually.
Conclusion
The BEST Program 2026–27 strengthens ex-service organisations by providing essential resources, staff, and training to support veterans and defence communities. Through targeted, demand-driven funding, ESOs are empowered to deliver high-quality advocacy and wellbeing services nationwide, ensuring veterans and their families receive timely and effective support.
For more information, visit Avant Group.