Deadline: 02-Mar-2026
The Building Justice Change – Building Justice Grants Stream supports not-for-profit organisations in Victoria to strengthen, scale, and replicate proven initiatives that improve justice outcomes for people experiencing disadvantage. The stream prioritises tested and effective models, offering tailored, multi-year funding (1–3 years) to expand impact and help more Victorians prevent or resolve legal problems.
The Building Justice Change Grants Stream is a targeted funding initiative designed to help Victorian not-for-profit organisations build on what already works in the justice sector. The stream focuses on strengthening, expanding, and sustaining effective justice initiatives that support people who are disadvantaged within the justice system.
Rather than funding new or untested pilot programs, this grant stream invests in proven models, ensuring public and philanthropic resources generate meaningful, measurable, and sector-wide impact.
Purpose of the Grant
The Building Justice stream aims to improve access to justice by supporting initiatives that help people prevent legal problems, resolve disputes early, or navigate the justice system more effectively.
All funded activities must demonstrate clear benefit to Victorians experiencing disadvantage, including those facing systemic barriers to legal support.
Key Focus Areas and Objectives
Funded projects must align with one or more of the following objectives:
Embedding, scaling, or replicating transformative justice initiatives
Strengthening tested service models by improving quality, consistency, or delivery
Expanding the reach of effective programs through clear implementation strategies
Evaluating the impact of proven services to strengthen evidence and outcomes
Developing business cases to sustain and grow successful initiatives
Replicating models that have worked in other communities, adapted to the Victorian context
The emphasis is on scaling impact, not experimentation.
Who Is Eligible?
This grant stream is open to not-for-profit organisations operating in Victoria that work to improve access to justice.
Eligible organisations must:
Be legally constituted not-for-profit entities
Demonstrate strong governance, operational capacity, and financial management
Have met all acquittal and reporting obligations for any previous grants
Submit only one application per organisation under this stream
The stream particularly welcomes applications from organisations delivering ambitious, high-impact models with a clear vision for sector-wide benefit.
Why This Grant Matters
People experiencing disadvantage often face complex legal problems linked to housing, family violence, debt, employment, or discrimination. Without effective support, these issues can escalate and deepen inequality.
The Building Justice Change Grants Stream:
Invests in solutions with proven effectiveness
Strengthens the justice service ecosystem
Helps organisations reach more people, more consistently
Encourages sustainability rather than short-term delivery
Supports system-level change across the Victorian justice sector
Funding Amount, Duration, and Structure
Funding is tailored to each project, reflecting its scope, scale, and complexity.
Key funding features include:
Multi-year funding available for projects running 1 to 3 years
Funding is time-limited and must support projects commencing after approval
Budgets must be realistic and aligned with proposed activities
Larger or longer-term grants may involve additional reporting requirements
There is no fixed minimum or maximum funding amount, allowing flexibility based on impact.
How to Apply
Organisations must follow a structured application process.
Step 1: Engage with the Grants Team
Applicants are required to discuss their proposal with the Grants team before submitting an application. This step helps ensure alignment with program objectives and eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Prepare the Application
Applicants should clearly outline:
The proven model or initiative being strengthened or scaled
Evidence of effectiveness and demonstrated community need
How the project will improve justice outcomes for disadvantaged Victorians
Implementation plans, timelines, and evaluation methods
Organisational capacity and governance arrangements
Step 3: Submit Online
Applications must be completed and submitted through the designated online portal by the specified closing date.
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Evaluation, Reporting, and Compliance
All funded projects must:
Incorporate evaluation and learning into project design
Meet all legal and regulatory requirements
Acknowledge grant support in relevant publications and materials
Provide progress and final reports as required
Comply with enhanced reporting obligations for higher-value or longer-term grants
These requirements ensure transparency, accountability, and measurable impact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting untested or pilot-only initiatives
Failing to demonstrate evidence of effectiveness
Applying without prior engagement with the Grants team
Submitting more than one application per organisation
Proposing activities that do not clearly benefit disadvantaged Victorians
Underestimating evaluation and reporting requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can new pilot programs be funded under this stream?
No. This stream prioritises tested and proven initiatives, not early-stage pilots.
2. Is the grant open to for-profit or government organisations?
No. Only not-for-profit organisations are eligible.
3. Can projects run for more than one year?
Yes. Projects may run for one to three years, depending on scope and funding approval.
4. Is there a fixed funding cap?
No fixed cap is stated. Funding is tailored to project scale and impact.
5. Do all applicants need to include evaluation?
Yes. Evaluation and reporting are mandatory components of all funded projects.
6. Can organisations apply without speaking to the Grants team?
No. Pre-application engagement with the Grants team is required.
7. Who must benefit from funded projects?
Projects must benefit people currently experiencing disadvantage within the justice system in Victoria.
Conclusion
The Building Justice Change – Building Justice Grants Stream provides a strategic opportunity for Victorian not-for-profits to scale what works, strengthen justice services, and create lasting impact for disadvantaged communities. By focusing on proven models, sustainability, and sector-wide learning, the stream plays a critical role in improving access to justice across Victoria.
For more information, visit Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner.
