The Disability Self Help Grants Program supports disability-led and peer support groups across Victoria, providing funding of up to $7,000 per year to strengthen social connection, wellbeing, and community inclusion. Grants focus on empowerment, sustainability, diversity, and disability pride, helping groups expand their reach, foster mutual support, and celebrate disability identity.

Disability Self Help Grants Program: Funding for Peer Support Groups in Victoria

Overview

The Disability Self Help Grants Program offers dedicated support to disability self help and peer support groups, recognising their critical role in fostering social connections, wellbeing, and community inclusion. The program invests in grassroots initiatives where people with disability and their families can share experiences, build networks, and support one another. Funded activities aim to strengthen empowerment, independence, and visibility while aligning with Victoria’s State Disability Plan 2022–2026 and the Victorian Autism Plan.

Program Objectives

• Strengthen social connections and mutual support among people with disability

• Promote disability pride and visibility in communities

• Enhance empowerment, independence, and inclusion

• Foster sustainable, community-led disability initiatives

Priority Areas

1. Empowerment and Resilience

• Build decision-making confidence and independence

• Share information and knowledge across group members

• Elevate lived experience as a form of expertise

• Strengthen social bonds and peer support networks

2. Sustainability and Reach

• Expand membership and community engagement

• Improve operational effectiveness and long-term stability

• Support strategic planning for future growth

3. Diversity and Inclusion

• Encourage participation from First Nations people, women and girls, neurodivergent people, culturally diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ members, young people, and regional Victorians

• Ensure programs are accessible, inclusive, and representative

4. Disability Pride and Recognition

• Celebrate key disability milestones and cultural achievements

• Highlight disability histories, languages, and identity

• Promote positive community attitudes toward disability

Who is Eligible?

• Incorporated not-for-profit organisations or groups with an approved auspice

• Groups with an ABN and a bank account in the group’s or auspice’s name

• Disability-focused groups led by members with lived experience

• Groups with a strong record of fulfilling past grant obligations

Funding Details

• Grants up to $7,000 per year

• Projects can run for one or two years

• Maximum funding over two years: $14,000

• Support can be used for activities that strengthen peer support, community engagement, and group sustainability

How to Apply / How it Works

1. Confirm Eligibility – Ensure your group meets incorporation, ABN, and disability-led criteria.

2. Define Project Goals – Align initiatives with one or more of the program’s four priority areas.

3. Prepare Application – Include project description, expected outcomes, budget, and evidence of community benefit.

4. Submit Application – Follow the official process through the program’s application portal or approved auspice.

5. Evaluation – Applications are assessed based on alignment with priorities, community impact, sustainability, and inclusiveness.

Tips and Best Practices

• Emphasise lived experience and peer-led leadership

• Clearly link activities to priority areas and measurable outcomes

• Highlight inclusion and diversity in participation and project design

• Demonstrate past success in managing grants or community initiatives

• Provide clear, realistic plans for long-term sustainability

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the Disability Self Help Grants Program?
Incorporated not-for-profit disability-led groups or groups with an approved auspice operating in Victoria.

2. How much funding is available per group?
Up to $7,000 per year, with a maximum of $14,000 over two years.

3. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects that strengthen peer support, social inclusion, empowerment, sustainability, diversity, and disability pride.

4. Can new groups apply?
Yes, as long as they meet incorporation, ABN, and disability-led criteria.

5. Are projects required to be disability-focused?
Yes, the program specifically supports initiatives led by and for people with disability.

6. Can funding be used for operational costs?
Funding can support activities that enhance group sustainability, including operational improvements directly linked to community impact.

7. How is the program aligned with broader policies?
It aligns with Inclusive Victoria: State Disability Plan 2022–2026 and the Victorian Autism Plan, promoting empowerment, independence, and community participation.

Conclusion

The Disability Self Help Grants Program offers a strategic opportunity for disability-led groups in Victoria to strengthen peer support, expand reach, and foster empowerment, diversity, sustainability, and pride. By investing in grassroots initiatives, the program helps build inclusive communities where people with disability are supported, visible, and celebrated.