Deadline: 07-Aug-2026
The Specialist Building Digital Skills Grant Round 19 supports eligible organisations in Australia to provide free, face-to-face digital literacy training for people with disabilities aged over 50. The program funds practical digital skills education using the Be Connected learning resources, helping older Australians build confidence, access technology, and participate more fully in the digital world.
Eligible organisations can receive $5,200 in funding for a 12-month project period to deliver accessible digital mentoring through group sessions, individual support, learning materials, technology resources, and participant assistance.
Overview of the Specialist Building Digital Skills Grant Program
The Specialist Building Digital Skills Grant Round 19 is part of the 2024–2028 digital inclusion initiative designed to improve technology access and digital confidence among older Australians with disabilities.
The program supports organisations that provide free, in-person digital literacy training to help participants develop essential digital skills for everyday activities such as:
- Using computers, tablets, and smartphones
- Accessing online services
- Communicating digitally
- Improving online confidence and safety
- Participating in community and social activities through technology
The initiative prioritises inclusive learning approaches that consider accessibility needs and different levels of digital experience.
Purpose of the Grant
The main goal of the Specialist Building Digital Skills Grant is to reduce the digital divide among people with disabilities aged over 50.
The program aims to:
- Improve basic digital literacy skills
- Increase confidence in using technology
- Provide accessible and personalised learning support
- Encourage participation in online services and communities
- Support inclusive digital learning environments
Key Focus Areas
Funded projects should focus on:
Digital Literacy Training
Organisations must provide practical digital skills education that helps participants understand and use technology effectively.
Training should include learning activities from the Be Connected learning platform.
Accessible Learning Support
Projects should use approaches suitable for older participants with disabilities, including:
- Small group mentoring
- One-on-one digital support
- Flexible learning methods
- Culturally appropriate resources
Practical Technology Use
Participants should receive hands-on opportunities to practise digital skills using available devices and real-life examples.
Funding Details
Grant Amount
Eligible organisations can receive:
- Funding amount: $5,200
- Grant duration: 12 months
The funding is designed to support delivery of digital literacy activities rather than infrastructure development.
Eligible Uses of Funding
Grant funding can support activities and resources directly related to digital skills training.
Eligible expenses include:
- Creating culturally appropriate learning materials
- Developing accessible learning environments
- Purchasing computers, laptops, or tablets
- Upgrading software
- Paying internet service costs
- Digital mentor expenses
- Training costs for digital mentors
- Printing learning resources
- Police checks for staff and mentors
- Marketing and promotional activities
Ineligible Expenses
The grant cannot be used for:
- Building construction
- Capital works
- Infrastructure development
- Construction materials
Who Is Eligible?
The grant is open to organisations that support people with disabilities aged over 50 to develop basic digital skills and confidence.
Eligible applicants must:
- Support people with disabilities aged over 50
- Deliver free, face-to-face digital literacy training
- Be a member of the Good Things network or have submitted a Join the Network application
- Have accessible premises suitable for older Australians
- Provide appropriate facilities for participants
- Hold public liability insurance
- Have no outstanding acquittals from previous Good Things grants
Applicants requesting the $5,200 grant must also provide an Australian Business Number (ABN).
Eligible Organisations
Potential applicants may include community organisations and service providers that have experience supporting older people or people with disabilities through education, mentoring, or community programs.
How the Program Works
Successful organisations are expected to design and deliver digital skills training that meets the needs of their participants.
Training Delivery Options
Organisations may provide:
- Small group mentoring sessions
- Maximum group size: 8 participants
- Individual support sessions
- Personalised digital guidance based on participant needs
- Combined learning approaches
- A mix of group learning and individual assistance
Each participant should have access to a suitable digital device during training.
Required Learning Content
All training must include courses available through the Be Connected learning platform.
Organisations may also include additional resources where needed to provide:
- Culturally appropriate learning
- Accessible teaching methods
- Community-specific digital support
Application Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Their experience supporting older Australians or people with disabilities
- Their ability to provide accessible digital training
- Their planned training approach
- How participants will benefit from the project
- Availability of suitable facilities and technology resources
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should consider the following:
1. Clearly Explain Community Need
Describe:
- Who will participate
- What digital challenges they face
- How the project will improve their confidence and independence
2. Provide a Practical Training Plan
Include:
- Number of participants
- Session format
- Learning activities
- Timeline for delivery
3. Focus on Accessibility
Explain how training will support participants with different disabilities and learning requirements.
4. Use Funding Strategically
Ensure the budget directly connects to project activities, such as devices, mentors, resources, and participant support.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Proposing activities that are not delivered face-to-face
- Using funds for building or construction work
- Providing training unrelated to digital literacy
- Failing to meet accessibility requirements
- Applying without required organisational documentation
- Leaving previous grant acquittals incomplete
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Specialist Building Digital Skills Grant Round 19?
It is a funding program that supports organisations to provide free, in-person digital literacy training for people with disabilities aged over 50.
2. How much funding can organisations receive?
Eligible organisations can receive $5,200 for a 12-month grant period.
3. Who can participate in the training?
The program supports people with disabilities who are aged over 50 and need assistance developing basic digital skills.
4. Does training need to be delivered in person?
Yes. The grant supports free face-to-face digital literacy training.
5. Can organisations purchase computers or tablets using the grant?
Yes. Funding can be used to purchase computers, laptops, tablets, and related digital resources needed for training.
6. What learning resources must be used?
Training must include courses available through the Be Connected learning platform. Additional resources may also be used where appropriate.
7. Can funding be used for building improvements?
No. Capital works, construction activities, and building materials are not eligible expenses.
Why This Grant Matters
Digital access is increasingly important for participation in modern society. Older Australians with disabilities can face additional barriers when using technology, including accessibility challenges and limited digital confidence.
The Specialist Building Digital Skills Grant helps organisations create inclusive learning opportunities that empower participants to use technology safely, independently, and confidently.
Conclusion
The Specialist Building Digital Skills Grant Round 19 provides financial support for organisations working to improve digital inclusion among Australians with disabilities aged over 50. By funding accessible, practical, and community-based digital literacy training, the program helps participants develop essential technology skills and greater independence in a connected world.
For more information, visit Good Things Foundation.