Step Forward grants

What has changed for Step Forward 2024–25?

There is only one round of Step Forward in 2024-25. All applications will be assessed at the same time.

In previous rounds of Step Forward, applications were assessed in batches until the funding pool was used up, and unsuccessful applicants were able to re-apply in the same financial year. 

Can previous Healthy Tasmania Funding grant recipients apply?

Yes. Organisations that have already received a Healthy Tasmania Fund grant (including Step Forward) can apply.

If you are applying again for the same project, tell us how it will be different (eg how will your project build on the success of your previous grant or target a different group of people).

Can sport and recreation clubs or organisations apply? 

Yes. Sport and recreation clubs/organisations can apply if the project activities are outside of usual business and aimed at improving community health and wellbeing.

For example, a sporting club may run a project to be more inclusive of certain community members by breaking down barriers to participation (eg people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, older people, LGBTIQA+ people).

A project to replace club equipment for usual activities would not be eligible.

Sport and recreation clubs may be eligible for equipment grants from Active Tasmania. Find out more about Active Tasmania Equipment grants.

We are currently funded by the Department of Health. Can we apply?

Yes. However, we will not fund activities that are already funded. In your application, be clear about why more funding is required. Explain how your project builds on or is different to the work you are already funded to do.

Are Companies Limited by Guarantee eligible?

Yes. A company Limited by Guarantee is eligible if they are registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) as a not-for-profit or charitable organisation. 

Are social enterprises eligible?

Yes. Social enterprises are eligible if they are registered as a charity with the ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission).

Can parents & friends associations apply?

No. Schools, school associations or incorporated parents & friends associations are not eligible to apply. However, schools or school associations may work with eligible organisations to deliver projects.

Can we speak with someone at Healthy Tasmania?

Yes. Email us at [email protected] or phone 6166 1691.

Can we submit more than one application?

Yes. You can submit more than one application if each application is for a different project.

Multiple applications will not increase your chance of success. We encourage you to make one high quality application rather than multiple.

Do we have to provide supporting evidence in our application? (eg quotes, letters of support)

No. You only need to answer the questions in the application form. If you are applying with a sponsor organisation, a sponsorship letter is required. 

What is the responsibility of the sponsor organisation for a Step Forward grant?

Individuals or community groups can apply for Step Forward if they are sponsored by an incorporated not-for-profit organisation or local government. The sponsored individual or community group must meet all other eligibility criteria. The sponsor organisation provides a signed letter agreeing to the sponsorship as part of the application.

If the application is successful, the sponsor organisation will:

• receive the grant funding into their nominated bank account (the grant funding may then be transferred to the individual or community group who applied to carry out the grant activities)
• accept responsibility for completing reporting requirements
• if the grant project cannot be completed, return the funding to the Department of Health.

Do we need to provide proof of insurance?

No. You are not required to provide proof of insurance to apply for a Step Forward grant. 

However, we recommend seeking advice about whether the project activities would require insurance (e.g. Professional Indemnity and Public Liability).

For sponsored applications, the applicant and the sponsor organisation must decide who will take responsibility for making sure the grant activities are covered by insurance if required. We recommend having a memorandum of understanding or agreement with your sponsor organisation to outline your roles and responsibilities.

Can grants be used for hiring facilitators or for staffing?

Yes. Funding can be used for facilitators and staffing where organisations do not have the capacity to deliver their projects without this support. Funding cannot be used for ongoing salaries.

Can grants be used for vehicles?

Funding can be used to cover transport costs that are required for the delivery of your project, such as fuel or staff travel allowances.

Funding cannot be used to purchase vehicles.

Can grants be used to deliver clinical or medical treatment or services?

No. Step Forward grants are for preventive health and wellbeing projects. Delivery of clinical services including tests, examinations, procedures, treatment or rehabilitation will not be funded.

Health assessments or screening that are part of a broader preventive health project may be included (eg participants complete a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist assessment before joining your physical activity program).

Can grants be used to deliver Mental Health First Aid Training?

Yes. However, if other funding sources are available in your area, your application may not be successful.

When do grant projects need to take place?

Successful applicants will have six months from the date of receiving payment to complete their project.

Grant payment

If you are successful, we will send you an email telling you when to expect payment of the grant into the bank account you provided in your application.

Reporting

There will be a short report form to complete via SmartyGrants when you finish your project. Reports are due six months after the date you receive the grant funding.

Photos

Photos help tell the story of your project. Please take photos during your project and include them with your report.

Acknowledgement

Grant recipients must acknowledge the Healthy Tasmania Fund as the funding source in any public or promotional materials.  

We will provide a Healthy Tasmania Funding Style Guide that tells you how to acknowledge the funding and use the Healthy Tasmania and Tasmanian Government logos.

Contact us

We want to make applying for a Step Forward grant as simple as possible. Contact us to check your project idea is eligible and to ask us any questions.

Email [email protected] or phone (03) 6166 1691.

Watch the recording of the Healthy Tasmania Fund Grants Online Information Session.

Help for people with hearing or speech difficulties

Contact Healthy Tasmania through the National Relay Service (NRS). For more information, visit the NRS website to choose your preferred access point or call the NRS Helpdesk on 1800 555 660. This is a free service.

Using Interpreters

Tasmania has a rich cultural diversity. Are you planning to work with interpreters in your project?

We want to support all Tasmanians to access projects. To do this, Healthy Tasmania will cover the cost of providing interpreter services for your project (for non-government organisations not eligible for the Free Interpreting Service).

Please contact us to find out more.

Helpful resources

Read or download the Healthy Tasmania Five-Year Strategic Plan 2022-26. 

Download the Step Forward Grants 2024–2025 Guidelines