After you apply

After you submit your application, we will send you an email acknowledging that we have received your application.

When we receive your application, we will first check that all eligibility criteria have been met.

We will then assess your application, and you will receive a notification letting you know if you have been successful.

Who assesses your application?

All applications are assessed by an independent panel, which consists of local members from communities in the Torres Strait, the Endeavour Strait, and the Northern Peninsula Area.

If you are successful:

You will receive a grant offer letter that outlines:

  • Approved project activities

  • Amount of funding offered

  • Conditions, variations, or changes from your original application

  • Next steps to finalise your funding

Please read this letter carefully as approved funding or scope may differ from what you originally applied for.

If you are not successful:

You will receive a decline letter advising that your application was not approved. This letter will include contact details for a Healthy Communities Program Officer if you would like to seek feedback.

Your grant agreement

Before we can release any funding, you must sign a Grant Agreement. This is a legally binding contract between you and GBK that sets out:

  • What you will deliver

  • When you will deliver it

  • How much funding you will receive

  • How funding will be paid

  • Reporting requirements

  • Any special conditions of the grant

Read your Grant Agreement carefully.

By signing and returning it to us, you agree to all terms and conditions. Once the Healthy Communities Project Officer signs it, the agreement becomes fully executed.

If you have questions about your Grant Agreement, please contact the Healthy Communities Team.

All Healthy Communities Grants are governed by Grant Terms and Conditions, which are included at the end of your Grant Agreement.

These conditions apply to all funded activities and outline your responsibilities, compliance requirements, and obligations for acquittal and reporting.

Grant payment

How you receive your funding depends on the type and timing of your project. Your Grant Agreement will clearly outline your payment arrangements.

You may receive funds in one or more of the following ways.

1. Direct Payment to Your Bank Account

We may deposit funds directly into your nominated account.

Payments may be upfront, or made in stages (this is also called payment milestones).

You may need to meet certain requirements, such as submitting a progress report, before a milestone payment is released.

Your Grant Agreement will specify:

  • What you must do

  • When it must be done

  • The value of each milestone payment

2. Goods and Services Purchased by the Healthy Communities Program

In some cases, we may purchase items or services on your behalf. This might include travel, equipment, or program materials.

If we make purchases for you:

  • These costs count toward your overall grant budget

  • You will not receive cash for these items

Your Grant Agreement will identify any items that will be purchased directly.

3. Reimbursement of Costs

For some activities, we may reimburse you after you have paid for goods or services.

Your Grant Agreement will outline:

  • Expenses that are eligible for reimbursement

  • Evidence (e.g., receipts, invoices) that you must provide

  • When reimbursement claims can be submitted