Grant guidelines
Funding principles
Money matters. Ecstra Foundation exists to help build the financial wellbeing of all Australians within a fair financial system. We want more Australians to be confident making money decisions today and to be planning for the future.
The following funding principles apply to Ecstra’s grants program.
Ecstra will:
1
Community engagement
Fund initiatives that engage and include diverse communities in effective financial education, economic participation and capability through partnerships that reflect local needs and strengths.
Grants include local, state, and national initiatives that build and promote financial capability, including confident and informed participation in the financial system.
2
Evidence and learning
Support initiatives grounded in research and practice, with a commitment to evaluation, shared learning, and contribution to sector wide evidence of effective practices to expand financial capability knowledge in Australia and internationally.
3
Collaboration and leadership
Fund projects led by organisations with demonstrated expertise, commitment, and strong connections across sectors to extend reach and impact.
4
Sustainability and scalability
Priority is given to projects that can demonstrate they are sustainable beyond the grant period, can be scaled or replicated, and leverage additional funding to amplify the impact of the grant.
5
Systemic and immediate impact
Support a range of projects addressing immediate gaps and opportunities, and longer term initiatives driving systemic change in financial capability.
6
Right to decline
Retain the right to decline proposals at our discretion and to provide feedback where appropriate.
Grant guidelines
1
Eligibility
To be eligible proposals must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- build organisational capacity to better serve their communities
- deliver an innovative approach that addresses the needs of a specific group of consumers
- scale up a proven program or approach
- foster collaboration within and across sectors
- promote outcomes and impact of an evidence-based practice
- evaluate an existing program or add constructively to the base of what works
2
Funding exclusions
The following are ineligible for support from Ecstra:
- projects that support private business and commercial activities, except for established social enterprises
- organisations and/or activities outside Australia
- activities within the remit of government service delivery (e.g. direct provision of legal services, financial counselling, or regulatory operations)
- projects that directly or indirectly support religious or political purposes
- projects that duplicate an existing resource or service
- projects that primarily benefit an individual, or related parties (including direct financial assistance)
- retrospective costs for projects already completed or loan repayments
- use of funds towards an endowment, corpus, capital works or the purchase of land
3
Assessment
On receipt of formal grant proposals Ecstra applies the following process as a guide, for fair and transparent assessment, including due diligence and risk assessment.
Quality, significance, and innovation
Assesses how well the proposal defines its purpose, aligns with one or more Ecstra strategy pillars, uses evidence, and offers fresh or effective approaches to improving financial capability and wellbeing. Strong proposals clearly explain why the project matters and how it adds value or innovation to the sector.
Feasibility and organisational capacity
Considers whether the organisation has the experience, skills, and systems to deliver the project successfully. This includes realistic plans, sound budgeting process, delivery capability, and evidence of governance and outcome reporting.
Demonstrated community need
Evaluates how the proposal responds to a real, evidenced need, including addressing financial exclusion or entrenched disadvantage. Strong proposals are informed by consultation, have clear reach and impact, and consider how results can be sustained or scaled.
4
Approvals
Recommended proposals are submitted to the Ecstra Board, which meets regularly to review and approve grant recommendations (generally quarterly). Decisions are communicated to applicants as soon as possible.
5
Grant agreement
On approval, the terms of the grant are agreed and the Grant Agreement executed, outlining the purpose of the grant (the “Project”), standard contractual terms and conditions and an agreed schedule (including grant amount, commencement and completion dates, milestones, reporting including evaluations, payment terms, and any special conditions).
6
Reporting, evaluations and acquittals
Reports and financial acquittals required for all grants. Satisfactory progress reports are required for all multi-year grants before subsequent instalments can be paid.
A final report on the Project outcomes and expenditure is required after completion. This may include reporting upon agreed outcomes from Ecstra’s impact framework and an external evaluation if agreed as part of the grant.
To capture insights and contribute to evidence bases for financial capability, Ecstra encourages grant partners to submit case studies and testimonials (can be de-identified) as well as images for possible inclusion on the Ecstra website and impact report (with confirmation from grant partner that appropriate consents have been obtained for photographs of identifiable individuals).
Ecstra reviews opportunities for follow on or scaling grants and/or explores further collaboration with grantee. Future or follow on funding discussions generally commence prior to the final acquittal.
7
Changes to project scope or execution
Grant partners must notify Ecstra of any proposed changes to Project scope including key personnel, timeline, expected outcomes and outputs as soon as possible.
8
Communication
Ecstra encourages partners to share short and long term Project outcomes. This may include website case studies, participation in feedback or shared learning forums, or opportunities for further collaboration.
Grant partners are encouraged to acknowledge Ecstra’s support and use the Ecstra logo on public documents relating to the Project, with prior written permission. Logo and style guides are available on request.