What can be supported

We receive hundreds of applications each year and want to support grants for the community that will help achieve impact in the COVID-19 Relief Fund priority outcomes. In this section you’ll find a broad overview of what we can support and what we don’t support. Give us a call if you’d like us to talk you through what you need to know.

What we can support

In general, local government authorities and not-for-profit organisations may be eligible for our grants. This can range from small unincorporated groups to large organisations.

To be able to progress an application the grant request must be:

  • for charitable or benevolent purposes with outcomes that align with one of our grant programs;
  • directly related to your organisation’s purpose. Quick tip: you can check the 'objects' or ‘purpose’ in your organisation’s constitution or rules; and
  • taking place in WA, or be of direct benefit to the WA community.

The Getting started page provides more details on what we need to support your application.

What we don’t support

  • Individuals, profit-making organisations and government organisations.
  • The promotion of sport, including equipment or a vehicle that will support sporting teams or travel for sporting teams. Grants may be supported if a charitable purpose can be identified such as providing activities for people with disabilities or the elderly, where community outcomes will be achieved, or where sport is used to engage with disadvantaged community members.
  • Projects taking place interstate or internationally.
  • Ongoing operating costs, however, time limited project costs may be supported.
  • The faith-based activities of religious organisations, however the welfare and community service activities of faith-based groups may be supported.
  • Retrospective requests.
  • Elements funded by Government or under individualised funding arrangements.
  • Replacement funding for an organisation, a service or existing assets.
  • Government schools are not eligible to apply. Activities and assets that are core school responsibilities e.g. playground equipment for schools or education materials are also not supported. However, there may be scope to support projects linked to schools that:
    • Are led by Parents & Citizens Associations (P&Cs) and Parent & Friends Associations, or other suitable not-for-profit organisation; and
    • Meet a community need aligned with a priority area and outcome.
  • Prizes for individuals, or prizes for organisations that won't deliver a specific charitable purpose.
  • The purchase of cigarettes or unhealthy food or drink, including alcohol.

If you are unsure of the eligibility of your organisation or initiative, please call us to discuss.

How much can be requested?

We accept applications from $3,000 upwards. Please don't under or overestimate your request. Request the amount that will support your initiative, has a strong case to support it, meets relevant assessment considerations and demonstrates value for money.

The limit for unincorporated groups and organisations not GST registered is a combined total of up to $15,000 for each financial year.

Can the request be for elements that relate to government funded services?

Lotterywest seeks to achieve its vision of ‘Building a better WA together’ by working with eligible organisations, including those who may receive government funding. We can consider support for aspects that go beyond the Government funded elements or under individualised funding arrangements to better meet the needs of the community. Given the range and complexity of arrangements, we encourage organisations to discuss their grant application with us before applying.

How long is the process?

Each grant program has a slightly different process. This includes a mixture of open applications, expression of interest (EOI) processes, and applications by invitation. For detailed information please visit the Supporting the Most Vulnerable, Building Community, or Strengthening and Adapting Organisations pages.

Please note that from the point of formal application, it can take a few months for a grant to be assessed and approved, or longer should further work be required. If you have a time sensitive proposal, please call our team to discuss your options.

How many applications can be submitted?

Please call us if you plan to make multiple applications in a year so we can work with you on how best to do this.

How do I show ‘good governance’?

To help us understand an applicant organisation’s governance arrangements we typically ask you to provide us with your organisation’s constituent documents, including governance arrangements, and a list of Directors/Board Members and members/shareholders/owners. Relevant information can also be found in documents such as minutes from Board or Management meetings, policies and codes of conduct. The following links provide information to assist not-for-profit organisations ensure the appropriate governance arrangements:

How are expressions of interest and applications assessed?

Your application will be assessed by our team and a recommendation made to the Lotterywest Board. Our Board reviews all grant recommendations. A final recommendation is then presented to the Minister for Lotterywest for approval.

A typical grant process looks like this:

  1. Seek information via website
  2. Talk with us about your proposal
  3. Submit an expression of interest if required
  4. Gather your requirements and necessary documentation
  5. Develop and submit your application
  6. Assessment, including referee checks and any follow up conversation and requests for information from you
  7. Our internal review and recommendation to the Board
  8. Board meeting and review
  9. Recommendation to the Minister for Lotterywest
  10. Application decision and written advice to you
  11. Grant payment
  12. Sharing your good news
  13. Evaluation, reporting and acquittal
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