Women in Energy and Manufacturing funding program

Applications are open to businesses, not-for-profit groups, unions and industry groups.

Organisations can apply for a grant if they meet the eligibility criteria:

You must be either:

• an organisation incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012, Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) or equivalent law
• a company incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 and registered as not-for-profit through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)

You must have:

• a valid Australian Business Number (ABN). To check your ABN, visit Australian Business Number²
• at least $10 million in public liability insurance to cover all aspects of funded activity for the term of the funding agreement – or an auspice arrangement with this insurance cover
• no outstanding final reports from other departmental grants.

More information on eligibility can be found in the program guidelines.

Criterion 1 – Planned Activities (weighting 30%) 

Factors under this criterion may include: 

• measurable outcomes for participants 
• number of participants 
• delivery style and approach. 

Criterion 2 – Strategic alignment (weighting 30%) 

Outcomes align with intent of program: 

• to increase the participation and equity of Victorian women in the energy and manufacturing sectors through supporting:
  • clear and attractive career pathways 
  • access to education and training 
  • economic equity and leadership opportunities 
  • accountability for workplace culture, diversity and wellbeing. 
  • alignment with priority considerations listed above under ‘Funding Objectives’ 

Criterion 3 – Resourcing (weighting 20%) 

• ability to promote the program and recruit participants 
• ability to submit a project plan, Gender Equality Action Plan and progress reports 
• enable periodic monitoring and evaluation of activities, including but not limited to performance and experience measures 
• suitably qualified and experienced staff, mentors, presenters. 
• access to suitable venues and facilities for training or workshops. 

Criterion 4 – Previous experience/gender equality expertise (weighting 20%) 

• demonstrated expertise or experience delivering similar initiatives or plans to form partnerships with gender equality organisations or experts as part of this project.

All applications go through the following assessment process: 

• Eligibility assessment: All applications undergo an initial assessment against the eligibility criteria. The eligibility assessment determines whether the application should proceed for merit assessment. 
• Merit- assessment: Eligible applications are then assessed against the assessment criteria. This is based on responses provided in the application form. (See Merit assessment.) 
• Assessment panel: All applications are reviewed by a panel. The panel includes representatives from: 
• Ministerial approval: The Minister for Women makes the final decision based on the recommendations from the assessment panel. 
• Application outcome: All applicants are notified of the outcome of their application by email. 

All decisions are final that relate to any aspect of the: 

• funding application 
• eligibility 
• assessment process. 

This includes any decision to: 

• award a grant under the Women in Energy and Manufacturing funding program 
• withdraw the offer or cancel the grant funding agreement. 

Applications open 23 January 2024 

• Read the program guidelines. 
• Make sure your organisation meets the eligibility criteria. 
• Attend an information session. 

If you have any questions, contact the Office for Women by email women.victoria@dffh.vic.gov.au. 

Submit an application 

• Register to log in to the Grants Gateway to complete an application. 
• Complete the online application form. 
• Answer all questions. (Incomplete applications are not accepted.) 
• Attach relevant or mandatory documents with the application. 
• Submit the application by the due date and time. 

Applications close 20 February 2024 

• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.