General Grants

General grants are designed to support improved social and economic outcomes for people of Outback Australia.

General Grants for Organisations and Individuals are now open until Saturday 15 November. 

Applications for general grants are considered four times a year. Applications are to be received by the Executive Officer by the 15th of February, May, August and November each year. The Trust’s decision will be notified to applicants by the end of March, June, September and December each year. Applicants who may require a faster turnaround prior to the grant deadlines are encouraged to contact the Executive Officer.

  • ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

    Individuals

    You’re eligible if you:


    • Live, work, or study in a Remote or Very Remote area for a minimum of two years.

    • Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.


    Examples of eligible requests:


    • Travel and accommodation for apprenticeships, TAFE, or university placements.

    • Accredited training, workshops, or short courses.

    • Assistive technology that enables access to study or work.

    • Educational or wellbeing initiatives that strengthen local capacity.


    Organisations

    You’re eligible if you:


    • Are a small to medium sized registered Not-for-Profit (NFP) organisation.

    • An unincorporated community group auspiced by an eligible NFP.

    • Deliver activities that directly benefit people in Remote or Very Remote areas.


    Examples of eligible requests:


    • Community-led training programs that build local skills or capacity.

    • Wellbeing, health, or education workshops for remote residents.

    • Purchase of essential equipment or materials to deliver community programs.

    • Travel, accommodation, and logistics for facilitators delivering remote programs.

  • WHAT CAN YOU APPLY FOR?

    What General Grants Can Fund

    CAT supports reasonable, evidence-based costs essential to achieving outcomes, including:


    • Education & Training: Accredited courses, apprenticeships, training materials, and equipment.

    • Health & Wellbeing: Outreach programs, mental health workshops, and specialist access.

    • Community Connection: Local events, youth programs, leadership and cultural activities.

    • Project Delivery Costs:

    • Wages or contractor fees directly linked to project delivery.

    o Essential tools, materials, or consumables.

    o Modest overheads where directly related to project delivery.


    What We Don’t Fund

    CAT does not fund:


    • Retrospective funding (activities already completed).

    • Personal living costs (e.g. rent, food, utilities, personal vehicles).

    • Core government responsibilities (e.g. permanent hospital or school staffing).

    • University course tuition fees.

    • Boarding school fees.

    • Fundraising events, prizes, or donations.

    • Operational salaries unrelated to funded activities.

    • Projects without clear plans, measurable outcomes, or community benefit.



  • HOW TO APPLY

    Submit application forms via the Connellan Airways Trust grant portal on our website. Click the Apply Now button below to be taken to the application links. 


    Application deadlines are on the 15th February, 15th May, 15th August, 15th November each year. 


    Applications are reviewed in March, June, September and December, with outcomes notified by the end of the review month. 


  • ASSESSMENT PROCESS

    CAT uses a transparent, three-stage assessment process:


    1. Eligibility Check: Applications are screened against eligibility, remoteness, allowable costs, and minimum evidence requirements.


    2. Scoring: Each eligible application is independently scored using CAT’s weighted evaluation rubric (below).


    3. Ranking & Allocation: Applications are ranked based on combined scores and funded in order of merit until the budget cut-off. 


  • EVALUATION

    Evaluation Rubric


    1. What do you want to do? (20%)

    Assessors look for a clear, well-defined activity or project with strong expected benefits.


    2. Why is this needed? (25%)

    Assessors look for evidence of genuine need, clear local context, and alignment with CAT’s priorities.


    3. When, where, and who is involved? (20%)

    Assessors look for a realistic plan with clear timelines, defined roles, and demonstrated readiness to deliver.


    4. How much funding do you need and what for? (15%)

    Assessors look for a transparent, well-supported budget that demonstrates good value for money and includes appropriate evidence or quotes.


    5. How will you measure success? (10%)

    Assessors look for clear, practical indicators of success and tangible community benefit.


    6. How will you share outcomes? (10%)

    Assessors look for a plan to share results and learnings within your community or with other relevant stakeholders.

  • GRANT GUIDELINES

    Click here to download the guidelines for the General Grants prior to applying


    Please note our guidelines have been updated, we encourage you to familiarise yourself with them prior to applying. 


    Download a budget template here. 


    If you require assistance, please call the Executive Officer on 1800 733 810. 

Apply Now
Map of Remoteness

ELIGIBILITY OF REMOTENESS


Check your location on the map shown to see if you're eligible to apply. Locations categorised as very remote or remote are eligible. Outer regional locations may be considered in some circumstances, relative to access of services. You can view the live version of this map here: https://maps.abs.gov.au/index.html.