Selection processes

Government programs fund many service types and activities. Funding is available through the different selection processes explained below. Agencies reserve the right to source providers outside of an open selection process, including by closed selection or negotiating the extension of an existing agreement with a current provider, to get the best outcome.

Open competitive

Any providers operating in the marketplace can apply in an open competitive selection process. Open processes are advertised through the media, the Hub website, GrantConnect and other sources as required to attract as much interest as possible. Open competitive grant rounds have open and closing dates for applications, and eligible applications are assessed against set selection criteria.

Targeted or restricted competitive

A targeted or restricted grant round is competitive, but is only open to a limited number of potential grant recipients. This selection process is used where there are few providers available in the market. This may be because of the highly specialised services or expertise required, geographical considerations or time constraints. Organisations are invited to apply and are assessed against selection criteria.

Open non-competitive

Applications for open non-competitive grant rounds may be submitted at any time over the life of the grant opportunity. They are assessed individually against the selection criteria. Funding decisions for each application are determined without reference to the comparative merits of other applications.

Closed non-competitive

In a closed non-competitive grant round, applicants are invited by the entity to submit applications for a particular grant. Applications or proposals are not assessed against other applicants’ submissions, but assessed individually against other criteria.

Demand-driven

In a demand-driven grant round, applications that satisfy stated eligibility criteria receive funding, up to the limit of available funding. Demand-driven grant rounds are subject to revision, suspension or abolition of the grant opportunity.

One-off

These grants are determined on an ad-hoc basis, usually by ministerial decision. They generally do not involve planned selection processes, but are instead designed to meet a specific need, often due to an urgent matter or other circumstances. These grants are often not available to a range of applicants or on an ongoing basis (12 months or less).