Preparing your application
Confirm your eligibility
We prioritise submissions from community legal organisations and other not-for-profit community organisations in partnership with a legal organisation.
Non-legal organisations are required to partner with an organisation with legal expertise to ensure accurate legal information is provided to the audience.
We encourage partnerships between research organisations, courts, tribunals, statutory bodies and other community organisations to share knowledge, resources, provide guidance and expertise where there is shared interest.
The applicant is responsible for reporting and financial management.
We only fund organisations – individuals are not able to apply.
We focus on civil law and access to justice issues. We will consider work at the intersection of civil and criminal law, but we do not fund work exclusively on criminal law.
Discuss your idea and seek feedback
The Grants team can provide feedback on your project proposal and confirm it meets the grants criteria.
Contacting the Grants team to discuss your idea may save you time in applying for something that is not eligible or unlikely to be funded.
We might also be able to connect you with past grant recipients, organisations which may be suitable to partner with or members of our team who can provide guidance and expertise.
Getting early feedback on your proposal can help to strengthen your application giving you the best chance of success.
Preparing your budget
Your budget items will depend on your project activities. Be realistic but remember that we have limited funding.
It’s important that your project aligns with our objectives and make sure you choose the right grant program for your project.
Expenditure should be itemised and descriptions provided for each. Costs may include additional staffing and project coordination, consultant fees, lived experience expenses, production costs, translation or interpreter costs, software or subscription fees, and a contribution towards overheads.
Where possible please attach quotes or examples of previous costings for external suppliers for example, design or consultant fees.
We have an example budget with the types of items and level of detail to include when submitting your application.
Engage project partners
We encourage applications submitted in partnership.
You may choose to partner with another organisation or agency that works with the target group or has an interest in an area of law.
Another option is to engage a partner that brings specific skills and expertise to the project. The application form asks you about the role of any partners.
The applicant is responsible for reporting and financial management.
Submitting your application
Applications must be submitted via the SmartyGrants online platform.
We use SmartyGrants to manage our grant application, reporting and acquittal processes. When you are ready to submit your application, follow the link on the grant page which will take you to the SmartyGrants site.
We provide application questions in a Word document so you can prepare your responses across your organisations and with partners before submitting your online application.
Assessment process
The Grants Subgroup of the VLF Board makes funding decisions on Major Grant applications.
All applications are reviewed by the Grants Team and Executive Director.
Grant applications may also be reviewed by members of our Research Team and external assessors with specialist expertise in research or access to justice issues.
The Executive Director makes decisions on Everyday Legal Grant applications.
Applications are assessed against the key criteria.
Grant key criteria
The following criteria is used to assess grant applications. Not all criteria will be applicable to all projects. Everyday Legal Grant requirements are reduced.
- Responds to an important legal issue or need.
- Shows clear evidence of need.
- Supports people experiencing disadvantage.
- Appropriate project design and methodology.
- Is likely to lead to sustainable outcomes.
- A process for sharing the project outputs and outcomes.
- Includes evaluation and learning.
- Demonstrates the organisation has capacity to deliver the project.
- Partnerships and collaborations to improve reach and impact.
Grant exclusions
We will not fund:
- studies to obtain a degree or diploma
- core operating costs
- purchase of major items of equipment
- international travel costs
- conferences
- commercial or profit-making activities
- litigation of any kind
- projects that primarily support political activity and lobbying
- projects that do not primarily benefit Victorians
- work started or costs incurred prior to grant approval
- government organisations with the exception of independent statutory bodies
- previously unsuccessful grant applications unless invited to reapply by VLF.
Grant obligations
All successful applicants enter into a funding agreement with Victoria Law Foundation. Other requirements include submitting a final report on completion of the project and acknowledging the support of Victoria Law Foundation.
See the Manage your grant page for more information.
