Eligible non-government organisations (NGOs) are being encouraged to get ready to apply for the next round of grant funding under the Australian Government’s Online Safety Grants Program.
Guidance is now available on the eSafety website on the requirements and process for grant applications, which open on 11 April 2022.
“We have $2.25 million in funding available to be awarded to develop services, resources and products that improve the online safety of Australian children. We are looking for proposals that will spur innovation and diversification in online safety education, whilst promoting best practice and impact,” said eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.
”We are encouraging eligible NGOs to get up to speed with the application process for this round of funding, with grants of between $80,000 and $1 million available to deliver creative online safety education projects.”
The three-year, $9 million program - led by the eSafety Commissioner and funded by the Australian Government – provides grants to NGOs to support education initiatives and assistance for parents, community and frontline groups and projects tailored to at-risk communities.
“Education and prevention programs are crucial to help children and young people understand online safety risks, strategies to stay safe online, and how to access support, reporting and referral pathways. Working with our talented NGO partners, this is what the Online Safety Grants Program helps us achieve,” said Ms Inman Grant.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon. Paul Fletcher MP, said: “The projects supported under the Morrison Government’s Online Safety Grants program have successfully advanced innovative approaches to keeping young people and children safe online. That is why, earlier this month, we were pleased to announce a further $10 million to build on the success of this program as part of our national plan to end violence against women and children.”
Through the first two rounds of the program, 23 NGOs have been awarded funding to deliver a wide range of innovative projects focused on promoting the positive use of digital technology and supporting diverse communities to connect safely.
“Many NGOs have a deep understanding of the diverse communities they work with and are well placed to develop tailored online safety education programs to effectively reach their audiences, alongside the work undertaken by eSafety,” said Ms Inman Grant.
One of the successful recipients in the first round of grants was Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM).
“This project provided the team at QRAM with a unique opportunity to put young community members in the driving seat, giving them ownership of the project and the creative process,” said Candice Siedler-Twine, Acting General Manager, QRAM.
“Some of the stories young First Nations people shared with us highlighted both the seriousness of online safety issues in their community, as well as their passion for making a difference.
“This project drew on the experiences and creativity of young First Nations people from remote communities to create a unique set of online safety resources which are a mix of practical advice, unique design, the voices of young people, and a little bit of humour.”
Another first round project was delivered by Souths Cares, an initiative of the South Sydney Rabbitohs:
“I’m really proud of what our team achieved this year delivering eSafety workshops. I feel it’s a really important topic for young people to understand how to protect themselves and stay safe online. This was especially important during the COVID lockdown with many students learning from home,” said Kalinda Bolt, Souths Cares Health and Wellbeing Programs Coordinator.
See more about the program here.
Applications for this round of funding will open from 11 April 2022, with successful applicants announced later this year.