Frequently Asked Questions
About the Program
General Questions
Do organisations need to be a registered community housing provider to apply?
No. Community Housing Futures WA is designed to support both registered and aspiring community housing organisations. The program aims to meet organisations where they currently stand in terms of organisational development, supporting growth at every stage.
How can the program increase the capacity of an organisation?
The program builds capability and capacity through three streams:
- Growth Readiness Assessments to identify barriers, strengths, and opportunities
- Business Advisory Grants to fund expert consultancy support in finance, business planning, asset management, and risk management
- Learning and Development to strengthen skills, share knowledge, and embed improvements across the sector
Growth Readiness Assessment
When does the Expression of Interest for the Growth Readiness Assessment open?
The Program Team is currently finalising the program plan and governance arrangements. Expressions of Interest for the Growth Readiness Assessment are anticipated to open in Quarter 2 of 2026.
Business Advisory Stream
When can organisations apply for Business Advisory grants?
Information on Business Advisory grant rounds will follow the launch and initial completion of Growth Readiness Assessments. Round 1 guidelines are anticipated to be released in June 2026.
Can some organisations access grants above $50,000?
Yes. Tier 2 and Tier 3 registered organisations that are implementing recommendations from a completed Growth Readiness Assessment may be eligible for grants exceeding $50,000.
Are organisations able to apply for one grant covering multiple activities?
Yes. Applications can include multiple activities as part of an overall strategy to achieve growth readiness, provided all activities align with one or more of the four Business Advisory capability focus areas and the program objectives.
Can a grant application include more than one professional service provider?
Yes. A single grant application can include more than one professional service provider. Each provider must supply a proposal and quote as part of the application.
Can grant funding be used for internal personnel?
Grant funding may be used for additional personnel costs directly enabling capability uplift where the expenditure is aligned with Growth Readiness Assessment recommendations and leads to demonstrable organisational growth. Grants cannot be used for existing staff salaries or general operating expenses.
Can the Business Advisory grant be used for internal project staff or systems?
Yes, where the expenditure is aligned with Growth Readiness Assessment recommendations and leads to demonstrable organisational growth. Further detail will be provided in the grant guidelines.
Are projects that have already commenced eligible for funding?
Work that has already started is generally considered an existing operating expense and is not eligible. However, if a project is structured in distinct phases and the grant application relates to a new phase that has not yet commenced, that phase may be eligible.
Are activities related to consolidation work and strategic asset management eligible?
Yes. Costs associated with developing or strengthening strategic asset management plans are eligible. Business planning, including consolidation activity, is eligible where the application demonstrates that the work is required to position the organisation for growth.
Is asset planning and analysis within the program's scope?
Yes. Assessing assets for investment and divestment opportunities, understanding current assets, and building a redevelopment pipeline are all within scope under the Asset Management focus area.
Is there a minimum co-contribution requirement?
No. There is no minimum co-contribution requirement. Further details will be provided in the grant guidelines.
What are the grant conditions?
- Grants of up to $50,000 (ex GST) are available, with higher amounts available for eligible Tier 2 and Tier 3 CHOs and ACHOs
- Funds must be used for consultancy services or additional personnel directly enabling capability uplift
- Projects may extend up to 12 months, with extensions to 18 months available where scope or external dependencies warrant additional time
- A milestone-based payment structure is proposed, with further details to be confirmed in the grant guidelines
- Successful organisations must enter into a Funding Agreement and contribute to program evaluation
- Any unspent funds at project completion must be declared and returned to the program
Learning and Development Stream
When will the Learning and Development Stream launch?
The Learning and Development Stream is scheduled to launch in early 2027. Further information will be available closer to the launch date.
Will training, tools, and resources be available to all staff and directors?
Yes. Guides, tools, and resources will be accessible organisation-wide. Training sessions will be topic-specific and attendance should be matched to relevant roles and responsibilities.
Eligibility and Access
Will the program team visit regional areas?
Yes. Regional engagement is a priority for Community Housing Futures WA. Organisations can express interest in regional consultations or workshops through the program team.
What data will be collected and how will it be used?
Data is collected for grant assessment and program evaluation purposes. All reporting will be aggregated and anonymised. The purpose is to improve the program, demonstrate outcomes to the funder, and inform future sector capability initiatives. All data is handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Community Housing Futures WA and Shelter WA acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country and their ongoing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and to the Elders past and present. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and our recognition and acceptance of your invitation to walk with you towards a movement of the Australian people for a better future.
