In May 2010, the Premier of Western Australia, Hon Colin Barnett MLA, announced the establishment of a Social Innovation Grants Program to promote innovation in the delivery of social and community services. Funding of $2 million in 2010-11 and $4 million thereafter for each year of the program would be available for prospective organisations.
What is social innovation?
Social innovation is all about developing new ideas, such as products, services or models, that will better meet social needs and bring social benefits to the community. To be socially innovative, an organisation must understand the needs of the community it serves and be willing to try new strategies to meet those needs in a more tailored and targeted way. It is widely acknowledged that not-for-profit community sector organisations are best placed to understand and meet the needs of local communities.
The program aims to make effective changes to community services by:
- helping establish effective action to better meet the needs of the Western Australian community
- helping community sector organisations develop and trial new ways of delivering services to produce better outcomes
- applying the most effective ideas to other service delivery areas facing similar challenges
- promoting the development of strategic partnerships between community sector organisations
- demonstrating collaboration and partnership between the public and community sectors.
Applicants must be an incorporated, not-for-profit sector community sector organisation. However unincorporated, not-for-profit community sector organisations may apply for funding under the auspice of an incorporated body or a local government authority.
Prospective applicants can download the guidelines and application form below. Completed applications can be emailed to grants@communities.wa.gov.au
Please note that there is no facility for online applications.
click here for the Guidelines and 
click here for the Application Form You can apply for the Social Innovation Grants Program at any time.
Round Four: Applications received up to 24 February 2012 will have outcomes advised in late May 2012.
Round Five: Dates to be advised.