Deadline: 15 April 2026
The Building Excellence in Support and Training Program 2026–27 supports ex‑service organisations that provide free compensation and wellbeing advocacy services to Australia’s veteran and defence communities.
The program focuses on a range of support areas, including compensation advocacy services, wellbeing advocacy services, wellbeing support officer activities, and administrative support for advocacy delivery. Funding also covers advocate and support staff salaries and on-costs, training directly related to advocacy and wellbeing services, equipment, IT systems, office consumables, domestic travel related to advocacy work, and marketing and communication of free advocacy services.
BEST funding is allocated using a non-competitive, demand-driven model based on organisational need and total eligible demand, without a minimum or maximum grant cap. While the program contributes to salary costs, training, equipment, and administrative expenses, it does not fully fund ESOs. This ensures that organisations receive targeted support for areas critical to service delivery.
Successful applicants enter into a three-year Commonwealth Simple Grant Agreement, with annual milestone reporting required to access funding for subsequent years. This structure encourages accountability, planning, and the continuous improvement of services provided to veterans and defence communities. The program is national in scope, covering all Australian states and territories, allowing ESOs across the country to access support.
Through the BEST Program, ex-service organisations are empowered to maintain and expand their advocacy and wellbeing services, ensuring veterans and their families receive timely and high-quality support. By providing targeted funding for essential resources, staff, and training, the program strengthens the overall capability of the veteran support sector in Australia.
For more information, visit Avant Group.
