Cost of living
Making repayments more affordable
Eligible individuals can apply for a No Interest Loan (NIL) and borrow up to $2000 for essential goods and services and up to $3000 for housing-related expenses such as bond or for recovery from a natural disaster. As well as being interest free, the loans have no fees or charges.
Learn more at The Department of Human Services and apply at Good Shepherd Australia
Industry
Funding for South Australian start-ups
The Seed-Start program provides financial support for early-stage and high-growth potential businesses in South Australia. Eligible start-ups can apply for funding to assist with the cost of commercialising a product or service that is unique and has a sustainable competitive advantage in national and international markets.
Two different funding types are available, depending on each business's stage of development:
- Seed Grants: Minimum $50,000, maximum $100,000
- Start Grants: Minimum $100,001, maximum $500,000
The Seed-Start program operates through the Government of South Australia’s Research and Innovation Fund. Learn more and apply at fixe. There is no closing date.
Activating heritage tourism
Under a new $150,000 Activating Heritage Tourism Small Grants Program, funding of between $5000 and $15,000 is on offer for businesses offering heritage tourism experiences and products in SA.
Eligible projects could include improvements to signages and displays, new tours or experiences and digital marketing materials.
The program is a partnership between the Department for Environment and Water and the Tourism Industry Council SA.
Applications close 19 April 2024.
To learn more about the grant funding, visit Activating Heritage Tourism Program.
Music Support Grants
The Music Development Office’s (MDO) Project Support Grants (PSGs) aims to fund local musicians and musical businesses with both business and creative development projects.
There are two streams available with grants of up to $15,000:
- Stream A: Creative Development - recording and performing artists, songwriters, produces and artist managers.
- Stream B: Business Development – recording studios, promoters, record labels, live music venues, booking agents, etc.
Applications close 3 May 2024.
To learn more about the two rounds available and eligibility requirements, visit the Music Development Office.
Space Collaboration and Innovation Fund
The South Australian Space Industry Centre, in partnership with the Defence Innovation Partnership, is offering two grants of up to $100,000 each to support the development of space technology to operational use.
The grants will be matched by a co-contribution from applicants, with South Australian-based start-ups or SMEs in collaboration with at least one international partner organisation encouraged to apply.
Applications open 15 April 2024 and close on 17 May 2024. An online information session will be held on 23 April 2024 for those interested in learning more about the grant application and selection process.
For more information or to register for the online session, visit The South Australian Space Industry Centre.
Regions
Regional Event Fund
Aimed at strengthening the state's regional events calendar to in turn attract visitors and stimulate the local economy, this fund has two categories available that both provide up to three-years funding:
Established Event Funding:
- Can demonstrate a strong track record of growth and strategy for event innovation.
- Funding from $20,000, up to $50,000 per year.
Development Event Funding:
- For new and emerging events that can showcase growth and development to become an annual event.
- Funding from $5000, up to $20,000 per year.
Applications close 6 May 2024, and the fund will support events held between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025.
For eligibility criteria, visit the South Australian Tourism Commission.
Helping primary producers thrive in South Australia
The Horticultural Netting Infrastructure Grant provide assistance to primary producers in South Australia, to fund the purchase and installation of new netting or the replacement of damaged netting to help grow horticulture crops.
Eligible applicants, including property owners, share farmers and primary production businesses, can apply for up to 50 per cent of costs associated with horticulture netting, up to a maximum of $300,000.
Applications close on 20 May 2024, or when funds are fully committed.
For more information on the program, visit Department of Primary Industries and Regions.
Grassroots Grants in SA
Landscape SA's Grassroot Grants program supports not-for-profit community-based organisations, volunteer groups and individuals to run local projects that support environmental resilience and sustainability in our regions.
The funding can be used to start a new project or build on an existing one for activities such as weed treatment, fencing and revegetation.
Each region manages its own program, with the following grants currently open:
- Eyre Peninsula: Up to $15,000, applications close April 29
- Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu: Up to $20,000, applications close 17 April
- SA Arid Lands: Up to $20,000, applications close 3 May
- Green Adelaide: Up to $200,000, applications close 15 May
- Kangaroo Island: Up to $8000, applications close 6 May
- Limestone Coast: Up to $50,000, applications close 15 April
To learn more, visit Landscape Boards SA.
Veterans
Commemorative Service Grants
Ex-service organisations can apply for a grant of up to $1000 to help cover expenses that directly relate to the coordination, management and delivery of hosting commemorative events within South Australia.
Applications close 31 May 2024, unless funds are exhausted prior to this date.
Learn more about the eligibility criteria and how to apply at Veterans SA.
Grants to support veteran organisations
Capacity Building Grants of up to $5000 are now available to veteran and ex-service organisations for projects that help strengthen their governance to lead, develop, support and advocate for their communities.
Applications close 31 May 2024, unless funds are exhausted prior to this date.
Learn more and apply for the grants at Veterans SA.
End of World War II 80th anniversary
In 2025, the nation will mark 80 years since the end of Australia’s involvement in World War II. In preparation for this significant milestone, Veterans SA has opened applications for the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II Grant Fund to support community activities that commemorate and honour this historical moment in time.
One of the largest grant funds offered by Veterans SA in its history, funding of up to $132,000 is available during one round in the 2024-25 financial year. Applications close 30 June 2024.
For information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit Veterans SA.
Livestock Underpass Grant
The Livestock Underpass Grant Scheme provides financial help to eligible livestock primary producers, abattoirs and saleyards to establish livestock underpasses linking farming properties that are crossed by public roads.
A total of $500,000 in grants is available. Funding of up to 50 per cent of eligible costs associated with the construction and installation of an underpass is available to a maximum of $100,000.
Applications close 30 June 2024.
To learn more about the scheme and its application guidelines, visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.
Community
Keeping kids active and involved in sports
The Sports Vouchers program offers a $100, once-yearly subsidy for children from Reception to Year 9, which eases the cost of sport, dance and learn-to-swim fees on families.
The program has this year been expanded to Scouts and Girl Guides, helping more children to participate in active recreation and get involved in the community.
Learn more about the initiative through the Office for Recreation.
Discovery Grants
These two-year grants support the development of preventative approaches that will support mental health and the overall wellbeing of all South Australians.
Each Discovery Grant has a value of $120,000 per annum, with an additional $5000 to support the development of tools and evaluation frameworks to learn, reflect and adapt.
Expression of interest close on 15 April 2024.
To find out more and to access application support resources, visit the Fay Fuller Foundation.
Multicultural Festival Grants
These grants support eligible multicultural organisations to participate in the annual Multicultural Festival by helping cover costs associated with joining in the event.
There are three grant categories available:
- Performance – up to $500
- Activity – up to $500
- Stall – up to $250
Applications close 19 May 2024.
For more information including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit Multicultural Festival Grants.
Housing
First home buyer grant
A grant of up to $15,000 is available for eligible first home buyers who are in the process of buying a new home or building a property that has not been previously occupied in.
Check your eligibility and apply through Revenue SA.
