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Active Australia Innovation Challenge
Make your bright idea a reality
Grants up to $30,000 for innovative ideas that get people moving
Physical activity and exercise can do wonders for your heart health and general wellbeing.
The Heart Foundation's Active Australia Innovation Challenge offers grants up to the value of $30,000 for new, innovative programs that get more people moving in schools, universities or local community groups.
Have an idea to get your community active?
- Applications are open 9am AEDT 3 February 2025 and close on 5pm AEDT 3 March 2025,
- Get tips and support in the application guide
- Promote the innovation challenge to your network with our supporter kit
How it works
The Active Australia Innovation Challenge is intended to support people who do not meet Australia’s Physical Activity Guidelines, are at risk of chronic disease and live in communities with high levels of physical inactivity, including rural and remote regions.
Watch the video below to learn more about developing an idea that suits your communities needs, the types of projects the grant supports and the application process.
Transcript
Do you have an idea that will help the people in your community become more active? The Heart Foundation's Active Australia Innovation Challenge is offering grants to help get your local community moving.
We're looking for ideas that help people within organisations such as community groups, councils, schools, universities, TAFEs, and colleges, to become more active.
Before thinking about your project, it's important that you speak with your local community to understand what's stopping them from being physically active. You can develop your idea together before starting your application.
Past grant recipients include accessible dancing nights in local halls, a high intensity exercise program for workplaces, and a sensory garden for children with special needs. Whatever your idea, for a chance to make it a reality, you must complete the online application.
To give yourself the best chance your application should address the barriers your community faces to being physically active, the rationale for your project idea, who it's for, impact it will have, and how you plan to make it a reality. You can submit photos and videos to support your application, they don't have to be perfect. A panel of judges will review all applications, and choose a list of finalists who will be invited to explore their idea further, and pitch it to the panel.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply
What is the Active Australia Innovation Challenge?
The Active Australia Innovation Challenge is funded by the Australian Government and delivered by the Heart Foundation. It aims to encourage community groups, councils, schools (primary and secondary), tertiary institutions (universities, TAFEs, colleges), and other organisations to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity and develop and implement innovative project ideas to encourage physical activity in a chosen group or community.
How does the challenge work?
Community groups, councils, schools (primary and secondary), tertiary institutions (universities, TAFEs, colleges), and other organisations are encouraged to come up with an innovative idea. The project idea should encourage physical activity in a chosen group or community and be submitted via an online application form. Eligible ideas will be identified using the guidelines and put forward for shortlisting. Finalists will be given the opportunity to present their project proposal via video link in front of a national judging panel of experts.
The application process
When can I submit my project idea?
Applications are open 9am AEST Monday 3rd Februrary 2025.
When do applications close?
Applications close 5pm AEST Monday 3 March 2025. No late applications will be accepted.
Can I submit more than one idea?
Yes. Eligible organisations (or individuals partnering with and eligible organisation) can submit multiple ideas. Refer to the Application Guide for more information on eligibility.
How many grants will be awarded and up to what value ?
There will be up to 15 grants awarded. When applying for a grant you will be asked to nominate how much money you require to deliver your project, up to the value of $30,000.
Do I need to provide any supporting documentation with the initial application?
Applicants are welcome to provide documents, photos or even a short video, to support their application. Supporting documents can be included on the online application form.
What do I need to do before submitting my application?
Read the guidelines to ensure you and your project idea are eligible. If you have any queries, email [email protected].
How can I be sure you’ve received my application?
Once you have submitted your application online you will see a confirmation page thanking you for your submission. If you are not redirected to the ‘thank you’ page and are unsure whether your application has processed correctly, please email [email protected].
How can I change my application?
Once an application has been submitted there is no way of changing it. Should you have any questions about this please email [email protected].
What if I miss the deadline for submitting my application – can I have an extension?
No extensions will be granted.
I’m not comfortable using a computer. How can I take part?
To help everyone participate, the Active Australia Innovation Challenge team are available to provide assistance and answer your questions. Contact us at [email protected].
I don’t have access to the internet – how do I submit my project idea?
Seek assistance from your partner organisation to support you in submitting your application. Contact us at [email protected].
Shortlisting and judging
Will ideas not selected/awarded receive feedback on their application?
All applicants will be advised via email if they have not been chosen to progress to Final Pitch round. Due to the number of applications we receive, feedback will not be provided, however we can be contacted at [email protected] if you have any questions
If my project is ineligible, will I be told why?
If your project is deemed ineligible by our judging panel, you’ll receive an email advising you of this. If you need more information, you’ll be able to contact our team for further information.
Can I ask for a reassessment?
Given the timeframes, we’re unable to reassess any applications that are deemed ineligible.
How do you pick the judges for the Active Australia Innovation Challenge?
Judging panels will consist of representatives from the Heart Foundation, Department of Health and external stakeholders with a background and expertise in physical activity, active living, innovation, health promotion and community development.
Can you explain how the applications are assessed?
Please refer to the Application Guide.
Partner organisations
How do I know if my partner organisation is eligible?
Any organisation with a registered ABN is eligible for this Challenge. Please refer to the ‘Who can apply’ section of the Guidelines for more information.
Can a business be a partner organisation?
Local businesses can be a part of the Active Australia Innovation Challenge. However, they must demonstrate that the primary outcome of the project is to benefit the community or group by increasing physical activity and not for private or for profit purpose.
Can I work for my partner organisation?
Yes, the applicant can work for the partner organisation noted in the submission. Please refer to the Application Guide for more information.
I have my own business with a registered ABN – am I eligible?
Please refer to the Application Guide to make sure you and your project idea are eligible for the Active Australia Innovation Challenge.
The grant and funding
Where is the money for this grant coming from?
The Australian Government Department of Health has funded the annual Active Australia Innovation Challenge since 2018.
How can I contact the Heart Foundation?
You can contact us via email – [email protected].
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Get inspired
Learn more about past grant recipients and their programs below
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The Active Australia Innovation Challenge is part of the Heart Foundation's National Walking Initiative, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. |