Opening The Doors Foundation
Grant Information and Applications

Criteria For Consideration Of Assistance

• The Applicant (student) must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and supply a Confirmation of Aboriginality.

• The Applicant (student) must be enrolled in an independent educational institution located within the State boundaries of Victoria.

• Applications can only be accepted on the official Application Form and ALL SECTIONS MUST be completed, especially the highlight 'THIS SECTION MUST BE COMPLETED' on the front page.

• An account must be enclosed with the application (school account, book supplier, uniform supplier invoices, etc.). Applications can only be considered if the amounts requested have corresponding accounts/invoices.

• Any assistance granted will be paid by cheque to the nominated institution. Monies cannot be paid directly to families, nor can re-imbursement be made for items already purchased.

• Assistance will be granted only once in a calendar year. If a student has received prior assistance from the Foundation the Progress Report in the Application Form must be completed before further assistance can be considered.

• Applications will be considered on a "needs" basis.

• The Foundation was formed to cover the gaps in existing funding, not to duplicate or take the place of existing services. As a consequence applications requesting requesting support for school uniforms, book lists, levies, VET & VCAL subjects and extra curricular activities will take priority.

• No application can be processed unless a 'Confirmation of Aboriginality' has been received by the Foundation.

Application Forms are downloaded from the Foundation's website. Applications are in PDF format.

Application for grant -PDF Document

Confirmation of Aboriginality - PDF Document

Future Intentions Report - PDF Document

Please help us to help you by ensuring all relevent documentation is complete and all requirements are completed before sending your application to us.

Feedback received from past grant recipients

Prep: . really enjoyed school this year

Gr 1: Her reading and writing have improved and she is also more confident with herself.

Gr 3: . is a keen worker, loves her school work

Gr 5: She has matured well and is becoming an exceptional child..

Gr 6: .. Has done an excellent job in all her subjects . is continuing on to Catholic Secondary

Yr 7 . progresses quite well . thank you so much for helping my grandson complete his school in a Christian school.

Yr 8: . progresses very well through Yr 8 I am proud of her

Yr 9: Class Vice Captain . picked out of her Japanese class to go to Japan next year.

Yr 10: Excellent . . went to France in June as part of an advanced French group

Yr 11 Very well in school work .. Sports Captain for 2005!

Year 12 student was able to attend Year 12 camp at La Trobe University in January 2005 …she is an excellent student who wants to gain a University place in 2006 .. will also be participating in VCE 10 week intensive for mid year exams in Biology, due to assistance

From the Principals:

Thank you to the Opening the Doors Foundation for your support of .. I am sure his mother shares my gratitude for your work..

Thank you for your letter and cheque for .. She is a great girl and this money will assist her enormously.

Thank you for your cheque for ... Your assistance is most appreciated by the student and by .. College. I wish your ministry well for 2005.

From Diocesan Bishop:

"I was very pleased to read that the Foundation is having a positive impact on the Koorie children who desire to avail themselves of a Catholic education. It is also heartening to know that the applications for Year 7 at Catholic Colleges has increased significantly."

Letter From Parent

Dear Carol

I have enclosed a few of Ashlea's reports (not included on webpage) to show you how well she went will send a copy of final report when we get it. I also want to thank you all very much with all the help you have given Ash over the past years it has helped us a lot she is waiting on her results now to see if she gets to go to University.

Kind Regards

Mavis