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The 2026 grant round will open on the 10th of November 2025

and close on the 2nd of April 2026.

 

The Opening The Doors Foundation invites eligible families to apply for a 2026 student grant. Please read the information below carefully to ensure your application is complete and can be processed.

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If eligible, please come to this site on the 10th of November for further instructions of how to apply.​​​

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📣 Important Update for 2026

Due to a large increase in demand, changes have been made to this year’s grant round. The Foundation will prioritise students with the highest financial need to ensure fair access to support.

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🔑 Priority Processing

Applicants with a Health Care Card or Pension Card will be processed first.

• Other applications are still welcome however processing may be slighly delayed.

• Please attach a copy of your Health Care or Pension Card to your online application.  These details won't be shared with any individual or organisation

• Missing documents will delay processing.

👉 All applications must be submitted online via the OTDF Grant Portal.

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💰 $400 School Savings Bonus

 The 2025 one-off $400 School Saving Bonus is not happening in 2026; that was a 2025 initiative. However, the Victorian government is increasing the funding for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) to $400 per eligible primary and secondary school student, effective from January 1, 2026. Applications for the 2026 CSEF support will open on January 27, and it is for concession card holders. This can be used for uniforms, school camps, and books. ⚠️ To apply for this bonus, contact your school directly.  Please consider this as you apply for needed funds from OTDF and apply only for what you need from OTDF.  We have limited funding available.

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🎒 Items you can apply for from OTDF 

You may apply for essential school items. Please list your items in order of priority.

Eligible items include:

• School books & stationery

• School uniforms

• One pair of shoes (school or sport shoes)

• IT equipment (laptops, calculators, etc.)

• VCAL/VET levies 

• Camp levies in the State of Victoria

⚠️ Funding is up to the OTDF grant limit and up to OTDF Trustee discretion. You may not receive the full amount requested.

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🚫 What We Don’t Fund

• Independent school fees.  Familes are responsible for paying private school fees and levies. Applications where OTDF funds are used for school fees may affect future eligibility.

• School levies

• Music lessons

• Travel or transport.

• Extra-curricular/private sporting fees, overseas immersion and cultural immersons in other States.

 

⚖️ Other Funding

If the student is already receiving support from:

• Traditional Owner education grants

• First Nations scholarships

• Other charities

• School financial assistance

The application may not be successful. Final decisions are made by OTDF Trustees.

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✅ Eligibility

To apply, the student must:

✔️ Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
✔️ Provide a Confirmation of Aboriginality
✔️ Be enrolled in a Catholic or Independent school in Victoria (Prep–Year 12).  OTDF is bound by set of rules determined by Vic State Government that restricts us from funding Aboriginal and Torres Strait students in public schools
❌ OTDF does not support students attending government schools

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🎟️ How Grants Are Provided

• Grants are mostly provided as vouchers from approved suppliers

• Vouchers must be used by 31st of May 2026

• For camp levies, school uniforms, or school IT items, funds may be sent directly to the school if the school supplies these items​

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📅 Key Dates

* Applications Open - 10th November 2025

* Applications Close - 2nd of April 2026 (strict deadline)

* ALL Vouchers expire on - 31st of May 2026

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✅ Application Conditions

• One application per student per year

• Previous grant recipients must upload a Progress Report as part of the 2026 application

• Incomplete applications will not be accepted

• No changes can be made after submission, so please check your details and selections for funding carefully

• Processing may take 4–6 weeks – please apply early to avoid delays

• Items purchased before grant approval will not be reimbursed

• All grants are assessed by the OTDF Board of Trustees

• Funding decisions are final and not negotiable

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🆕 First-Time Applicants

If this is your first application, you must upload a Confirmation of Aboriginality (COA).

If you do not have a COA, please contact one of the following for assistance:

• Your local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO)

• Your homelands Aboriginal organisation

• The local Catholic Education Office – ask to be connected with the Koorie Education Worker for support

 

✅ Confirmation of Identity

(Using the AIATSIS Community Recognition Criteria)

To be eligible for identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support programs, applicants must meet the following three criteria:

• Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent

• Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person

• Be accepted by the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community with which you live or have previously lived

 

💬 Need Help?

We are here to support you with your application.

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General application questions - applications@openingthedoors.org.au

Questions about payments or vouchers -accounts@openingthedoors.org.au​​​​​​​

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