Applications are now closed for the 2025 grant round.

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The 2026 grant round will open in November 2025

 

Review the grant eligibility criteria below.

If eligible, email enquiries@openingthedoors.org.au to join our mailing list for families and be notified when it is open again.​​​

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2025 GRANT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 

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1. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Descent: Applicants must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.

2. School Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in a Catholic or Independent school (Prep–Year 12) within Victoria. OTDF does not provide to students attending government schools.

3. Application Deadlines: Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. All vouchers must be used by February 28, 2026

4. Health Care/Pension Priority: Priority is given to applicants with a Health Care or Pension card.  Applications that do not have a card, will still be considered but processing will be delayed until January 2026.  If you have a card, please email a copy of your card with your application to applications@openingthedoors.org.au.  If we have not received a copy of your card, the processing of your application will be delayed.

   Note: The government also offers a $400 School Savings Bonus for eligible concession card holders. Contact your school for information.

5. Other Funding Sources: If receiving support from other organisations (e.g., Traditional Owner grants, First Nations scholarships, other charities or the school itself), OTDF Trustees may consider this in their decision.

6. Grant Coverage: Funding covers educational items up to the limit set by Trustees, including books, uniforms, camp fees, and IT devices (one pair of shoes per applicant). List items by priority; funding will be allocated accordingly.

7. School Fees: OTDF does not cover independent school fees. Misuse of funds for school fees may impact future applications. We recommend requesting your school to reduce or waive camp/VCAL/VET fees when possible.

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​GRANT DISBURSEMENT

Successful applicants will receive vouchers for educational items. Funding for camp levies, IT equipment, or uniforms provided by schools will go directly to the school.

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2026 GRANT PROCESS CONDITIONS

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• One application per year.

• Previous grant recipients must submit a progress report as part of the application.

• Only complete applications submitted through the official electronic form will be accepted. No edits can be made once submitted.

• Processing may take up to 4-6 weeks, so please apply early.

• Purchases made prior to approval cannot be reimbursed.

• All grants are finalized by the Board of Trustees, and approved amounts are final.

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FIRST TIME APPLICANTS

If this is your first application, please submit a Confirmation of Aboriginality Certificate (COA). If you don’t have a COA please contact the local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation or your homelands Aboriginal organisation or contact the local Catholic Education Office to connect you to the Koorie Educator for support.

 

Confirmation of Identity (AIATSIS definition)

Proof or confirmation of our First Nations heritage is sometimes required when applying for identified -specific services or programs.

Government agencies and community organisations usually accept three ‘working criteria’ as confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage. These are:

• being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent

• identifying as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person

• being accepted as such by the community in which you live, or formerly lived.
   

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​Need Help?

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• For general inquiries: applications@openingthedoors.org.au

• For questions about payment: accounts@openingthedoors.org.au ​

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