--- title: Workforce Capability Round description: How to apply and FAQs image: https://www.fcif.org.au/hubfs/Lightthumb.png --- [![logo](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/logo.png?width=215&height=90&name=logo.png "logo")](https://fcif.org.au?hsLang=en-au) - [Home](https://www.fcif.org.au) - About us - [About FCIF](https://www.fcif.org.au/aboutfcif) - [2025-2028 Grants Strategy](https://www.fcif.org.au/funding-strategy) - [Equity and Transparency](https://www.fcif.org.au/equity-transparency) - [Help videos (using Blackbaud](https://www.fcif.org.au/videohelp) - [Measuring Unmet Demand](https://www.fcif.org.au/measuring-unmet-demand-working-group) - [Feedback](https://www.fcif.org.au/contact-0) - [Share your story](https://www.fcif.org.au/share) - [Subscribe](https://www.fcif.org.au/subscribe) - [Contact us](https://www.fcif.org.au/contact) - Expansion - [Expansion Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/expansion) - [External Reviewers](https://www.fcif.org.au/expansion-reviewers) - [2025 Applications](https://www.fcif.org.au/2025-expansion-grant-applications) - [2025 Outcomes and Feedback](https://www.fcif.org.au/outcomes-and-feedback-2025-expansion-grants) - Innovation - [Innovation Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/innovation) - [2025 Innovation Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/outcomes-2025innovationgrants) - [2026 Outcomes and Feedback](https://www.fcif.org.au/2026-innovation-outcomes) - [Innovation Advisory Panel](https://www.fcif.org.au/panel) - Workforce Capability - [Workforce Capability Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/workforce-capability-round) - [Workforce Capability Advisory Panel](https://www.fcif.org.au/workforce-capability-advisory-panel) - Funding partners - [Funding partners](https://www.fcif.org.au/funding-partners) - [Become a contributor](https://www.fcif.org.au/becomeacontributor) - [Home](https://www.fcif.org.au) - About us - [About FCIF](https://www.fcif.org.au/aboutfcif) - [2025-2028 Grants Strategy](https://www.fcif.org.au/funding-strategy) - [Equity and Transparency](https://www.fcif.org.au/equity-transparency) - [Help videos (using Blackbaud](https://www.fcif.org.au/videohelp) - [Measuring Unmet Demand](https://www.fcif.org.au/measuring-unmet-demand-working-group) - [Feedback](https://www.fcif.org.au/contact-0) - [Share your story](https://www.fcif.org.au/share) - [Subscribe](https://www.fcif.org.au/subscribe) - [Contact us](https://www.fcif.org.au/contact) - Expansion - [Expansion Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/expansion) - [External Reviewers](https://www.fcif.org.au/expansion-reviewers) - [2025 Applications](https://www.fcif.org.au/2025-expansion-grant-applications) - [2025 Outcomes and Feedback](https://www.fcif.org.au/outcomes-and-feedback-2025-expansion-grants) - Innovation - [Innovation Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/innovation) - [2025 Innovation Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/outcomes-2025innovationgrants) - [2026 Outcomes and Feedback](https://www.fcif.org.au/2026-innovation-outcomes) - [Innovation Advisory Panel](https://www.fcif.org.au/panel) - Workforce Capability - [Workforce Capability Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/workforce-capability-round) - [Workforce Capability Advisory Panel](https://www.fcif.org.au/workforce-capability-advisory-panel) - Funding partners - [Funding partners](https://www.fcif.org.au/funding-partners) - [Become a contributor](https://www.fcif.org.au/becomeacontributor) Search Search - [SUBSCRIBE](https://www.fcif.org.au/subscribe) - [NEED HELP?](https://www.fcif.org.au/about-fc) - - - [SUBSCRIBE](https://www.fcif.org.au/subscribe) - [NEED HELP?](https://www.fcif.org.au/about-fc) - - Search Search # Workforce Capability   ### Open until 26 October   ## **At a glance** **Purpose** The 2026 Workforce Capability Round seeks to reduce unmet demand for financial counselling services by funding sector-wide initiatives that strengthen the skills, knowledge and abilities of the financial counselling workforce. **Key dates** - **21 September:** [Grant Guidelines](https://www.fcif.org.au/hubfs/FCIF004%20Grant%20Guidelines%202026%20Workforce%20Capability%20Round.pdf?hsLang=en-au) and FAQs published - **28 September:** [Applications open](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/4850b188-6f0e-43a4-89a9-9b5888dd0cca) - **28 September:** [Grant Round Webinar](https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/dbbb91c2-b553-41a9-82b3-d1459dbe323a@efec203d-20ba-40da-ac65-804cb4fa1a77) - **29 September:** [Grant Round Webinar](https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c5936ac6-a085-4a08-845d-731f6ed31a90@efec203d-20ba-40da-ac65-804cb4fa1a77) - **26 October:** Application submission deadline - **14 December:** Applicants advised of outcome ## **About the Round** Strengthening workforce capability is a shared priority for the financial counselling sector. The [National Workforce Strategy](https://www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au/fca-content/uploads/2025/12/National-Workforce-Strategy-2026-30-Dec-202536.pdf) states:  *"Strengthening skills, quality and professionalism is a shared priority across the sector. It is key to meeting evolving community needs, delivering stronger outcomes and building recognition of the workforce as an essential and trusted part of the social support system."* (p. 25)  Workforce capability initiatives can support financial counsellors to: - Better manage clients’ complex and emerging needs - Adopt more efficient ways of working, or - Deliver higher quality, and more consistent, client-centred services. As workforce capability strengthens, the financial counselling sector will be able to increase service capacity while maintaining service quality. In the longer term, this will contribute to reduced unmet demand for financial counselling services and improved access to services for people experiencing financial hardship. We expect to award approximately **8 *Workforce Capability grants.***   [Apply Now](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/4850b188-6f0e-43a4-89a9-9b5888dd0cca) ### See also - [**Apply Now**](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/4850b188-6f0e-43a4-89a9-9b5888dd0cca) - [**About Us**](https://www.fcif.org.au/aboutfcif?hsLang=en-au) - [**Grant Guidelines**](https://www.fcif.org.au/hubfs/FCIF004%20Grant%20Guidelines%202026%20Workforce%20Capability%20Round.pdf?hsLang=en-au) - [**Expert Advisory Panel**](https://www.fcif.org.au/workforce-capability-advisory-panel?hsLang=en-au) - **[2025-2028 Grants Strategy](https://www.fcif.org.au/funding-strategy?hsLang=en-au)** - [**Probity Policy**](https://www.fcif.org.au/hubfs/FCIF-Grant-Probity-Policy-v1.0-Aug2025.pdf?hsLang=en-au) ## Help videos [How to apply](https://www.fcif.org.au/videohelp?hsLang=en-au) via Blackbaud GrantsConnect [![Help videos](https://www.fcif.org.au/hubfs/videohelp.jpg "Help videos")](https://www.fcif.org.au/videohelp?hsLang=en-au) ## Our process ## Our process ![edited process](https://www.fcif.org.au/hubfs/edited%20process.png "edited process") ## Watch the Workforce Capability Round Webinar Watch the information webinar we held on 28 September where we explained the purpose of this grant round and how to apply, and answered questions. # Workforce Capability Grant FAQs Please see our [Grant Guidelines](https://www.fcif.org.au/hubfs/FCIF004%20Grant%20Guidelines%202026%20Workforce%20Capability%20Round.pdf?hsLang=en-au) for more comprehensive information. ###### ABOUT THIS ROUND ### What is the FCIF Workforce Capability Grant Round? The purpose of the 2026 Workforce Capability Round is to reduce unmet demand by funding sector-wide initiatives that strengthen the knowledge, skills and abilities of the financial counselling workforce.  ### How many grants are available? We expect to award 8 Workforce Capability Grants.  ### What is the maximum grant amount? The maximum grant amount is $320,000 ($160,000 per annum). ### How long is the funding period?  The grant term is two years. ### Can I submit a smaller project seeking less than the maximum grant amount? Yes. Projects can be submitted up to the maximum amount available. We strongly encourage project budgets to be tailored to the size of the project. The grant term must be 2 years. ### What are examples of workforce capability projects? Workforce Capability Grants will support sector-wide initiatives that strengthen the knowledge, skills or abilities of the financial counselling workforce. These may include, but are not limited to: - Developing and delivering training and professional development. - Developing shared practice resources, tools and training materials. - Establishing communities of practice and peer learning initiatives. - Research and evaluation that strengthens workforce capability. - Collaborative initiatives that deliver projects across jurisdictions. - Supporting specialist practice capabilities (e.g. service delivery to CALD, Family Violence, First Nations, small business or incarcerated clients) ### Can I apply for funding to deliver financial counselling services? No, this is not an eligible use of funds. Financial counselling service delivery is funded through FCIF’s Expansion Grants. ### What costs will be funded? FCIF will fund the following: Staff: - project management - project coordination - financial counsellors contributing to project design, development, testing or training delivery - administrative support directly related to the project. Consultants: - subject matter experts - facilitators and trainers - IT or digital specialists - researchers and/or evaluators. Technology and Software: - software or platform development - application development - software licences and subscriptions required during the grant period - cloud hosting - API integrations - cyber security and privacy work - AI or data tools used to develop or test the project. Resources and materials: - development of toolkits, templates, guides and learning resources - printing and publication costs - multimedia or online learning content - translation or accessibility services. Research and Evaluation: - data collection tools and surveys - external evaluators or research partners - user testing - impact measurement - data analysis and modelling. Other: - domestic travel directly required for project delivery - venue hire and workshop costs - assets and equipment required solely for the funded project, such as laptops (up to $10,000) - other reasonable costs directly related to the delivery of the approved grant activities.   ### What costs will not be funded? Workforce Capability Grants must not be used to undertake:  - Commercial or profit-making activities. - Activities that promote, support or oppose a political party, candidate or elected official. - Activities funded by other sources. - Activities that duplicate existing arrangements. - Activities unrelated to the objectives of the Workforce Capability Round. - Activities solely relating to financial capability service delivery. In addition, FCIF will not fund the following: - Financial benefits to individual financial counsellors including but not limited to: - Scholarships or financial assistance to undertake a financial counselling qualification - Delivery of accredited financial counselling qualifications - Conference registration, attendance or travel - Payments to attend activities as a participant - Professional association membership fees. - Costs associated with delivering financial counselling services including but not limited to: - Employment of financial counsellors or financial capability workers or other administrative/support staff to deliver financial counselling services - Development of financial literacy/capability initiatives for clients - Professional supervision of financial counselling staff - Cash payments or other financial benefits to clients. - Costs associated with professional standards and accreditation including but not limited to: - Development of professional standards - Compliance monitoring or enforcement of professional standards - Activities that form part of an organisation's ongoing responsibilities. - Other ineligible expenditure including but not limited to: - Promotional or marketing activities to the public - Expenditure not directly related to the FCIF-funded activities - Retrospective costs - Litigation costs - Overseas travel - Funding for staff or operational costs, including ongoing licence or subscription costs, beyond the grant term.   ### Can a Workforce Capability Grant fund new staff positions? Funding cannot be used to employ financial counsellors, financial capability workers or administrative staff solely to increase service capacity or deliver additional client services. Staff costs may be included where they are directly related to the Workforce Capability project. --- ###### ELIGIBILITY ### Who can apply for a Workforce Capability Grant? Eligible applicants must: - Be a financial counselling peak body or professional association; or - Be an organisation currently delivering financial counselling services in Australia through financial counsellors who are members of a financial counselling peak body or professional association. Applicants must be an Australian registered business. Government entities and private individuals (including sole traders) are not eligible to apply. The applicant is the legal entity that will enter into the Grant Agreement with FCIF. Eligible applicants may wish to form consortiums with other organisations. A consortium must nominate an eligible lead applicant who is solely accountable to FCIF for the delivery of grant activities. We strongly encourage collaborative applications. ### I am a registered training provider, can I apply? No, as a registered training provider, you cannot apply for a Workforce Capability grant as lead applicant. However, you can apply as part of a consortium with an eligible applicant.   ### What promotional or marketing activities are ineligible? We will not fund activities which have as their primary objective the goal of increasing demand for financial counselling services – either generally or within a specific community.  ### Will you accept joint applications? We strongly encourage collaborative applications. For example, a financial counselling service may choose to partner with a peak body, or two services may collaborate. A consortium must nominate a lead applicant who is solely accountable to FCIF for the delivery of the grant. The lead applicant must meet the eligibility criteria. ### Would an already partly funded project be eligible? Yes, but we will not duplicate existing funding, so you cannot include project costs that are already funded by another source. Please add any existing funding partners to the Project Partners section in the application and outline details of the funding amount and terms. ### Can you give advice about whether our project meets the criteria for this round? No, we cannot provide advice on individual projects. Probity and equity of access are critical across all our processes, as outlined on our [2025-2028 Strategy](https://www.fcif.org.au/funding-strategy?hsLang=en-au) page. Our probity policies specify that all applicants must have equal access to information, so rather than answer individual queries we publish general FAQs on our website.   ### Does my project have to be delivered either statewide or nationwide? No, however your project will need to demonstrate the scale and reach of benefits, both for participants and the financial counselling sector. ### Can my project be focused on a specialist financial counselling practice area? Yes, however your project will need to demonstrate the scale and reach of benefits, both for participants and the financial counselling sector. ### Will you fund scholarships to undertake a diploma of financial counselling? No, we will not fund scholarships. Scholarship opportunities are available at the [Jan Pentland Foundation.](https://www.janpentlandfoundation.org/scholarships) ### I am not sure whether to apply for a grant in this round or a subsequent round. What should I do? We encourage you to check if your organisation is eligible and if your project meets the purpose, eligibility and assessment criteria for this grant round. If so, please apply for this round. ###### APPLYING ### Can we submit more than one application?  No. Eligible applicants are limited to one application.  ### Can I email or mail my application? No. All applications must be submitted via FCIF’s applicant portal. You will need to register for an account or log in if you have an existing account.   ### What if there is a conflict of interest? As part of your application, you will be asked to declare any actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest or declare that, to the best of your knowledge, there is no conflict of interest. If you later identify an actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest, you must immediately inform FCIF in writing by email to grants@fcif.org.au.  ### Will application questions be published in advance? No. The Workforce Capability grant application questions will be available on 28 September 2026.   ### I have read the FAQs and I still have a question, how do I get in touch? If you are unable to resolve your issues after reviewing our information online, please contact grants@fcif.org.au.  ### What documentation am I expected to provide with my application? To complete this application you will need to upload: - Your organisation's most recent audited Financial Report (or equivalent) - A copy of your organisation's Public Liability Insurance (or confirm that you will obtain insurance) - Letters of support from any partner organisations (if applicable). You will also need to prepare: - A Risk Assessment - Project activities and - Project budget. ### Should I include GST in my application? No. If your application is successful and your organisation is registered for GST, you will be paid GST on the approved grant amount. ### What if I miss the application deadline? Late applications will not be accepted unless an applicant has experienced exceptional circumstances that prevent the submission of the application. Broadly, exceptional circumstances are events characterised by the following: - reasonably unforeseeable; - beyond the applicant’s control; and - unable to be managed or resolved within the application period. Exceptional circumstances will be considered on their merits and in accordance with probity principles. Requests to submit a late application must be submitted by email to grants@fcif.org.au. ### What happens if I made a mistake in my application? Once your application form has been submitted it cannot be edited. However, if you have made a mistake that you feel is material to your application and you would like to change your answer, please email grants@fcif.org.au and request your application be published for resubmission. ### How are applications assessed? Workforce Capability applications will be evaluated against the following criteria: 1. **Relevance:** the extent to which the project addresses a clearly defined workforce capability gap, challenge or opportunity and aligns with the purpose of the grant round. 2. **Impact**: the extent to which the project is likely to strengthen financial counsellors’ knowledge, skills and abilities and lead to improved service delivery outcomes. 3. **Sector-wide benefits**: the scale and reach of benefits from the project, both for participants and the financial counselling sector. 4. **Deliverability and value:** The extent to which the project is feasible, well-planned and represents value for money. All criteria carry equal weighting. ### What knowledge, skills and abilities are relevant to financial counselling practice? Knowledge, skills and abilities are the capabilities financial counsellors need to do their work effectively and respond to current and emerging service needs. This may include technical knowledge, practical skills, professional judgement and behaviours that support high-quality financial counselling services. The following resources are useful reference points: - [National Standards for Membership and Accreditation](https://www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au/docs/national-standards-for-membership-and-accreditation/) - [CHC51115 Diploma of Financial Counselling](https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/CHC51115/qualdetails) - [Financial Counselling Scope of Practice](https://fcvic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/20251029_FC-Scope-of-Practice-v2.pdf) - [National Workforce Strategy](https://www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au/our-work/about-our-workforce/) --- ###### WHAT HAPPENS NEXT ### What happens once I submit my application? When you submit your application, you can download a copy for your records. You will receive an automated email acknowledging your application. Your application will then be reviewed by FCIF staff. Our team may contact you if further information is required. Your application will be assessed in accordance with our assessment process. The final grant decision is made by FCIF’s Board of Directors. You will receive notification of your application outcome by 14 December. ### What are my obligations if a grant is awarded? Successful applicants must: - Enter into a legally binding Grant Agreement with FCIF outlining project activities, payment milestones, reporting requirements and funding terms and conditions. - Submit six-monthly progress reports based on the Project Activities, in a standard format as defined by FCIF. - Collect and report quantitative and qualitative outcome data in the format specified by FCIF. The indicative reporting items are set out in Appendix A of the Grant Guidelines. - Using FCIF’s template, complete a final report detailing grant outcomes, learnings and impact. Impact reporting will be based on our impact measures. - Provide a financial acquittal. Unspent funds must be returned to FCIF. To maximise the sector-wide benefit of FCIF funding, any resources developed with FCIF funding must be made available free-of-charge for sector-wide usage, including to FCIF and all financial counselling peak bodies, through open access or under an appropriate open licence. ### When will I know the outcome of my application? Outcome notifications for Workforce Capability applications will be provided on 14 December.   ### Will you provide feedback? General feedback will be published on the FCIF website at the conclusion of the assessment process. Individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants will not be provided.   ### When is the next Workforce Capability Grant Round? FCIF expects to hold a 2028 Workforce Capability Round. [Sign up](https://www.fcif.org.au/subscribe?hsLang=en-au) to receive alerts when we announce dates and open grant rounds. ### When will funding commence? Funding will commence upon the execution of your Grant Agreement. The activity period for Workforce Capability Grants begins on 1 February 2027.  --- ###### NEW FAQs ### Can my project upskill Financial Capability Workers? No, the focus of this grant round is strengthening the knowledge, skills and abilities of financial counsellors. ### Can my project upskill people undertaking their Financial Counselling Diploma qualification? No, the focus of this grant round is strengthening the knowledge, skills and abilities of qualified financial counsellors.  ### Can I be a partner in a project and also make my own application? Yes, you can be a partner in multiple applications and still lodge your own application. However, each eligible organisation may only submit one application. ### Do partner organisations have to meet the eligibility criteria?  No, only the applicant has to meet the eligibility criteria.  **Do you have questions?** Email [grants@fcif.org.au](mailto:grants@fcif.org.au). We'll respond and update this page as appropriate. 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