DIRECT GIVING PROGRAM GUIDELINES 

How this Program Works  

The Direct Giving Program provides targeted, practical financial support to people experiencing immediate hardship. We work in close partnership with health and community professionals to ensure support reaches individuals at a moment where it can have real, stabilising impact. 

Eligible referrers submit applications on behalf of the person they support. If approved, The Hall Foundation funds the requested goods or services by paying the supplier directly to ensure safe, fast and transparent support. 

 

Who Can Apply  

  • Public Hospital and Health Setting Stream:
    Open to health professionals working in public hospitals or community-based public health services across Australia, including: 

  1. Social workers 

  2. Occupational therapists 

  3. Physiotherapists 

  4. Clinical nurses 

  5. Allied health professionals 

Applications must be submitted on behalf of patients.  

  • Community and Charity Stream:   
    Open to social workers, case managers and allied health professionals employed by ACNC-registered charities with DGR Item 1 status. 

Applications must be made on behalf of clients receiving ongoing support. 

Note: Individuals cannot apply directly. Those experiencing hardship should speak with their case worker or health professional. 

 

Organisation Eligibility  

To maintain responsive support for clients of existing partners, we are not onboarding new organisations at this time. To check if your organisation is registered with us, please email us. 

 

Eligible Organisations 

  • Public hospitals and health services: Automatically eligible; no registration required. 

  • Existing community/charity partners: Must continue to provide ongoing case management and hold DGR Item 1 status. 

 

Where and When to Apply  

All applications are submitted online. Each week applications are open from Thursdays at 09:30 (Sydney time) and close Tuesdays at 12:00 (Sydney time).   

 

Client Eligibility Criteria  

Clients must:  

  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident,  

  • Be receiving ongoing case management from your organisation,  

  • Be in financial distress, with no suitable alternative funding options available (as assessed by qualified staff),  

  • Not have received a small grant from The Hall Foundation (formerly The Walter & Eliza Hall Trust) previously.  

 

What We Fund  

We fund essential, high-impact needs that support safety, wellbeing and stability. Our funding priority areas are: 

  1. Essential daily living items 
    e.g., whitegoods, basic furniture, utilities, rental assistance 

  2. Accessibility supports 
    e.g., mobility aids, assistive devices 

  3. Critical minor health-related needs 
    e.g., medically required items not otherwise funded 

  4. Education-related equipment 
    e.g., items that enable access or stability 

 

No exceptions will be considered outside this scope. 

 

What We Don’t Fund  

For clarity and transparency, the program does not fund: 

  • Tuition fees or degree-related costs

  • Home modifications 

  • Gift cards or vouchers 

  • Standard consumables 

  • Reimbursements 

  • Specialist or functional assessments (incl. NDIS) 

  • Rental bonds 

  • Debt, loan or credit repayments 

  • Vehicle purchase or modification 

  • Non-essential or discretionary retail items 

  • Removalists or storage fees

 

Application Outcomes  

Outcome emails are issued fortnightly. Successful applicants receive: 

  • Confirmation of approval 

  • Payment receipt 

  • Formal outcome letter 

 

Incomplete or unclear applications are unable to be assessed. 

 

Payment of Approved Applications  

Payment is made directly to suppliers using valid BPay or EFT details. 

Funds cannot be paid to clients or referring organisations. 

 

Tips for a Strong Application  

We want every application to be clear, complete and ready for fast assessment. Here’s how you can set yours up for success:  

  • Provide formal invoices or quotes with clear BPay/EFT details. Invoices with no payment details won't be accepted. 

  • Describe how the item will support stability, safety or wellbeing 

  • Outline other support options explored 

  • Note any wrap-around supports in place (e.g., financial counselling) 

  • Double-check clarity and accuracy 

  • Ensure contact details are current and monitored. Be ready to hear from us. Ensure you, or an alternative contact, can respond quickly to any follow-up questions, so that we can ensure a swift assessment of your application.  

Questions?  

We’re here to support you in your application. Contact us at info@hallfoundation.org.au or (02) 9127 3395.