Be Connected is an Australian government initiative that aims to provide a family and community centered approach to supporting, coaching and teaching older Australians aged over 50 years to improve their skills and confidence in using digital technology.

Funding of $20,500 to support 300 Older Australians aged 50+ to develop their digital skills and confidence through free face-to-face contact, either one-on-one or in small groups, utilising the learning courses available on the Be Connected Learning site.

Note: Organisations applying for their first Be Connected Building Digital Skills grant can only apply for a $3,000 grant. They become eligible for a second grant after meeting learner registration requirements and submitting a satisfactory financial acquittal.

The grant can be used to cover costs that helps Australians over 50 build basic digital skills and confidence, such as:

• New devices including computers, laptops, tablets
• Upgrading software for devices
• Internet fees
• Digital mentor expenses, including training to be a digital mentor
• Printing of learning materials for older Australian learners
• Police checks for all staff and mentors involved in delivering the Be Connected project
• Marketing/promotional costs

Standard grant contracts come in four sizes:

1. $3,000 to support 30 learners
2. $5,200 to support 75 learners
3. $10,500 to support 150 learners
4. $20,500 to support 300 learners

Organisations who would like to apply for a Building Digital Skills grant must:

• Be a registered Network Partner within the Be Connected Network
• Have premises that are well frequented by people aged over 50 in Australia
• Premises are accessible to people aged over 50 (e.g. ramps, lifts, air conditioning, heating, sufficient space, lighting, etc.) and have appropriate facilities (e.g. toilets, seating)
• Provide an ABN number (if applying for a $5,200 grant or greater)
• Have public liability insurance
• Have acquitted previous grant/s awarded by Good Things Foundation

If you are not sure if you have an overdue grant acquittal, please contact Good Things Foundation to check.

• Phone: (02) 9051 9292
• Email: connect@goodthingsfoundation.org