Collaboration Grants

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Collaborative advocacy can be undertaken by a range of stakeholders and involve working with peers, allies, and coalitions. 

Collaboration Grants support this advocacy by funding complex, multi-year advocacy and research projects aiming to drive energy systems change. Projects will typically be ambitious, recognising that pathways to success are negotiated and developed over time. 

Read the Grant Guidelines (PDF, 467.21KB)

Collaboration Grant projects offer a collaboration opportunity to work with Energy Consumers Australia and may also involve other partners, recognising that systems change is rarely affected by a single organisation. Proponents will have already come together in a collaboration before lodging an application.

Between collaborators, the project will have the requisite organisational capability, connections with decision-makers, and networks to help drive systems change in coalition.

We also welcome collaboration which combines the interests of household and small business consumers.

Successful collaboration grants will:

  • Drive systemic change
  • Address highly complex issues
  • Build on an established track record
  • Rely on constituency for change
  • Have a theory of change reflecting an adaptive strategy
  • Be independent of existing decision processes 

Applications are sought twice a year.

Application Process

Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

The first stage is to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) application form for your project idea. The form is available through the online grant platform SmartyGrants.  

The form will ask for details regarding what problem you’re trying to solve, project methodology, intended project deliverables, and how the outcomes will benefit consumers.

All submitted EOIs are reviewed against selection criteria (outlined in the Grant Guidelines) and shortlisted applicants will then be invited to submit a full application based on their EOIs.  

Stage 2: Submit a full application

Shortlisted applicants are formally invited to submit a full application through SmartyGrants. This stage is more competitive and will require further details of the project to determine which applications offer high-quality, well-planned projects.

Current round

13 October 2025Stage 1 - Expression of Interest stage opens
6 November 2025Stage 1 - Expression of Interest stage closes
17 December 2025Stage 2 – Full application round opens
8 February 2026Stage 2 – Full application round closes
16 April 2026Stage 2 applications considered by the ECA board
By 29 April 2026All stage 2 applicants notified of the outcome
Page last updated: 30 September 2025