The Aged Care sector is set to benefit from a new Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) grant program aimed at encouraging wider collaboration to solve challenges within the sector.
Applications are now open for the $2 million Flagship Projects which will help aged care providers to tackle complex workforce challenges that are often difficult to address in isolation. The initiative is funded by the Commonwealth Government and led by ARIIA as part of the Aged Care Collaborative. The program will provide a unique opportunity for aged care providers to work together to address complex issues and enact meaningful change across the sector.
The Flagship Projects will be completed over one year and selected projects will address identified priority areas by embracing co-design, building workforce capability, and implementing evidence-based interventions. Aged care providers participating in the program will receive up to $120,000 (ex GST) to implement the projects in defined project stages. Matched co-contribution can be via cash and/or in-kind.
Applications for the two Flagship Projects are now open and will close on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Submissions are welcomed for one or both of the projects:
- Flagship Project 1: Enhancing Role Clarity, Communication and Career Pathways with a Flexible Leadership Model – This Flagship Project aims to optimise workforce utilisation in residential and home care settings through the co-design of a flexible role matrix, streamlining responsibilities, accountabilities, and communication channels.
- Flagship Project 2: Empowering Data Literacy and Capability to Drive Quality Care – This Flagship Project aims to empower aged care providers with the knowledge and capability to leverage their existing rich data sources to increase quality of care. This project will develop and embed data capabilities among aged care staff by enhancing the use of routinely collected data for pressure injuries and wound care.
The Flagship Projects will begin with six months of workshops, consultation, and co-design to identify challenges and opportunities, and to plan an evidence-based intervention that is specifically tailored to each participating site/geographic region. In the following six months, each site/geographic region will implement and evaluate its tailored intervention with ongoing support from ARIIA and embedded subject matter experts.
Throughout the duration of the projects, participating organisations will come together in a series of facilitated online sessions and workshops to learn together, discuss progress and challenges, and share outcomes.
Application process and deadlines
The Flagship Project application deadline is April 24, 2025, by 5pm ACST.
Applications are invited from Australian aged care providers who would like one of their residential aged care facilities or home care regions to participate as an implementation site.
- Applications will be accepted from aged care providers to be a participating implementation site only. Applications from pre-formed consortia or partnerships will not be accepted.
- There is a separate application process for each Flagship Project.
- Providers can apply for both Flagship Projects but will be required to submit a separate application for each.
- Up to 6 providers will be selected to participate in Flagship Project 1, and up to 8 providers will be selected to participate in Flagship Project 2.
- Applications will be assessed with an emphasis on ensuring representation across diverse aged care contexts, including residential and home care; metropolitan and regional, rural, and remote; small and large; for-profit and not-for-profit organisations.
- The selected providers will receive up to $120,000 ex GST to implement the 12-month project in defined project stages. Matched co-contribution is required (cash and/or in-kind).
For more information about each project, download the application documents at the links below:
Flagship Project 2: Empowering Data Literacy and Capability to Drive Quality Care
Drop-In sessions
Are you wondering about project eligibility requirements, the application process or whether these projects align with your goals?
Join our informal drop in session to get personalised insights from our project team and ask your specific questions so you can gain clarity on the grant opportunities for your unique setting.
Limited spots available to allow for in-depth Q&A.
Drop in Session 1 - Monday 31 March, 12:00-12:30 PM ACDT - Register now
Drop in Session 2 - Thursday 3 April, 12:30-1:00 PM ACDT - Register now
Accelerator Grants
In addition to the Flagship Projects, ARIIA earlier announced a new round of Accelerator Grants, with $1million available to fund projects that augment the aged care workforce . Further details and applications for the Accelerator Grants are available at Aged Care Collaborative. Applications will close shortly on 7 April 2025.