Outcome Areas

The Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI) offers capability-building grants aimed at fostering the growth and sustainability of social enterprises. Funded by the Department of Social Services, these grants focus on several approved outcome areas that enhance operational effectiveness and community impact. By providing targeted financial support, SEDI empowers organizations to develop essential skills, innovate services, and expand their reach. This initiative not only promotes social enterprise viability but also contributes to broader social objectives, such as job creation and community well-being. Through collaborative efforts, SEDI aims to create a thriving ecosystem where social enterprises can flourish, ultimately leading to meaningful change in their communities. These grants serve as a vital resource, enabling organizations to turn their potential into positive outcomes that benefit society as a whole.

Examples of projects or ideas that may qualify for SEDI Grants

Category 1: Preventing or Addressing Discrimination and Violence Against Women
  • Project Example: A partnership between Legal Aid NSW and the Women's Legal Service NSW to provide increased legal assistance to women in regional areas like Broken Hill or Dubbo who have experienced domestic violence. This could involve mobile legal clinics and culturally sensitive support for Aboriginal women.

  • Project Example: A collaboration between TAFE NSW and local women's shelters in Wollongong to provide workshops on financial literacy, employment skills, and digital literacy, empowering women to leave abusive situations and rebuild their lives.

  • Project Example: A media campaign by a community organization in Western Sydney like the Arab Council Australia, challenging harmful stereotypes about women in specific cultural communities and promoting positive messaging about gender equality.

Category 2: Supporting Victims of Human Trafficking

  • Project Example: The Salvation Army in NSW partners with local real estate agents and community housing providers in areas like Cabramatta or Fairfield to secure safe and affordable housing for victims of human trafficking, ensuring their basic needs are met.

  • Project Example: A collaboration between a health clinic in Newcastle and a migrant resource center to provide specialized medical and psychological care for victims of human trafficking, including access to interpreters and trauma-informed counseling.

  • Project Example: A program run by a community college in Parramatta offering vocational training and job placement services specifically designed for survivors of human trafficking, helping them gain skills and find employment in industries like hospitality or aged care.

Category 3: Promoting Cultural and Racial Inclusion

  • Project Example: A series of workshops delivered by the NSW Multicultural Commission in schools across the state, educating students about different cultures, religions, and traditions, fostering understanding and respect.

  • Project Example: A community festival organized by local councils in Bankstown or Liverpool celebrating the diverse cultures of the area through food, music, dance, and art, encouraging interaction and breaking down barriers.

  • Project Example: A project by a youth center in Wagga Wagga using storytelling and digital media to showcase the positive contributions of refugees and migrants to the community, challenging prejudice and promoting social cohesion.

Category 3b: Building Strong and Resilient Communities

  • Project Example: A community dialogue program facilitated by the Community Relations Commission in areas experiencing social tension, like Auburn or Hurstville, bringing together diverse community leaders to address issues, build trust, and find common ground.

  • Project Example: An initiative by a regional community center in Lismore to create a community garden, providing opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect, learn new skills, and improve access to fresh produce.

  • Project Example: A mentoring program in Coffs Harbour connecting young people from refugee backgrounds with established community members, fostering social inclusion and providing guidance and support.

Category 4: Supporting Newly Arrived Migrants

  • Project Example: A program providing after-school tutoring and homework assistance to newly arrived refugee children in Sydney's western suburbs, helping them adjust to the Australian education system and improve their academic performance.

  • Project Example: A partnership between a community center in Wollongong and a local employer offering English language classes and on-the-job training to newly arrived migrants, facilitating their integration into the workforce and the broader community.

  • Project Example: A project in Newcastle providing culturally sensitive mentoring and support to young migrants from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate the challenges of settling in a new country and accessing education and employment opportunities.

  • Project Example:A digital literacy program in Sydney partners with a refugee support group to empower newly arrived migrants with essential data and technical skills. This collaboration provides training in data analysis, report writing, business plan writing, and basic technical skills like using Microsoft Office Suite, directly supporting refugees in their integration journey by increasing their employability, fostering entrepreneurial endeavors, and facilitating active community participation.

Category 5: Employment, Training, and Participation

  • Project Example: A program in Western Sydney providing vocational training and job readiness skills to disadvantaged youth, including those from Aboriginal or refugee backgrounds, helping them gain employment in industries with high demand, such as construction or healthcare.

  • Project Example: A collaboration between a community college in regional NSW and a local carers' support organization offering flexible training courses and childcare support to help carers re-enter the workforce or upskill while maintaining their caring responsibilities.

  • Project Example: A project in a coastal town providing job search assistance, interview coaching, and resume-building workshops to individuals recently released from prison, helping them secure employment and successfully reintegrate into society.

Category 6: Education and Child Development

  • Project Example: A program in a rural community providing early intervention and play-based therapy to young children experiencing developmental delays or trauma, ensuring they receive the support needed to reach their full potential.

  • Project Example: A project in a metropolitan area offering parenting workshops and support groups to families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, promoting positive parenting practices and strengthening parent-child relationships.

  • Project Example: A collaboration between a school in a disadvantaged community and a local university providing after-school tutoring and mentoring to students at risk of disengaging from education, improving their academic outcomes and social-emotional well-being.

Category 7: Supporting Parents and Guardians

  • Project Example: A series of workshops offered in multiple languages at community centers across Sydney, providing practical guidance and support to parents on topics such as child development, positive discipline, and communication skills.

  • Project Example: A program in regional NSW offering home visits and individualized support to families experiencing challenges, helping parents build strong relationships with their children and create a nurturing home environment.

  • Project Example: A project partnering with schools in disadvantaged areas to provide parenting programs that promote positive parent-child interactions and equip parents with strategies to support their children's learning and development.

Category 8: Health and Disability

  • Project Example: A program in Western Sydney providing peer support and mentoring to people with disabilities, helping them build confidence, develop independent living skills, and access community resources.

  • Project Example: A project in Newcastle offering customized employment support to individuals with disabilities, including job coaching, workplace accommodations, and assistance with career planning.

  • Project Example: A collaboration between a disability advocacy organization and local businesses in Wollongong to raise awareness about disability inclusion and promote the employment of people with disabilities.

Category 9: Indigenous People

  • Project Example: A program in a remote Aboriginal community providing training and mentoring to aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, helping them develop business plans, access funding, and launch sustainable enterprises.

  • Project Example: A project in partnership with an Aboriginal health service in regional NSW offering culturally appropriate health education and preventative health checks to improve the well-being of the community.

  • Project Example: A collaboration between an Indigenous community organization and a local council in coastal NSW to develop a cultural tourism initiative that showcases Aboriginal heritage and creates economic opportunities for the community.

Category 10: Online Services

  • Project Example: A website providing free financial counseling and money management resources to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, accessible 24/7 from any location with internet access.

  • Project Example: An online platform offering virtual support groups and mentoring for young people leaving the justice system, connecting them with peers and positive role models to aid their reintegration into the community.

  • Project Example: A social media campaign raising awareness about disability rights and challenging stereotypes, promoting inclusion and acceptance of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.

Category 11: Microenterprise Development

  • Project Example: An online platform providing microloans and business development support to aspiring entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them start and grow their own businesses.

  • Project Example: A virtual training program offering business planning workshops, financial literacy courses, and marketing guidance to individuals interested in starting or expanding microenterprises, creating pathways to self-employment and economic empowerment.