Direct Giving Program

The Direct Giving Program provides targeted, practical financial support to people experiencing immediate hardship in VIC, NSW, ACT and QLD. 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.

1. Public Hospital and Health Setting Stream

Open to health professionals working in public hospitals or community-based public health services across VIC, NSW, ACT and QLD, including:

- Social workers

- Occupational therapists

- Physiotherapists

- Clinical nurses

- Allied health professionals.

Applications must be submitted on behalf of patients.

2. Community and Charity Stream

Open to social workers, case managers and allied health professionals across VIC, NSW, ACT and QLD 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.

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.

Each week applications are open from Thursdays at 12:00 (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)

- Live in VIC, NSW, ACT or QLD

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

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

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

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

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

The average amount requested for this program is approximately $1,500.