Open NowNon-Profit2026–27

Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program 2026–27

Department of Veterans' Affairs · Australia

The Australian Government is inviting eligible ex-service organisations to apply for funding under the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program 2026–27. The program supports free compensation and wellbeing advocacy services for veteran and defence communities over a 3-year period from 2026–27 to 2028–29.

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Deadline

Rolling / Ongoing

Duration

up to 3 years

Location

Australia

Who Can Apply

- Applicant must be an ex-service organisation (ESO) - Eligible entity types include company, cooperative, corporate state or territory entity, incorporated association, indigenous corporation, statutory entity, or eligible trustee for a trust - Non-eligible ESO entity types may apply via an eligible ESO sponsor - Non-ESO organisations are not eligible
To be eligible to apply in your own right, you must be an ex-service organisation (ESO) and one of the following entity types: Company, Cooperative, Corporate State or Territory Entity, Incorporated Association, Indigenous Corporation, or Statutory Entity. If applying as a Trustee on behalf of a Trust, both the Trustee and the Trust must be ESOs and the Trustee must be an eligible entity type. If an ESO is not an eligible entity type, another ESO with an eligible entity type may apply on its behalf as a sponsor, and the sponsor must complete and submit the application. Organisations that are not ESOs are not eligible. Additional eligibility requirements apply under section 4 of the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.

What's Funded

Delivering free advocacy services to veterans and families, supporting compensation and wellbeing advocates, and promoting wellbeing services to veteran and defence communities.

Before you apply

Check Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program 2026–27 fit and evidence gaps before 15 Apr 2026

Use this non-profit grant page to sanity-check eligibility, funding fit, evidence gaps and application effort before you commit days to drafting. If you already know the grant you want, the 48-hour audit gives a practical go/no-go view, reviewer-readiness score and next-step risks.

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Expected Outcomes

Veteran and defence communities have access to free compensation and wellbeing advocacy services, advocates lodge higher-quality claims with all required information, and claims assessment efficiency is improved.
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Key Information

Applicant Types

companycooperativeindigenous_organisationtrustother

Stage

established

Funding Purposes

communitytrainingother

Keywords

veteransex-service organisationsadvocacywellbeingcompensation claimsdefence communitycommunity servicestraining

Official Grant Page

Department of Veterans' Affairs

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program 2026–27?

The Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program 2026–27 is a non-profit grant offered by Department of Veterans' Affairs in Australia. The Australian Government is inviting eligible ex-service organisations to apply for funding under the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program 2026–27. The program supports free compensation and wellbeing advocacy services for veteran and defence communities over a 3-year period from 2026–27 to 2028–29.
2

Who is eligible for the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program 2026–27?

- Applicant must be an ex-service organisation (ESO) - Eligible entity types include company, cooperative, corporate state or territory entity, incorporated association, indigenous corporation, statutory entity, or eligible trustee for a trust - Non-eligible ESO entity types may apply via an eligible ESO sponsor - Non-ESO organisations are not eligible
3

When does the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program 2026–27 close?

Applications close on 15 Apr 2026. This is a rolling program — new rounds may open.
4

What activities are funded?

Delivering free advocacy services to veterans and families, supporting compensation and wellbeing advocates, and promoting wellbeing services to veteran and defence communities.
5

How do I apply for the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program 2026–27?

Start by checking your eligibility using the free Beta Docs eligibility checker. If eligible, Beta Docs' AI-powered platform can help you draft, review, and refine your application to maximise your chances of success.

Need help applying?

Beta Docs has helped founders secure $160M+ in competitive grants. Our AI platform drafts compliance-perfect applications — and our expert reviewers make sure you stand out.

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