IMPORTANT: Please read the information below to assist you in completing your online application.
Welcome to the Animal-assisted Wellbeing and Engagement Programs Grants 2025 application service, powered by SmartyGrants.
The Victorian Government has committed to provide funding to schools for the implementation and delivery of animal-assisted wellbeing and engagement programs in Victorian government schools, to support the wellbeing and engagement of students.
Until midnight 6 June 2025, schools can apply for a grant to support an animal-assisted wellbeing and engagement program. This includes GST-exclusive costs associated with implementing a new program, costs incurred in 2025 and 2026 for ongoing programs, and professional development for staff for school staff to learn to effectively use and implement animal-assisted wellbeing and engagement programs in schools.
Click here to view the animal-assisted wellbeing and engagement programs grants guidelines.
You may begin anywhere in this application form. Please ensure you save as you go.
For queries about the grants guidelines, deadlines or questions in the application form, please email animal.assisted.programs@education.vic.gov.au and quote your submission number.
If you need more help using this form, download the Help Guide for Applicants or check out Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
On every screen (page of the form) you will find a Form Navigation contents box, this links directly to every page of the application. Click the link to jump directly to the page you want.
You can also click 'next page' or 'previous page' on the top or bottom of each page to move forward or backward through the application.
If you wish to leave a partially completed application, press 'save and close' and log out. When you log back in and click on the 'My Submissions' link at the top of the screen, you will find a list of any applications you have started or submitted. You can reopen your draft application and continue where you left off.
You can also download any application, whether draft or completed, as a PDF. Click on the 'Download PDF' button located at the bottom of the last page of the application form.
You will find a Review and Submit button at the bottom of the Navigation Panel. You need to review your application before you can submit it.
Please ensure that the principal has endorsed and signed the application form.
Once you have reviewed your application you can submit it by clicking the 'Submit' button at the top or bottom of the screen or on the navigation panel. You will not be able to submit your application until all the compulsory questions have been completed and there are no validation errors.
Once you have submitted your application, no further editing or uploading of support materials is possible.
When you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your submitted application attached. This will be sent to the email you used to register – please use either the main applicant’s, principal’s or business manager’s email to register your application and not your school email.
If you do not receive a confirmation of submission email, you should presume that your submission has NOT been submitted.
Go back into your submission and check that the compulsory questions have been completed and there are no validation errors.
Also check the email hasn't landed in your spam or junk email folder.
You will need to upload supporting evidence, such as supplier quotes or paid invoices that include GST-exclusive amounts, to support your application.
Files can be up to 25MB but we recommend trying to keep files to a maximum of 5MB. Please allow time for each file to upload before trying to attach another file. The larger the file, the longer the upload time.
Please remember to provide GST-exclusive amounts. GST is not part of this grant process and will not be paid by the department. Schools should work out the GST-exclusive amounts of their applications where necessary. For help, refer to the GST calculator - Moneysmart.gov.au
Multiple people can work on an application using the same log-in details, as long as only one person is working at a time. Ensure you save as you go.
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