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Grants Program

Through its grants program, CUAC supports projects that enhance consumer input into the regulatory debate, build expertise on consumer utility issues, and encourage and facilitate the participation of consumers.

CUAC funding is given to projects that are innovative and of demonstrable value to Victorian consumers. Research commissioned or funded by CUAC will be accessible to all Victorian consumers through the resource centre on this website.

All projects must be in accordance with the following four CUAC constitutional objectives:

  1. To provide a voice for Victorian utility consumers in the regulatory debate.
  2. To build capacity among consumers and consumer advocates, particularly on issues affecting low-income, disadvantaged and rural consumers.
  3. To fund research into consumer utility issues, again with a particular focus on low-income, disadvantaged and rural consumers, and
  4. To disseminate that knowledge as widely as possible to monitor consumer utility issues.

Executive Officer's Grants Program

The EO Grants Program was created to support consumer input into regulatory decisions when the timelines for public consultation do not permit applications to the Public Grants Program. Grants are approved by the CUAC Executive Officer, and capped at $8,000.

Download E.O. Grants Program guidelines (pdf 43 kb)

CUAC initiated research and capacity building projects

CUAC undertakes, commissions and works in partnership with other organisations on research in line with CUAC's corporate objectives. CUAC has set aside funds to use to disseminate information to those Victorians unable to access the website.

The criteria for the grants for each of the programs are the same:

  1. Projects are in accordance with CUAC's constitutional objectives.
  2. Projects add value to the ability of Victorian utility consumers to influence the policy and regulatory debate.
  3. Projects address areas of shortcomings of knowledge or expertise among consumers in the debate.
  4. Projects are well managed and financially viable, with feasible and clear estimations of required resources.

To access the full list of the grants CUAC has awarded - please click here

If you have questions about the CUAC Grants Program or wish to obtain hard copies of this material, please ring the CUAC office on 1300 656 767 or (03) 9639 7600.