The Home Building Grants Program is an initiative of the New South Wales Government funded through the Office of Fair Trading.

The overall aim of the Home Building Grants Program is to provide funding for educational, research and other programs or projects which enhance outcomes for consumers of the home building industry's services through raising consumer awareness and industry standards.

Key dates

Funding period:  1 July 2009 – 30 June 2010
Next call for applications: April 2010

Who can apply?

Applications can be made by:

• incorporated or registered organisations
• universities, TAFEs and other academic institutions
• individuals with the appropriate skills, experience and knowledge who are sponsored by such bodies.

Joint applications, where two or more organisations pool resources and expertise, are also encouraged.

Who cannot apply?

Applications cannot be made by:

• individuals/organisations intending to use the funds for a project in a State/Territory other than NSW
• universities, TAFE and other academic institutions if the application relates to training courses which are part of the institution’s core curricula
• Government agencies if the application relates to the core business of the agency
• the Office of Fair Trading or its employees.

What will be funded?

The program aims to provide funding to:

• encourage best practice and innovation through training, including continuing professional development and industry education for persons licensed under the Home Building Act 1989
• provide information or guidance/referral to home building industry practitioners
• provide information to customers of the home building industry which enhances their understanding of rights and responsibilities in the home building consumer/trader relationship
• conduct research into issues relevant to the home building industry, including the feasibility of mandatory quality assurance programs, mechanisms to enhance customer service delivery and strategies to encourage training in the industry
• foster the development of innovative approaches to regulation in the home building industry.

Note: All project objectives are to promote the delivery of social justice outcomes (access, equity, rights and participation) in the home building industry.

Current priorities

The program contributes to the achievement of the Office of Fair Trading's strategic intent, that New South Wales will be recognised for value and fairness in the marketplace. The program also assists the Government to achieve its competition, consumer protection and social justice policy objectives.

To achieve these objectives, the Home Building Grants Program aims to fund grant applications of a high standard which demonstrate sound planning and a commitment to professionalism in the home building industry and positive outcomes for industry clients.

How much funding is available?

Approximately $300,000 per annum is currently available under this program.

How to apply

To apply for funding under this program, please refer to the following documents:

• Funding guidelines (PDF size: 114kb)
• Application form (Word size: 341kb).

Currently funded services

Services currently funded under the program in PDF format (size: 54kb).

Want more information?

Contact Community and Industry Grants Branch at grants@oft.commerce.nsw.gov.au or phone 9619 8731 or fax 9777 8810.