All you need to know

Sunshine Coaches

Specially modified, accessible vehicles provided to schools and organisations, giving children the opportunity to access their community, attend activities and experience opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
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Eligiblity Requirements

Eligible applicants must be based and operating in Victoria, and be schools or not‑for‑profit organisations that directly support children aged 0 to 18 living with disability, chronic illness, financial hardship or geographic isolation.

Applications should clearly outline the needs of the children and how a Sunshine Coach would increase access to opportunities and participation

Applicants are required to provide details about their organisation, the children they support and the barriers they currently face, along with the intended use of the coach and any required accessibility modifications.

Organisations may also be asked to outline any financial contribution they can provide and demonstrate how the coach will be maintained and used to support children on an ongoing basis.

Apply for a Sunshine Coach

Applications closed

The current round of Sunshine Coach applications has closed.

Quick reference

Don’t worry — most organisations already have these documents available.

Organisation details

Information about your organisation and the project you are applying for.

  • Organisation name, ABN and contact details
  • Authorised representative details
  • Description of the project and who it supports

Project information

Details explaining the need and impact of your request.

  • Why the equipment is needed
  • How it will benefit children and the community
  • Expected outcomes and how success will be measured

Funding information

Details about funding and financial support for the project.

  • Why you are seeking support from Variety
  • Any co-contributions or other funding sources
  • Project scope and item details

Quote for the item

A quote for the requested equipment from your preferred supplier.

  • Must relate directly to the item requested
  • No older than 3 months
  • Must remain valid during assessment

How the Application Process Works

Our team reviews your application carefully and confidentially.
Outcome in 4–6 weeks. 12 months to use the grant

Application

Complete the online form and provide details about your organisation, project and requested equipment.

  • Applications must be submitted online
  • One application per organisation
  • Include project details, outcomes and supporting information

Assessment

Our team reviews your application to ensure it meets the guidelines. Eligible applications are assessed by our grants committee.

  • Reviewed for eligibility and completeness
  • Assessed based on impact and need
  • Considered by the Variety Victoria Board for approval

Outcome

You’ll receive an outcome via email once the process is complete.

  • If approved, payment is made directly to the supplier
  • You’ll receive instructions on next steps
  • Grants must be used within 18 months
Frequently Asked Questions

  • Expenses that have already been initiated or have already occurred prior to submission or written approval 
  • Incomplete application forms 
  • Equipment from non-Australian distributors that cannot be invoiced directly to Variety or services outside Australia
  • Capital works 
  • Installation costs 
  • Wages, training and seminars 
  • Research
  • Insurance, service or maintenance costs
  • Programs

No. If approved, Variety pays the supplier directly.

Schools and not-for-profit organisations based in Victoria can apply, provided they directly support children aged 0–17 experiencing disability, illness, disadvantage or isolation.

You can apply for equipment, supplies or technology that improves accessibility and inclusion for children, such as sensory equipment, inclusive play equipment, learning resources or assistive technology.

Each organisation can submit one application per funding round. If you've received a Variety Community Grant in the past, you can apply for another one two years after the date listed on your original successful outcome letter.

Applications are reviewed after the funding round closes. Please allow up to 10 weeks for an outcome.

Yes. You’ll need to include a quote for the requested item from your preferred supplier. Quotes must be current and no older than 3 months.

Yes, but organisations must wait at least two years from their previous grant approval before applying again.

You’ll receive an outcome letter with next steps. The supplier will invoice Variety directly, and payment will be arranged for the approved item.

We’re Here to Help

Our team can guide you through the process.

If you are unsure about your eligibility or need help completing the form,
please contact Variety Victoria.

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