GDIN Innovation Fund
About the Good Death Impact Network (GDIN) Innovation fund
A granting process that is different by design
The GDIN Innovation Fund is not a traditional grant. Instead of a panel making decisions in private, applicants and network members shape funding decisions together. The goal isn't just to distribute money; it's to strengthen ideas, build collaboration, and generate learning that benefits the whole sector.
This participatory granting process has been a part of the Good Death Impact Network (GDIN) since 2021 with great results. Now we’re opening it up beyond our membership to expand our reach and impact. While you don’t need to be a current member to apply, you might want to consider joining a welcoming group of change makers in the death, dying and grief space for ongoing peer support and more.
Collaborative, not competitive
Applicants and members strengthen ideas together before decisions are made.
Open and transparent
All proposals are shared with the network. Decisions are made in the open.
Focused on learning
Every funded project contributes back. The whole sector benefits.
Supporting ideas that improve how Australians experience death, dying, grief and bereavement.
“Where you would expect competition, there’s collaboration. But at a level I’ve never seen before. People genuinely want other people’s ideas to succeed – to the extent where some are offering to take less money, so it can go to others. That’s generally unheard of.”
– Michelle Chaperon, GDIN Member
Two funding pathways
Choose the tier that fits your idea.
This round, we have $50,000 to allocate collectively with the network. Ideas at every stage are welcome, especially for Tier 1. If you're still working out what you want to try, that's enough to get started.
This funding is made possible by the JO & JR Wicking Trust, whose long-term investment in GDIN gives us the room to support new, early-stage ideas in the death, dying and grief space.
Tier 1
Up to $750
Micro-grant
For early ideas, experiments, small workshops, or quick tests. Short form. Fast process. No fully formed project required.
Tier 2
Up to $5,000
Small-grant
For collaborative pilots, sector learning projects, or community-led innovations. Participatory decision process with the network.
Who can apply
Anyone working to improve experiences of death, dying, grief and bereavement in Australia
Based in Australia, with an ABN and ability to invoice
Demonstrates alignment with GDIN's purpose and systems change work
GDIN membership is not required. We encourage applicants to collaborate with members or join the network to get the benefits of a supportive group of peers.
How it works
Fund opens — application process begins
1
Applications open on 1 June 2026.
Before you apply, we're running two optional online sessions to help you get started:
Innovation Funding 101 — Thursday 11 June, 12:30–1:30pm AEST.
A walk-through of the process: how the tiers work, what to expect, and space for questions. See the recorded video of the session below.
Idea Connect — Friday 19 June, 12:30–2:00pm AEST.
A conversation for people to share early ideas. You're invited to share as much or as little as feels right. Past participants have found collaborators they didn't know were working in the same space, and arrived at the application feeling clearer and more confident about what they wanted to do. Participation is grounded in GDIN's shared commitments: good faith, respect, and care for each other's ideas. Register here
Apply – short form
2
Choose the tier that fits your idea and complete the application form. We've kept questions short and focused.
You don't need a fully developed project – we're interested in what you want to try, what you hope to learn, and how it connects to improving end of life experiences.
Support is available if you want support preparing your application. Reach out to contact@gdin.com.au for more.
TIER 1
Short form – 100 words per question. Takes about 15 minutes.
TIER 1
Fill out a short survey at project end
TIER 2
Longer form with sections. Budget range (including upper + lower limits of funding).
Advice – your idea gets stronger
3
All proposals in Tier 1 & 2 are shared with GDIN network members. Network members can offer input to help strengthen ideas. This is offered in the spirit of collaboration – not competition. Feedback is about alignment with GDIN's purpose and principles, not personal preferences. See the principles in the full guidelines here.
TIER 1
Existing network members fill in a light-touch input form.
Decisions – made together with the network
4
This looks different across the two Tiers. For both there is a one week cooling off period after decisions before they are formally announced. This is space for processing and raising any concerns.
TIER 1
The steward group reviews all micro-grant applications and network input, then makes allocations.
TIER 2
Applicants present ideas and hear advice from members which we call "principled advice or challenge". You can respond to feedback before the decision convening (Approx 1.5hr online)
TIER 2
An allocation convening – applicants and network members decide together. You are expected to participate in all decisions except your own proposal. (Approx 1.5hr online)
Successful applicants receive an outcome email and sign a simple agreement (a Memorandum of Understanding for Tier 2, a short form for Tier 1). This captures our shared commitments – it's not a formal contract. It reflects how we work together: collaboratively, transparently, with a focus on learning.
Once the agreement is signed, you invoice TACSI (our innovation partner) for the funding amount. Payment is processed within 14 days.
Funded projects are expected to share what happens – not as compliance, but as contribution. The network grows stronger when everyone shares what worked and what didn't.
TIER 2
During your project: brief updates at convenings, via Discord or email.
At the end: a short reflection in whatever format suits you – conversation, written notes, photos, or a presentation.
Later: participation in a ripple mapping session to explore wider system impacts.
Funding disbursed
4
Share and learn — that's the whole point
4
Common questions
Still not sure?
We're happy to help.
Reach out to contact@gdin.com.au if your question isn't here.
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1 June — Applications open
11 June, 12:30–1:30pm AEST — Funding 101 info session (optional): Walk-through of the process, Q&A. Video embedded above.
19 June, 12:30–2:00pm AEST — Idea Connect session (optional): Facilitated conversation for people with an early idea. Register here
8 July, 6:00pm AEST — Applications close
July — Advice and decisions: If you apply for a Tier 2 small grant, you'll be invited to an advice session and a decision convening. Dates will be confirmed by email once applications close.
Early August — Outcomes announced: All applicants will be notified of the outcome by email.
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No. Anyone working to improve experiences of death, dying, grief and bereavement in Australia can apply. You just need an ABN and an idea aligned to our work. We strongly encourage applicants to collaborate with GDIN members or join the network, but it's not required.
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Yes – especially for Tier 1. The micro-grant is designed for early ideas, experiments, and things you want to try. You don't need a complete plan. The advice process is partly there to help strengthen ideas before decisions are made.
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Yes. Multiple applications are welcome.
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Yes. If completing the form is difficult for any reason, contact us and we'll work out an alternative together. We're committed to removing barriers to applying.
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No. You simply need an ABN and the ability to invoice us for the funding. You do not need DGR1 status, charitable registration, or an auspice organisation.
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During the advice process for Tier 2, members can offer advice to help strengthen proposals, or raise a principled concern – which is a concern about how a proposal aligns with GDIN's purpose and principles. This is different from personal preference or competing with another idea. The aim is always to strengthen ideas, not block them. If someone raises a principled concern, they work with the applicant collaboratively to address it.
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Yes – but we try to make it easy. We ask for brief updates during your project and a short reflection at the end. The format is flexible: a conversation, written notes, photos, or a presentation. The point is learning, not compliance. Our coordinators will support you with prompts and templates.
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Projects evolve – that's expected and fine. If there are significant changes, you can share them openly with the network without fear of losing funding. Adjustments can be discussed collaboratively. We ask for honesty, not perfection.
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Yes. It's one of the things that makes this fund different. As a Tier 2 applicant, you're invited to participate in the advice session and the allocation convening, where the network collectively decides how funding is distributed.
You can contribute to discussions about all proposals except your own, unless responding to advice or direct questions about your project. This protects the integrity of the process and reflects GDIN's commitment to shared, transparent decision-making.
We know this is different from a traditional grant and people find it very worthwhile. You hear what others are working on, contribute to shaping the round, and arrive at the outcome as part of the process rather than waiting on the outside of it. If you have questions about what participation involves before you apply, contact us at contact@gdin.com.au
See what’s been funded
The Innovation Fund has supported projects across Australia since 2021 — from death literacy games to home hospice pilots, grief workshops to community festivals.
Ready to apply?
Applications are open from 1 June until 8 July 2026, 6pm AEST. If you have questions, reach out at contact@gdin.com.au – we're happy to talk through your idea before you apply.
A note from our team
GDIN is a small team and network of volunteers, and this granting process is something we're building together that is different from usual granting. You're not just an applicant; you're part of the learning. We'll try things, adapt as we go, and get better with each round. We'd love to hear what you're discovering along the way. Reach out at contact@gdin.com.au
The network effect
GDIN is committed to working collaboratively across the funding landscape. We are one small piece of this ecosystem and we're always looking to grow our knowledge of what's available to enable people doing this work. If you know of funders, grants or initiatives we should be aware of, please share them with us at contact@gdin.com.au and we'll add them to our resources.
Looking for support for an education event?
If you're looking for funding for a community or grassroots death, dying and grief education event, our friends at Proveda offer grants specifically for Dying to Know Day events and activities. Learn more and apply at proveda.com.au/apply-for-a-grant