Tech Grants and In‑Kind Support for Australian Non‑Profits in Tech Transformation

Non‑profits across Australia are increasingly looking to improve their digital capabilities – from upgrading data infrastructure and software systems to adopting analytics, cloud platforms and AI tools. However, tight budgets often make it hard to invest in technology. Fortunately, a range of grants and in‑kind support programs can help not‑for‑profits (NFPs) build capacity in IT, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. This guide highlights several funding opportunities (federal, state, philanthropic, corporate and tech sector) that support or subsidise data infrastructure, IT systems, software, cloud services, analytics, AI tools, digital training and other tech capabilities. We’ve focused on programs that may be lesser known or under‑utilised by small or regional NFPs, and we provide key details for each: the funding body, geographic scope, eligibility, what support is offered, the value, application timing, conditions, examples of past recipients, and how to apply – all with source links for more information.

AWS Imagine Grant (Australia & New Zealand)

The AWS Imagine Grant is a competitive tech funding program by Amazon Web Services, newly expanded to Australia & New Zealand. It empowers non‑profits to “think big” with cloud technology in their missions[1][2]. In Australia/NZ, AWS runs the “Go Further, Faster” category of the Imagine Grant, seeking innovative projects that leverage cloud services (including AI/ML, data analytics, IoT, etc.) for scalable social impact[3][4].

Funder / Admin: Amazon Web Services (AWS) – AWS Imagine Grant Program.
Geographic scope: National – Australia & New Zealand (registered charities with ACNC in AU, or Charities Services in NZ)[2].
Eligibility: Open to registered not-for-profit charities in Australia or NZ. Organizations must have an active charity registration and propose a project using AWS cloud tech for mission impact[2]. (For-profit, government and individuals are ineligible.)
Supported tech services: Focus on cloud-based innovation – e.g. deploying AI/ML solutions, big data platforms, IoT projects, cloud migrations, or other advanced AWS cloud services that can transform operations or create new services[4]. Projects can be new pilots, proofs of concept, or expansions of existing programs using cloud technology.
Value of support: Up to USD $75,000 in unrestricted grant funding, plus $25,000 in AWS credits, training and technical specialists’ support[5]. AWS also provides access to AWS training resources and may feature winners in AWS marketing[5]. (In the U.S. and other regions, Imagine Grants have tiers up to $150K or more, but the Australia/NZ program currently offers a single tier of support.)
Application window: Annual cycle. The 2025 grant round opened in early 2025 and closed on 2 June 2025[6]. (The program is expected to run yearly; interested NFPs should watch for calls around Q2 each year.) Awards for 2024–25 have been announced in late 2025[7], so the next round likely opens in 2026.
Key conditions: Proposals must center on an innovative use of AWS cloud to “accelerate mission outcomes.” The project should be ambitious and tech-forward (AWS looks for projects that could scale or be industry-leading in their impact)[8]. Winning orgs must be willing to participate in AWS case studies or publicity. No matching funds are required, but a well-defined project plan is essential.
Past recipients: As this program only recently launched in Australia/NZ, the first cohort was in 2024–25. (Globally, past Imagine Grant winners include projects like AI for wildlife conservation, data lakes for health research, and cloud platforms for legal aid[9][10].) In Australia/NZ, one of the inaugural grantees was the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), focusing on cyber-resilience training for nonprofits[11]. Future rounds will likely feature a variety of non-profits – both large and small – using AWS in creative ways.

How to apply: Through AWS’s online portal during the application window. AWS provides detailed guidelines and an FAQ[12]. Non-profits should prepare a proposal outlining their project’s goals, technology implementation plan, and expected impact. Keep an eye on the AWS Imagine Grant webpage for announcements and sign up for email alerts[13][7].

Telstra’s Connected Communities Grants (via FRRR)

For small community-based NFPs in rural and regional areas, Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program is a valuable and often under-utilised resource. This program – run by Telstra in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) – provides grants to boost digital capability and connectivity in remote, rural, and regional communities[14][15]. It aims to help local groups embrace new technology, improve digital literacy, and enhance “liveability” through better digital access.

Telstra's Connected Communities Grant Program - Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)

Funder / Admin: Telstra (Australia’s telecom company), administered by FRRR (a national foundation supporting rural communities).
Geographic scope: Remote, rural and regional Australia in all states and territories[16]. (Urban/metropolitan projects are not funded – this is specifically for non-urban communities.)
Eligibility: Not-for-profit community organisations that are incorporated or have an ABN, operating for community benefit in remote, rural or regional areas[17][18]. DGR status is not required (in fact, the program prioritises groups that do not have DGR-1 status, to reach smaller grassroots orgs)[19]. Applicants must propose a charitable project (offering public benefit), and one application per organization per round is allowed[20][21].
Types of IT/data support: A wide range of projects are considered, so long as they enhance digital capability or connectivity for the community. Examples include: providing community training in digital literacy or cyber-safety, purchasing IT equipment for community use, upgrading a community facility with technology (Wi-Fi, video conferencing, smartboards), creating online platforms or websites for community services, improving telecommunications for disaster preparedness, or boosting an NFP’s own tech capacity (e.g. moving record-keeping online, volunteer management software, cybersecurity upgrades)[22][23]. Essentially, any initiative that uses technology to build social connection, skills or resilience in a rural community is in scope.
Value of grants: Grants up to $10,000 are available[24]. Total funding is around $200,000 per round (for example, 26 grants totaling $200k were awarded in 2025)[25]. Many grants are in the $5,000–$10,000 range to support small projects.
Application window: The program has been running in annual rounds. Round 3 (2025) is now closed[26], with recipients announced in June 2025[25]. Typically, rounds have opened in the first half of the year (e.g. early 2025) and announcements mid-year. Interested groups should monitor FRRR’s website for the next round (e.g. Round 4 likely opening in early 2026).
Key conditions or requirements: Funds must be used for charitable purposes in line with the program’s objectives – enhancing digital inclusion, community connectivity, disaster resilience, or digital skills[14][27]. Projects should be community-led and locally relevant. There’s no explicit matching fund requirement. However, the selection prioritises proposals that involve volunteers or in-kind support and that plan for long-term benefits (sustainable impact beyond the grant period)[28][29]. Normal FRRR grant acquittal (reporting on outcomes) is required. The program won’t fund core operating costs, ongoing salaries, or things that are government’s responsibility (e.g. school core technology)[30][31].
Examples of past recipients: This grant has supported a diverse range of small organisations across Australia’s outback and country towns. For instance, in 2025, the Historical Society of Sorell (TAS) received $10,000 to create a digital community history hub (scanning archives and creating an accessible online collection)[32]. In NSW, a local CWA branch got ~$9,980 to equip a community hall with an interactive whiteboard and improve telecom connectivity for meetings[33]. In Victoria, Charlton Neighbourhood House received $9,500 to set up a laptop lending library and training for seniors to improve digital literacy[34]. Dozens of similar grassroots projects – from upgrading IT for a rural Meals on Wheels office, to setting up Wi-Fi at remote emergency shelters – have been funded[35][36]. These examples show that even very small communities and volunteer-run groups can successfully get funding for tech improvements.

How to apply: Via the FRRR website. FRRR provides detailed Program Guidelines and an application form on their portal[37]. It’s wise to read the guidelines closely and perhaps contact FRRR’s program manager (they provide a phone and email for queries[38]) if you have questions. Applications are done online (typically via FRRR’s GrantRequest system) and require outlining the project, budget, community need, etc. Given the program’s popularity (nearly 200 applications were received in 2025[39]), make sure to clearly explain how your project will “enhance liveability with digital solutions” for your community[14].

Grants SA Digital Inclusion Grants (South Australia)

Non-profits operating in South Australia should be aware of the Grants SA Digital Inclusion Round, a state-funded program specifically aimed at improving digital access and skills in the community. This grant (offered by SA’s Department of Human Services) recognizes that digital inclusion – access to technology, ability to get online, and digital literacy – is crucial for participation in modern life. It provides funding for projects that help bridge the digital divide for disadvantaged groups.

Funder / Admin: Department of Human Services (DHS), Government of South Australia. Part of the Grants SA scheme, which offers various community grant rounds.
Geographic scope: State-wide – South Australia. Projects must be delivered to communities in SA[40]. (Organizations based outside SA would need to partner with a local SA org or otherwise show service to SA residents to be eligible.)
Eligibility: Incorporated not-for-profit organisations and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations in SA[41]. You need an ABN and usually some form of incorporation or charitable registration. Social enterprises with Social Traders certification can also apply[41]. Standard Grants SA exclusions apply (government entities, for-profits, unincorporated groups without an auspice, etc., are not eligible). Each organization can receive only one grant in this round[42].
Supported IT/data activities: Projects that address barriers to digital inclusion for priority groups. The grant guidelines highlight three main uses: (1) Digital infrastructure for community use (e.g. setting up computers, internet access points, or IT equipment in a community center – note that pure equipment requests are capped at $10k)[43]; (2) Digital literacy workshops or training initiatives (teaching people digital skills, online safety, and confidence, either in-person or online)[44]; and (3) Expansion of existing digital literacy programs or drop-in tech support services for the community[45]. Essentially, you can seek funding to buy hardware/software that will be used by the public or disadvantaged clients, or to run educational programs that improve digital skills and safety. The focus is on assisting socioeconomically disadvantaged or vulnerable groups to get online and use tech[46]. (For example, training older people to use the internet, helping low-income families access devices, or creating accessible digital content for people with disabilities.)
Grant value: Up to $20,000 per project[47]. Note that within this, requests for purchasing digital equipment are capped at $10,000 (you can still request up to $20k total if there are other costs like staffing workshops, venue hire, etc.)[43]. Many past grants were in the $15–20k range for comprehensive programs, while some smaller ones (a few thousand dollars) funded things like upgrading computers at a community centre[48][49].
Application window: The 2024–25 Digital Inclusion Round opened on 21 October 2024 and closed on 19 November 2024[50][51]. (It was a one-month application period.) This was a dedicated round for that fiscal year. Grants SA often has a few themed rounds each year; it’s likely Digital Inclusion will feature again (SA has run it for multiple years now). Keep an eye on the DHS Grants SA page around the second half of each calendar year for new rounds. Decisions and funding announcements usually come ~8+ weeks after closing[52] (indeed, recipients of the 2024–25 round were published in mid-2025[53]).
Key conditions: Projects should prioritize disadvantaged communities – the guidelines state funding is prioritized for initiatives supporting those facing socioeconomic disadvantage, isolation, disability, or other vulnerabilities in digital access[46]. Applicants should clearly identify which target group(s) will benefit (e.g. seniors, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, low-income households, youth at risk, etc.). No formal matching funds are required, but any co-contributions or partnerships can strengthen your proposal. Standard government grant conditions apply, including proper budgeting and risk management. Also, grantees must adhere to any reporting requirements and complete the project within the funding period (usually 12 months).
Past recipients: The 2024–25 round funded 23 projects across SA, totalling nearly $300,000. Examples: Multicultural Youth SA received $20,000 for a program called “CTRL+ALT+Adapt” to help young people from CALD backgrounds navigate the digital world[54]. The Ethiopian Community Association of SA got ~$19k to provide cyber-safety and digital access training for their community[55]. A local Men’s Shed in Whyalla received about $6.3k to upgrade their IT infrastructure and improve members’ digital literacy[56]. And Seeds of Affinity, a charity working with women rebuilding life after prison, got $12k for “Digital Connections” – likely to support women in developing online skills[57]. These examples show a range from small equipment upgrades to larger educational programs, all aimed at including more people in the digital world.

How to apply: Applications are submitted via SmartyGrants (the Grants SA website will direct you to the online form). Before applying, one should read the Digital Inclusion Grants Guidelines on the DHS website (available via the Grants SA page) to ensure you cover all criteria. The process typically asks for details on your organization, the project description, how it meets the objectives (digital inclusion for target groups), your budget breakdown (quotes for equipment if relevant), and the outcomes you expect. If you have questions, DHS provides a contact (phone 1300 650 985 or email) for Grants SA support[58]. Also, DHS hosted an information session (webinar) for applicants in 2024[59] – keep an eye out for similar events which can be very helpful.

Dog & Bone “Impact” Technology Grants (Pro Bono IT Support)

A relatively under-the-radar opportunity for non-profits is the Dog & Bone Impact Program. Dog & Bone is an Australian B-Corp certified technology consulting firm that specializes in advising non-profits on IT, telecoms, and cybersecurity. Through its Impact Program, Dog & Bone offers in-kind support and grants to help NFPs “make the most of their technology and maximise their impact”[60]. This includes pro bono consulting services, workshops, and even a small cash grant to implement tech improvements – with an emphasis on helping organizations that might otherwise not afford expert IT guidance.

Funder / Admin: Dog & Bone Pty Ltd, an Australian IT consulting firm (Melbourne-based, serving clients nationwide). The Impact Program is part of their corporate social responsibility, run internally by Dog & Bone.
Geographic scope: Australia-wide (services are often delivered remotely or via travel). All Australian NFPs can apply. There’s no specific state focus, though Dog & Bone may select a balanced mix of orgs.
Eligibility: Not-for-profit organisations of any size are welcome to apply. You do not need DGR status, just proof of non-profit status. Dog & Bone’s clientele has included many well-known charities, but the Impact Program specifically aims to help those most in need of IT support – often small to medium NFPs that lack internal IT expertise. There aren’t strict eligibility rules published (no ABN/incorporation requirement mentioned explicitly, but presumably the org should be a registered NFP/charity).
Types of support provided: This program is a bit unique – it runs in themed rounds where Dog & Bone offers a package of pro bono support to multiple applicants, and a grant to one. For example, the current (most recent) round is focused on Cyber Security Resilience[61]. All NFPs that applied to this round receive access to Dog & Bone’s online cybersecurity assessment tool and then get a customised Cyber Security Analysis report reviewing their security posture and recommendations[62]. Dog & Bone also held a live webinar with their consultants to provide advice on improving cyber safety for all participants[63]. Then, from the applicants, Dog & Bone selects a subset for deeper one-on-one pro bono workshops/consultations to delve into their specific IT issues[64]. Finally, one organization (the one where Dog & Bone feels it can have the “biggest impact”) is awarded a project implementation grant (value $10,000) to help carry out critical cybersecurity improvements[65]. In other rounds, the focus might be different – e.g. past rounds have focused on cost reduction, IT strategy, or process automation[66]. In all cases, the offerings typically include free advisory services (hours of expert consulting, training workshops, audits, etc.) and some tangible assistance (like funding or facilitated vendor discounts) to implement the advice. Essentially, it’s like getting a professional IT consulting project for free.
Value: In the 2022–23 year, Dog & Bone provided $129,000 worth of pro bono services to NFPs through this program[67]. Each round’s total value depends on how many orgs participate and the intensity of support. For an individual applicant, the guaranteed value could be the in-kind consulting (perhaps equivalent to a few thousand dollars if one had to pay for that analysis/report), and if you’re the lucky one to get the grant, that’s $10,000 cash for your IT project[65]. They’ve also reported that in 2022/23 they collectively delivered over $320,000 in discounts, donations and pro bono hours to the sector[68] (this likely includes advising NFPs on getting better tech deals). So, while only one org gets the cash grant per round, every eligible applicant gets something useful out of this program, which is quite special.
Application window: Dog & Bone typically runs multiple rounds per year, each focusing on a theme. For example, the Cyber Security Resilience round applications closed on Friday 26 April 2024[69]. In prior years, they’ve done at least two rounds annually (one might be early in the year, one later). The exact schedule can vary; they “re-launched” the Impact Program recently to expand it[70]. It’s best to check Dog & Bone’s website for the Impact Program section for current rounds. They often announce the theme and open applications for a period (a few weeks to a month). As of now, no new round has been announced publicly after the April 2024 one – but keep an eye out in late 2024 or early 2025 for the next iteration.
Key conditions: Applications typically involve filling out a form about your organization’s current technology situation and needs. Since this is a competitive but aid-focused program, Dog & Bone is looking for NFPs that genuinely need the help and will benefit significantly. They might ask questions about your IT challenges, the impact better tech would have on your mission, etc. There’s no financial co-contribution required. If selected for support, organizations should be committed to engaging with the advice (e.g. attending the workshops, using the analysis report to take action). For the one receiving the $10k project grant, Dog & Bone will likely work closely with you on how to spend that effectively (perhaps on new security software, infrastructure, or further consulting). All applicants get the free assessment and report regardless[62], so there’s really no downside to applying except the time to fill out the application.
Past beneficiaries: Dog & Bone has worked with many charities over 20 years (e.g. Beyond Blue, Oxfam, Bush Heritage, and smaller ones too), but in terms of the Impact Program specifically, they have not publicly listed names of winners. They did mention assisting “many of Australia’s most loved charities” with projects like IT strategy development, system selection, and telecom cost savings[71]. In the Impact Round last year (prior to re-launch), they delivered significant savings – e.g., their telco cost reduction advice can save NFPs thousands annually. One can infer some success stories: for instance, an NFP might have gotten a full IT infrastructure review and strategy roadmap for free (worth tens of thousands). And in the recent cyber round, every applicant got a detailed security action report – something that could otherwise be costly. The program’s broad reach and the fact that even unsuccessful applicants get a benefit is a highlight.

How to apply: Via the Dog & Bone website – on the Impact Program page there’s an “Apply Now” button[60] when a round is open. The application is a simple online form. In April 2024, they even listed an FAQ addressing “What date do applications close?” etc., indicating a transparent process[69]. If you have questions, you can contact Dog & Bone directly (they provided staff contacts in some blog posts, or use their general contact). Because this is not a traditional grant, don’t be intimidated – the tone is friendly and aimed at helping. If your NFP has limited IT resources, this program can effectively give you a free IT consultant to kickstart your digital transformation or cyber readiness.

Microsoft Tech for Social Impact – Donations & Cloud Credits

Microsoft is a major contributor of in-kind technology support to non-profits. Through its Tech for Social Impact program (accessible via the Microsoft for Nonprofits portal and partners like Connecting Up/TechSoup), Microsoft provides donated software and cloud services to eligible NFPs. This is a foundational resource that many small charities still aren’t fully aware of or utilizing. Key offerings include: free Office 365 (Microsoft 365) licenses, Azure cloud credits, and discounts on a wide range of Microsoft products. Essentially, Microsoft can cover a lot of your IT software needs as a donation.

Funder / Admin: Microsoft Corporation, via its philanthropy program. In Australia, nonprofits access Microsoft donations through the Connecting Up (TechSoup Australia) platform, which validates eligibility and distributes the offers.
Geographic scope: Global program – available to Australian non-profits nationwide (as well as many other countries).
Eligibility: Generally, most charities and non-profits qualify. In Australia, an organization should be either a charity registered with the ACNC, an income tax-exempt not-for-profit, or have DGR status (Item 1)[72]. (Religious organizations qualify if they are registered charities; schools and government entities are not eligible through this program.) Microsoft has an anti-discrimination policy and some other standard eligibility requirements (e.g. non-profits must operate on a not-for-profit basis for the public good). The validation is done via TechSoup/Connecting Up – you’ll need to submit proof of your status.
Types of support (IT services covered):
Productivity Software: Microsoft 365 (cloud-based Office) is donated – specifically, Microsoft offers 10 free licenses of Microsoft 365 Business Premium for eligible non-profits[73]. This suite includes Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Teams for collaboration, SharePoint, OneDrive, and robust security features. Those 10 users can use the software at no cost forever (as long as your status remains eligible). If you need more than 10 users, additional licenses are heavily discounted (e.g. nonprofit pricing for Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Standard plans at a fraction of commercial price). This allows even small orgs to equip staff with professional email and Office tools without license fees.
Cloud Infrastructure: Microsoft Azure credits – historically, Microsoft donated US$3,500 per year in Azure credits to nonprofits, but as of late 2023 this changed to US$2,000 per year for new renewals[73][74]. This Azure credit is essentially a grant that can cover any Azure services: virtual machines, databases, web hosting, AI services, etc. It’s quite useful for NFPs looking to move servers to cloud or run data projects. You can reapply each year to continue receiving the credit[75].
Software Donations: Through Connecting Up, Microsoft also donates on-premise software licenses (for those who need them). For example, Windows 11 or Windows Server, Office Standard, SQL Server, etc., are available either free or for a very low admin fee. Many organizations still running local servers or PCs use this to get the latest software legally without cost.
Other Services: Microsoft’s nonprofit program includes free access to Power BI (data analytics tool) and discounted Dynamics 365 (CRM) licenses. They also provide training resources and support specifically for nonprofits adopting their technology. Security tools like Microsoft Defender and compliance tools come as part of the donated suites, helping NFPs stay secure.
Value of support: The in-kind value can be substantial. Ten free Microsoft 365 Business Premium seats is worth roughly A$3,000+ per year at commercial rates. The Azure credit is ~A$3,100 per year (US$2k) currently[73]. So even a small charity could be receiving $5,000 of value annually at no cost. Larger orgs that leverage discounted licenses might save tens of thousands on software. Microsoft’s donations effectively ensure that lack of software budget doesn’t hold an NFP back from using modern productivity and cloud tools.
Application process / timing: There’s no fixed deadline – this is an ongoing program. To access it, an organization needs to sign up for a Microsoft Nonprofits account (via the Microsoft Nonprofit Portal) and go through a one-time validation of eligibility[76]. In practice, you would register through Connecting Up (TechSoup) to get a validation token, then apply that to Microsoft’s portal. Once verified (can take a few days to a couple weeks), you can immediately start requesting the free licenses and credits. The Azure credit needs renewal each year (Microsoft will prompt you to confirm your eligibility annually). It’s advisable to start this process as soon as possible – once set up, you can maintain it year to year.
Key conditions: The donations are meant for the non-profit’s own use (not for resale or personal use). Microsoft asks that you only assign the licenses to your staff/volunteers and use Azure for your organizational projects. Organizations have to remain in good standing as a non-profit; if an org loses charity status, it would no longer qualify. There may be usage policies for Azure (for instance, credits can’t be used for cryptocurrency mining, etc.). Also note that the donated Microsoft 365 licenses cover up to 10 users; if you need more, you’ll pay a discounted rate per user for the additional ones. Finally, while the licenses don’t expire, Microsoft occasionally revalidates that you still qualify (usually via TechSoup) – as long as you’re still a non-profit, the benefits continue.
Examples / impact: Thousands of Australian NFPs have taken up Microsoft’s offers. For example, a small regional charity could use Microsoft 365 to set up professional email addresses for staff, use Teams for remote meetings, and store files on OneDrive – all free, replacing maybe a patchwork of personal emails and outdated software. An NFP running a case management database on an old server could use the Azure credit to migrate that system to the cloud, improving reliability and access, without paying for the hosting[73]. Microsoft’s support is often the first step in a non-profit’s digital transformation: it immediately removes the cost barrier for essential IT tools.

How to apply / get started: Visit the Microsoft for Nonprofits page and follow the steps to enroll your organization[76]. In Australia, you will be directed to validate via Connecting Up (if you’re not already registered there, you’ll need to do so – Connecting Up/Infoxchange is the TechSoup partner that confirms your NFP status). Once validated, you can claim offers like Office 365 (done through the Microsoft 365 admin center by entering your Nonprofit status) and request Azure credits (through the Azure for Nonprofits form). Microsoft provides a help center and even partners (like certain IT consultancies or the Connecting Up team) to assist if you run into any issues. Important: This is effectively free money on the table for your tech budget – so every NFP should ensure they’ve tapped into Microsoft’s donations. [73][72]

Google for Nonprofits (Ad Grants & Cloud Tools)

Google for Nonprofits is another program offering powerful tech resources at no cost to charities. While not a cash grant, it provides in-kind support that can be incredibly valuable for outreach and operations. The flagship benefit is the Google Ad Grant, which gives nonprofits up to US$10,000 per month in free Google Ads advertising credit[77] – allowing you to run search ads to promote your cause, recruit volunteers, or attract donors, without spending a dollar. Additionally, Google for Nonprofits offers free or discounted access to Google’s productivity and cloud tools, including G Suite (Google Workspace) and more.

Funder / Admin: Google.org (Google’s philanthropy arm) and Google for Nonprofits team. In Australia, the program is accessed by applying through Google’s global Nonprofits portal (with TechSoup validation similar to Microsoft’s process).
Geographic scope: Global – available to Australian not-for-profits that meet the criteria.
Eligibility: Generally, charitable nonprofits registered with the ACNC (or otherwise charity/tax-exempt status) qualify. Like Microsoft, Google excludes governmental entities, hospitals, and schools/universities from their nonprofit program[78]. In Australia, being an ACNC-registered charity is the simplest path to eligibility[78]. Organizations must also have a functioning website with substantial content, as the Ad Grants require a website to drive traffic to. Once you’re validated via TechSoup, you can enroll in Google for Nonprofits.
Services and support offered:
Google Ad Grants: This is the headline offer – eligible nonprofits get $10,000 USD per month of Google Ads credit for search ads[77]. That translates to roughly AU$14,500 per month of advertising value. The ads appear on Google search result pages, and you can use them to raise awareness about your programs, encourage people to donate, sign up supporters, or disseminate information. (There are some performance requirements to keep the grant, like maintaining a certain click-through rate and using specific settings, but many thousands of charities use it successfully.) It’s an in-kind grant equivalent to $120,000 USD a year – which can be transformative for your marketing reach.
Google Workspace for Nonprofits: Google offers the basic Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) package free to nonprofits. This includes Gmail with your organization’s domain, Google Drive (cloud storage), Docs/Sheets/Slides (office tools), and Google Meet for video conferencing. Essentially, you can run your organization’s email and document collaboration through Google at no cost (the equivalent business plan would normally cost per user per month). This is great for nonprofits that prefer Google’s ecosystem or have remote teams needing to collaborate in real-time online.
YouTube Nonprofit Program: If you do content, the nonprofit program gives you special features on YouTube, like the ability to add donation buttons to your videos, use YouTube’s creator space resources, and have a link directly to your site in end cards. This can help with fundraising and engagement if video is part of your outreach.
Google Maps Platform credits: Google for Nonprofits includes a modest monthly credit for Google Maps APIs (useful if you have a map embedded on your site or an app). Additionally, nonprofits can apply for Google’s Geo Grants which provide additional credits for mapping tools – for instance, if you’re mapping data for humanitarian projects.
Other Google products: Google has offerings like the Google Earth Outreach program (for orgs using geospatial tech for good), and sometimes provides free credits for Google Cloud Platform (GCP) on a case-by-case basis (not a standard nonprofit offer, but they have granted GCP credits to nonprofits doing research or COVID-19 projects, etc.). Recently, Google.org has also launched an AI for Social Good accelerator and AI tools grants – if your work involves AI, it’s worth watching their announcements. (These tend to be more specialized and competitive, unlike the open-to-all Google for Nonprofits benefits.)
Value: The Ad Grant’s $10k/month is by far the biggest monetary value – if fully utilized, that’s $120,000 USD a year in advertising[77]. Many smaller nonprofits may not use the full amount, but even using, say, $3-5k worth of ads a month can dramatically increase your online visibility (and you’re not charged for it). The Google Workspace offer can save you hundreds or thousands per year compared to paying for email/hosting and office software. And intangible benefits like the YouTube donation features could spur new contributions. Essentially, Google’s support allows an NFP to run a professional digital presence on par with companies, at minimal cost.
Application process: Similar to Microsoft – you go to the Google for Nonprofits website, sign in with a Google account, and fill the application which involves verifying your organization via TechSoup (Connecting Up). Once approved (can take a couple of weeks), you get access to a dashboard where you can activate the products you need (e.g. request the Ad Grant, set up Google Workspace, etc.). The Ad Grant requires you to set up a Google Ads account with specific parameters (Google provides tutorials on this, or you can get help from agencies or the Infoxchange Digital Transformation Hub which has a guide[79]). The process might seem a bit technical, but there are many third-party guides for “Google Ad Grants for nonprofits” to walk you through it. After setup, there is some ongoing management needed to ensure your ads run effectively (e.g. refining keywords, making sure you meet Google’s compliance rules for Ad Grants). Google doesn’t have a specific deadline – it’s open enrollment.
Key conditions: For Ad Grants, Google enforces certain policies: your ads must be mission-based (relevant to your nonprofit’s work), you can’t advertise purely commercial stuff, and you must maintain at least a 5% click-through rate on ads and use geo-targeting, among other requirements[80]. If you fail to meet the performance requirements, your grant can be paused, but you can usually rectify issues and reinstate it. The ads are also limited to the Google Search Network (text ads on search results) with a max cost-per-click bid (currently $2 USD, unless you use a special maximizing strategy). These limitations are to ensure the free ads are used wisely. For Google Workspace, the nonprofit edition is equivalent to the Basic/Business Standard edition – it’s very robust for most needs, but if you needed higher tiers (enterprise features), those would cost (at nonprofit discount rates). All in all, the conditions are reasonable and well worth the value provided.
Examples: Many Australian nonprofits use Google Ad Grants to drive traffic to their donation pages or program information. For example, a regional animal rescue could use Ad Grants to appear when people search “how to adopt a pet [town name]” or “dog shelter volunteering,” leading them to the shelter’s website. Over time, this might bring in dozens of new volunteers or donors that wouldn’t have found them otherwise. Another example: a health charity raising awareness for a disease can bid on related keywords so that when someone searches the disease, their support or information page shows up at the top. This can massively amplify outreach campaigns at no cost. There are cases of nonprofits dramatically growing their web traffic and online donations thanks to Ad Grants (provided they actively manage the campaigns). In terms of Workspace, plenty of small orgs have gone from using personal Gmail accounts to an official [email protected] setup with shared drives and calendars – improving professionalism and efficiency.
How to apply: Go to google.com/nonprofits and follow the steps to “Get Started.” If you’re not yet validated via TechSoup, it will guide you to do so (you might need your ABN, charity registration details, etc., for verification). Once in, choose the products you want to activate. Google’s Help Center for Google for Nonprofits has localized information for Australia[81], and the Infoxchange Digital Transformation Hub has a specific guide on maximizing Google Ad Grants for Aussie NFPs[82]. If needed, you can reach out to Google’s Ad Grants program support or ask questions in the Google Ad Grants online community – they’re generally supportive in helping orgs succeed with the grant.

(Aside from these core Google for Nonprofits offerings, note thatGoogle.orgalso runsperiodic grant initiatives– e.g. theGoogle.org Impact Challengewhich in 2018 awarded several Australian nonprofits $1 million grants for tech-driven projects[83]. These are highly competitive contests and not always open, but worth watching for. For instance, Google.org recently had a global open call for AI projects. While these aren’t regular funding programs, they represent additional opportunities for ambitious NFP tech projects when they arise.)

auDA Foundation Community Grants (Digital Innovation & Inclusion)

The auDA Foundation Community Grant Program is a lesser-known national grant that can support non-profits working on projects to improve digital capability and internet access. auDA is the organization that oversees Australia’s .au domain system, and through its Foundation, it allocates funds to initiatives that enhance the utility of the internet for Australians – essentially, promoting digital innovation, online services and inclusion for underserved groups. If your NFP has a project related to internet technology or digital inclusion, this grant is worth a look.

Funder / Admin: auDA Foundation, managed by auDA (the .au Domain Administration). The Foundation uses contributions from domain registrations to fund community projects.
Geographic scope: Australia-wide. Projects can be anywhere in Australia, but must clearly benefit the Australian community in terms of internet use.
Eligibility: Not-for-profit organizations, community groups, research institutions, and even educational institutions are eligible to apply (the 2024 grants went to a mix of NGOs and universities)[84][85]. For NFPs, being incorporated and having an ABN is expected. The key is the project must align with the program goals (tech/internet focus). Organizations such as charities, incorporated associations, social enterprises, and universities have all been funded. Private companies or individuals would not be (except as collaborators).
Focus / types of projects supported: Projects must “improve the utility of the internet” or promote digital inclusion for the community[86]. In practice, this can mean a wide range of tech-related initiatives. The 2024 grant round specifically sought projects delivering benefits to certain cohorts: rural, regional and remote Australians; people with disability; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; older Australians (65+); and young Australians (12–24)**[87]. So, a project needs to address at least one of those target groups and use the internet or digital tech in a beneficial way. Examples of funded project themes include: developing online tools for remote education, creating digital resources in Indigenous languages, improving digital health literacy for seniors, building platforms for youth mental health support, or research into online safety practices[88][89]. Innovation is encouraged – they funded things like an AI-driven tool for teachers (Cool Australia), a “digital hackathon” camp for Torres Strait Islander language preservation, and a project to measure digital inclusion via a new tool (Univ. of Melbourne)[90][91]. Even purely research-based projects that have a community outcome (like RMIT’s research on how harmful digital marketing affects young people) were funded[92]. So you don’t necessarily need to be delivering direct services; you could be creating knowledge or tools that ultimately help communities use the internet better.
Grant value: Typically $20,000 to $40,000 per project. In 2024, auDA awarded 15 grants of $40,000 each[93][87], totalling $600,000. In previous years, the amounts have been similar ($25k–$50k range). This is a significant one-time grant for a specific project.
Application window: The 2024 grants were awarded in February 2025 (meaning the application likely opened in mid to late 2024). Indeed, auDA announced the winners in Feb 2025, referring to it as the “2024 Community Grant Program”[94]. The program tends to be annual, with applications often opening around mid-year (e.g. June/July) and closing around August/September. (For instance, the 2023 round opened in July 2023 with about a 6-week application period.) Always check auDA Foundation’s website for current dates – they usually issue a media release and put up guidelines when a new round starts.
Key conditions: Projects usually need to be completed or have a significant phase completed within about 12–18 months of the grant. There’s an emphasis on measurable outcomes – you should articulate how your project will tangibly enhance internet use or inclusion for the target group. Often, collaboration or community partnerships are viewed positively (e.g. a university working with a non-profit to pilot a tool in the community). Matching funds are not required, but if you have other funding or in-kind contributions, that can strengthen the proposal. Because they fund quite innovative ideas, ensure you address feasibility (how you’ll actually deliver the tech or research, given your team’s skills or partners). Also, note that auDA loves to see diversity in beneficiaries – you should highlight how your project reaches one of their priority cohorts. The selection panel is likely to include tech and community experts, so both the technical merit and the social impact are judged. Reporting and accountability: you will need to provide progress and final reports to the Foundation. And since auDA might publicize your project, you should be open to sharing learnings publicly.
Past recipients: The 2024 (announced 2025) projects give a good sense:
Farmers for Climate Action got a grant for a “Climate Smart Farming Toolkit” – an online searchable database with multimedia info to help farmers adopt climate-resilient practices[95][96] (targeting rural internet utility).
Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative received funding for “Digital Dilly Bag”, focusing on First Nations data sovereignty and creating digital archives[97].
University of Tasmania (with partners) got a grant for the Westlake Cultural Collection – an online archive to support cultural resurgence through digitized materials[85] (benefiting Indigenous communities).
Employment Options (Youth Options), a non-profit, got ~$40k for “Raising the Game”, an online portal to improve employment opportunities for neurodivergent youth[98].
Several universities (Deakin, Melbourne, Queensland, Sydney) received grants for research or pilot projects tackling things like harmful online content, accessible tech design, and digital health interventions for youth[92][99].

These examples show that both community organizations and academic/social enterprise projects are funded. A smaller NFP can absolutely win if the idea is strong – for example, Youth Options is a community org that secured funding for a tech solution. The common thread is a creative use of digital technology to solve a community problem or include a marginalized group.
– How to apply: When a round is open, you must submit an application (usually via an online form or email submission as per guidelines) to the auDA Foundation. The application typically requires a project proposal, including an executive summary, description of the problem being addressed, how your project will solve it using the internet/tech, who will benefit, project plan and timeline, budget breakdown, and info on your organization’s capacity to deliver. Because the tech aspect is important, including any technical details (e.g. will you develop a web platform? use AI? create curriculum for digital literacy workshops? etc.) is useful. The auDA Foundation website will have the current guidelines and selection criteria – read these carefully, as they might change focus areas slightly each year. Also note the deadline (e.g. in 2024 it was 1 August 2024 for applications[100]). If you need clarification, contacting the auDA Foundation staff (or email given in guidelines) is an option. Finally, ensure you have any necessary partnerships in place (if, say, you are a nonprofit applying but need a tech partner to build an app, mention who that will be). Overall, the auDA grants are a fantastic opportunity for projects at the intersection of community development and technology. They are relatively competitive due to the limited number (15 funded out of many applications), but they are one of the few grants explicitly supporting digital projects for social good in Australia[86].

Tech Donations via Connecting Up (Software, Hardware, and More)

In addition to formal grants, it’s worth emphasizing that many technology companies offer product donation programs to non-profits. In Australia, a central hub for accessing these is Connecting Up (part of the Infoxchange Group, also known as TechSoup Australia). Through Connecting Up’s portal, eligible NFPs can get donated and heavily discounted software, hardware, and cloud services from dozens of major tech providers. These in-kind support opportunities can save your organization thousands of dollars and build your IT capacity for a fraction of retail cost.

Funder / Admin: Connecting Up (Infoxchange) administers the donations on behalf of various corporate partners. Major partners include Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco, Amazon Web Services, Zoom, Autodesk, Okta, Twilio, Atlassian, and many others. Each has its own offering, but Connecting Up is the one-stop shop to qualify and request products.
Geographic scope: Australia (Connecting Up serves Australian NFPs; similar TechSoup programs exist in other countries).
Eligibility: Generally, the same eligibility criteria as mentioned for Microsoft/Google – you must be a not-for-profit organization with charitable aims. Each donor partner may have specific rules (for example, Cisco donations are often only for organizations with FTE staff under a certain number, Adobe might restrict how many licenses per year, etc.). But if you’re a registered NFP or charity, you can likely access most of the catalog. You will need to register for a Connecting Up account and submit proof of NFP status (ABN, charity registration, financials) to get validated.
What IT services/products are available: A huge range, covering many needs:
Software: Microsoft products (as discussed), Adobe Creative Cloud at steep discounts (Adobe offers nonprofit pricing that’s significantly lower than retail), Zoom Meetings pro licenses at discount, security software like Norton and Bitdefender donated for free or minimal cost, Autodesk design software donated for free to nonprofits, Tableau data visualization software (free licenses for nonprofits), and much more. Essentially, if there’s a software you need, it’s worth checking if TechSoup/Connecting Up has a donation deal for it.
Hardware and Equipment: Companies like Cisco donate networking equipment (routers, switches, etc.) – eligible nonprofits can request high-end Cisco gear by paying just a small admin fee (e.g. 5% of retail). This can be incredibly useful for charities needing to upgrade their IT networks or set up Wi-Fi in offices or community centers. Similarly, Cisco’s Meraki (cloud-managed network devices) have donation programs. Dell and Lenovo sometimes have discounted programs for laptops or servers via Connecting Up. Also, there are occasionally phone and videoconference hardware offers. (Note: Availability can vary; hardware donations sometimes come in limited rounds or via request.)
Cloud Services: We covered AWS and Microsoft Azure credits earlier. Those are accessed via Connecting Up (AWS credits program for nonprofits offers $1K–$5K in AWS cloud credit per year based on org size[101][102], which can be requested through Connecting Up). Similarly, Google Cloud is not formally in TechSoup, but Google sometimes works with nonprofits directly for cloud credits. Okta (an identity/security platform) offers Okta for Good identity management licenses for free to nonprofits (which helps with single sign-on and security for your users) – Okta is listed as a partner on Connecting Up[103]. Slack offers free upgrades for nonprofit teams to its messaging platform. Atlassian (an Australian tech company) provides its project management and IT tools (like Jira, Confluence) free to small nonprofits. Many of these are accessed either via Connecting Up or by applying directly on the company’s site with a TechSoup validation token.
Specialist Tools and Training: The Connecting Up catalog also includes things like donated online training courses, discounts on IT consulting services (e.g. some Microsoft cloud migration services), and even donor management or CRM systems at nonprofit rates. Recently, new offerings like Microsoft 365 Copilot (AI tool) are being made available at discount to nonprofits[104].
Value: These donations and discounts can drastically reduce the cost of a technology project. For example, a nonprofit could get 5 copies of Adobe Photoshop (Creative Cloud) for perhaps a quarter of the normal price – saving maybe $2,000 a year. A Cisco network switch worth $5,000 could be obtained for a $200 admin fee[105]. An AWS credit of $1,000 can host your website for a year for free[102]. By leveraging multiple offers, even a small org with, say, a $0 IT budget can still modernize: use Microsoft’s free licenses, Google’s free ads, Cisco’s donated hardware, etc. It’s not an exaggeration to say that through TechSoup, an NFP might access tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of tech for maybe a few hundred dollars out of pocket.
Application process: Register with Connecting Up (connectingup.org) to create an account for your organization. Provide required documents (they’ll ask for proof of NFP status and some basic info about your org’s mission and size). Once approved, you can browse their online catalog of products. Each product listing shows if it’s donated (free aside from admin fee) or discounted and any specific eligibility (e.g. “available to orgs with <100 staff, limit 50 licenses per year”). You add the item to your cart and “check out” – for donations, you typically pay an admin fee (which helps Connecting Up operate and is usually very small relative to product value). Then they’ll send you the licenses or download links. For cloud credits like AWS, you “purchase” the AWS Credit in the amount you qualify for (for $0 or a tiny fee) and you’ll get a credit code or be provisioned those credits on your AWS account[106][107]. The process is usually quick (a few business days for approval of each request). There’s no specific deadline; you can request products anytime year-round, though some have annual limits (e.g. Microsoft on-premise software donations have an allotment per year). Essentially, it’s like an online shopping experience for donated tech.
Key conditions: Each donor sets rules – e.g. Adobe might only allow 1 subscription donation per org per year of certain products. Microsoft software donations (like legacy Office, Windows licenses) have maximum quantities per two-year cycle. AWS credits via TechSoup can be requested once per fiscal year[108]. Nonprofits must agree not to transfer or resell donations, and use them for their organization’s mission. Also, Connecting Up’s eligibility guidelines exclude some org types (for instance, some recreational clubs, sporting clubs without a broader community benefit might not qualify, or organizations that have significant income might be limited in some programs). It’s important to check the eligibility guidelines on Connecting Up for each donor program[109]. But for the vast majority of charitable, social welfare, health, education (non-school), environmental, arts, and community groups, there will be plenty of offers. Note that faith-based organizations are eligible for most donations as long as the tech will be used for community-serving activities (they even expanded Norton security donations to churches recently[110]).
Examples of benefit: A small regional community center used Connecting Up to get 10 new Microsoft Office 2019 licenses for their computers for under $100 total, instead of paying thousands – allowing them to offer computer classes with up-to-date software. A youth charity might obtain Adobe Creative Cloud to let teens learn digital design, at virtually no cost. Another nonprofit saved hugely on a CRM system by getting Salesforce’s donated licenses (Salesforce isn’t through TechSoup, but it’s a related offer – 10 free user licenses of Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud are provided via Salesforce’s own Power of Us program[111]). Also, through Connecting Up, an NGO could buy 15 refurbished laptops at discount to roll out to staff. And for cybersecurity, a charity could leverage the donated Norton or Cisco security products to protect their systems for free. Many case studies on Connecting Up’s site illustrate NGOs saving 70-95% off retail costs through these programs. Essentially, it levels the playing field – even a tiny volunteer-run org can use the same quality of software as a big company.

How to get started: Visit ConnectingUp.org and click on “Donations & Discounts” to see the list of available products. You might also explore the Infoxchange Digital Transformation Hub (digitaltransformation.org.au) which has guides and an “Expert Bar” where nonprofits can get free advice[105] on what tech solutions to choose. They often recommend utilizing TechSoup donations as part of any IT improvement plan. The registration on Connecting Up is free, and once verified, you maintain your account to keep requesting items as needed. This is one of the most straightforward and impactful support avenues – while it’s not a traditional grant application, it’s effectively unlocking grant-funded resources (software donated by companies) immediately available to you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Australian not-for-profits – including small and regional ones – have a growing array of opportunities to support their tech and data needs. From targeted grants like AWS Imagine or Telstra’s Connected Communities, to state programs and corporate CSR initiatives, to always-on donation programs for software, there’s likely an option that fits your organization’s goals. Leveraging these programs can help your NFP modernize IT infrastructure, improve cybersecurity, train your staff and community in digital skills, and ultimately amplify your mission through technology, all with minimal burden on your budget. Be sure to review the linked sources and program websites for the latest details and deadlines[6][112], and consider reaching out to program contacts if you need guidance on applying[38]. With the right support, even the most resource-strapped community group can embark on a digital transformation journey – and better serve their community in our increasingly digital world.

Sources:

AWS Imagine Grant – Australia & NZ description and funding details[113][2]
Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant – FRRR program overview and 2025 recipients[15][25]
Grants SA Digital Inclusion – Grant guidelines and media announcement[47][50]
Dog & Bone Impact Program – Program details and April 2024 round info[65][69]
Microsoft Nonprofit Donations – Empire Tech summary of M365 and Azure credits[73][72]
Google Ad Grants – Google Support documentation (US$10k/month ad credit)[77]
Google Impact Challenge – Example of Google.org grant winners (2018)[83]
auDA Foundation Grants – 2024 program announcement and project list[86][85]
Connecting Up / TechSoup – Digital Transformation Hub release listing donated tech partners[105]
Salesforce Power of Us – Nonprofit license donation (10 free licenses) FAQ[111]