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Application process
- Do I need to use the SmartyGrants platform or can I just email you my application?
The only way to apply for this grant is via the online SmartyGrants® platform. Applications are open from 9am on October 6 until 2.00pm, November 14, 2025. This platform allows you to draft your submission and save your progress. That means you can work on your application in stages.
Read more about that on p11 of the Guidelines.
- Can I present my submission to the RTWI team?
All applications must be submitted via SmartyGrants, our online grant administration platform. Each round of Return to Work Innovations (RTWI) grants will have a specific theme that is aligned to our priority areas. RTWI does not accept submissions outside of SmartyGrants, such as via emailed presentations or pitch decks.
- Can we submit a draft application for feedback before the deadline?
No, unfortunately we are unable to provide advice on specific projects or solution design for applications. This is to ensure fairness and impartiality and to avoid any perception of advantage.
- What happens if I miss the 2.00pm deadline on November 14?
Your application won’t be accepted if you miss the deadline. To ensure a fair selection process, all applications need to be submitted by that time and date. Late applications can’t be completed through SmartyGrants or through any other channel. The review and assessment process will commence immediately after the round has closed.
- How can I find out about other grants in the future?
Return to Work Innovations will have other funding opportunities in the future, with different focus areas. Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with news and opportunities.
Budget
- When I’m doing my budget, is my company expected to contribute any money towards this initiative?
No, there’s no requirement for a co-contribution. You need to provide a detailed budget, showing the cost of the proposal, income sources and a breakdown of the costs as part of your application. It is also important to provide information about in-kind supports (for example, resources, facilities, equipment, hardware), so we understand the full cost and resource requirements of your project.
Eligibility
- I have an idea for an initiative supporting injured workers – but it’s for an industry that’s not on the list of priority ones. Can I still apply?
No, only organisations working across construction, manufacturing, transport, postal or warehousing industries can apply for this grant. We have chosen those industries as a priority based on the number of physical injury claims and the level of return to work rates. We are committed to making an impact where it’s most needed.
- I want to submit an initiative targeting people with mental injuries. Will that be OK?
No. This grant aims to improve recovery outcomes specifically for people with work-related physical injury in Victoria. If you have a great idea for an initiative that does not fit this grant round’s criteria, sign up to our newsletter to find out about future grant opportunities.
- I work for a State Government Department. Are we eligible?
No, Victorian government departments are not eligible for this grant. These are defined as any Department existing by Virtue of an order made under Section 10 of the Public Administration Act. However - this does not prevent Victorian government departments from participating as a non-financial partner. Departments may be involved as trial workplaces, a consortium partner or could also be part of a governance group.
- Are Government Public Entities eligible to apply for this RTWI grant?
Yes, as they are classified as an exempt body within the meaning of the Public Administration Act. To find out whether your organisation is a Government Public Entity, visit:
- Victorian Public Sector website
- View the list of Victorian Public Sector Employers
- Are Local Government Organisations (LGOs) eligible to apply for this grant?
Yes, as they are classified as an exempt body within the meaning of the Public Administration Act 2004. Find more information on all the eligibility criteria on pages 8 and 9 of the Guidelines.
- I work at a union and we have lots of ideas for this grant. Are we eligible to apply?
Yes, as long as your union meets the requirements for eligibility in the Guidelines.
Also, you need to make sure your proposed initiative:
- targets at least one of the priority industries listed on p4 of the Guidelines and
- will be implemented in a workplace setting.
If it’s not intended for delivery within your own organisation, you need to partner with a business from one of the target industries. Your initiative needs to be delivered in a real-world context.
- Our organisation delivers services with a primary focus on women’s health, as a specific cohort. Are we eligible to apply?
Yes. Organisations that focus on a specific cohort are eligible to apply. Whilst some organisations may support multiple cohorts, you won’t be disadvantaged if your organisation has a more targeted focus. As above, you need to make sure your proposed initiative:
- targets at least one of the priority industries listed on p4 of the Guidelines and
- will be implemented in a workplace setting.
If it’s not intended for delivery within your own organisation, you need to partner with a business from one of the target industries. Your initiative needs to be delivered in a real-world context.
- It says that this grant is for the benefit of workers in Victoria. I work for a national organisation though – can I still apply?
Yes, as long as your proposed initiative will be implemented in a Victorian workplace, for the benefit of Victorian workers.
- Our organisation has previously received a WorkSafe grant. Can we apply again?
Yes, organisations that have previously received funding from a Return to Work Innovations (RTWI) or other WorkSafe grant are welcome to apply. However, you need to have completed all your previous grant activities, with no outstanding reports or monies owing to WorkSafe or RTWI.
- Can we submit more than one application from our organisation if we have multiple ideas?
No, only one application can be submitted from an organisation in the same round. Multiple applications from a single organisation, even if for different proposals, are not allowed for this grant round. Applications are encouraged to put forward their best project proposal idea.
- My proposed initiative has to do with training for return to work coordinators. Is that OK?
No, we’re not currently funding return to work coordinator training. Changes are currently being proposed to the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2025 which may impact the role of Return to work coordinators in future. So for now, no training will be funded for Return to work coordinator training.
Getting help
- I need help with my application. Who can I ask?
If your question is about the application process, SmartyGrants can be contacted directly for technical questions on (03) 9320 6888 or via [email protected]. Have your application ID handy.
For questions about the grant itself, you’re welcome to contact us at [email protected]. Please allow at least three business days for a reply. Note that we can’t provide advice on specific projects or solution design, to avoid any perception of advantage. This ensures fairness and impartiality for all applicants.
- Can I get advice on whether my project would be eligible?
No – as mentioned above, we can’t provide this kind of advice as we need to maintain fairness and impartiality for all applicants. Our assessment process is conducted by several subject matter experts from within WorkSafe Victoria, who will be reviewing each grant application and scoring them based on the degree of innovation and our other investment principles.
Please refer to our Guidelines for information on the types of projects and industries we are focusing on for this grant.
Partnerships
- Do we need to partner with other organisations to be eligible to apply?
You only need to partner with another organisation/s if the initiative can’t be implemented in your own workplace. If your initiative isn’t intended for delivery at your own workplace, you will need to partner with a Victorian workplace from one of our defined target industries (manufacturing, construction, transport, postal or warehousing). Return to Work Innovations does not provide connections to partner organisations for the delivery of programs.
You should approach any potential partner organisation/s during the application process. You will need to provide evidence of that partnership in the application, in the form of a Letter of Expression of Interest from your proposed partner organisation. See p11 of the Guidelines for details.
- I need to find a project partner as I don’t plan on delivering my initiative in my own workplace. Can you help me find one?
No, RTWI and WorkSafe Victoria are unable to facilitate partnerships for applicants. You will need to source suitable partnerships to deliver your proposed initiative as part of the application process.
- Do I need to line up the partnership now, or can I hold off and approach my prospective partner organisation if I get the grant?
You should approach them now. You need to provide evidence of that partnership in your application, in the form of a Letter of Expression of Interest from your proposed partner organisation. See p11 of the Guidelines for details.
- I work for a warehousing company and we’re planning on delivering this initiative in our own workplace. Am I right in thinking we don’t need an external partner?
Correct. A partnership is only required if you’re planning to deliver an initiative outside of your own workplace.