Terms and Conditions

Game Changer Grants 2025 -tertiary round

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicants must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women aged 18 years or older and no older than 25 at the time of applying.
  • Applicants must be residents of Australia.
  • Applicants must be a mEmber of Ember Connect
  • Applicants must be enrolled at a university / institution that is accredited to deliver qualifications such as bachelors degrees, graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters degrees or doctoral degrees. Instituations must be recognised by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) or equivilant accreditation bodies.
  • Applicants must complete the online application form in full.

Tertiary education as per https://www.teqsa.gov.au/  – “higher education consists of awards spanning Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) levels 5-10, which include: diplomas; advanced diplomas; associate degrees; bachelor degrees (including honours); graduate certificates; graduate diplomas; masters degrees; doctoral degrees; and higher doctoral degrees.”

Ember Connect acknowledges for the purpose of this Tertiary Education Grant, this includes recognised bridging courses facilitated by the university and/or education institution.

Use of Funds

  • Grant funds must be used solely for the purposes outlined in the application and proposed budget.
  • Funds can only be used for expenses directly related to their tertiary education.
  • Misuse of funds will result in the repayment of the grant and disqualification from future grants.
  • Funds cannot be used to pay for wages or as a wage replacement.
  • Quotes or receipts must be provided for the funds to be released.

Utilisation of Game Changer Tertiary Grants 

The Game Changer tertiary grants are designed to empower and support First Nations women in their pursuit of higher education. Each grant is a practical resource intended to alleviate financial burdens and enable grantees to focus on their academic success and personal growth. To ensure the funds have the greatest impact, they must be used for expenses that directly relate to the recipient’s tertiary education. 

Eligible Expenses 

Grantees may allocate the grant funds toward a variety of educational costs, including but not limited to: 

  • Course Fees and Tuition: Payments toward the cost of courses, certifications, or educational programs that advance academic or professional goals. 
  • Learning Resources: Purchase of required textbooks, software, lab equipment, or other essential study materials. 
  • Technology Support: Acquisition or repair of devices such as laptops, tablets, or software necessary for online learning or coursework. 
  • Workshops and Conferences: Registration fees for conferences or workshops that contribute to professional development and networking within the field of study. 

Ineligible Expenses 

To maintain the program’s integrity and ensure funds are used effectively, grant money cannot be allocated to: 

  • Wage payments or wage replacement. 
  • Non-educational expenses such as personal living costs unrelated to academic pursuits. 
  • Entertainment, leisure, or activities not directly tied to tertiary education. 

Accountability

  • Recipients must provide periodic updates and collaborate with Ember connect to create content for promotional purposes.
  • Recipients agree to work with Ember Connect to share their experiences and progress for use on Ember Connect’s social media and platform content.
  • Recipients agree to allow Ember Connect to share these details to promote the platform and highlight the impact of the grant program across its social media, LinkedIn, Ember Connect Live Platform, and website.

Publicity and Confidentiality

  • Recipients agree to allow Ember Connect to use their name, and non-confidential details for promotional purposes.
  • Sensitive information will be kept confidential unless explicit consent is provided by the recipient.

Compliance and Legal Obligations

  • Recipients must comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to their activities.
  • Any legal issues or disputes arising are the sole responsibility of the recipient.

Revocation of Grant

  • Ember Connect reserves the right to revoke the grant if the recipient fails to comply with the terms and conditions, provides false information, or engages in unethical or illegal activities.
  • In the event of grant revocation, the recipient must return any unused funds within 30 days of notification.

Non-Transferability

  • The grant is non-transferable and must be used by the applicant named in the application.
    • Recipients cannot transfer or assign any rights or obligations under these terms and conditions to any other party.

Termination of Agreement

  • Either party may terminate the agreement with 30 days written notice in the event of a breach of terms or mutual agreement to terminate.
  • Upon termination, the recipient must submit a final report and return any unused funds.

Acknowledgment and Acceptance

  • By applying for the grant, applicants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by these terms and conditions.
  • Acceptance of the grant signifies the applicant’s commitment to fulfilling all outlined requirements and responsibilities.

Ember Connect wishes to acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and we honour their deep continuing connection to land, sky, waterways and community.

We pay our respects to our Elders past, present and emerging who illuminate our journey to truth-telling, culture and conservation, which remains stronger than ever.