In 2022, CPL Group launched the Inclusion Impact Fund, a one-of-a-kind grants fund focused on funding projects that breakdown or remove the barriers faced by people living with disability in Australia.
The Inclusion Impact Fund (IIF) aims to connect community business projects that focus on reducing barriers for people with disability. Funds granted from the Inclusion Impact Fund will create a greater impact across the sector and will support CPL Group to realise its vision of a world where all people live an inclusive, passionate and fulfilling life.
“CPL Group has a vision of a world where all people live an inclusive, passionate and fulfilling life. Yet, we recognise we cannot create this change ourselves. We must invest in ideas and projects lead by others who share our vision.”
CPL Group Chief Executive Officer, Rhys Kennedy
About the Fund
The CPL Group Inclusion Impact Fund (IIF) identifies innovations which stand to have a profound impact in the lives of people with disability, and provides them with grant funding to further create, develop or expand their business idea.
The IIF focuses on innovations which will ultimately remove barriers faced by people with disability, like transport and travel, employment, community access, and general inclusion in daily life.
Does my project fit within the Inclusion Impact Fund requirements?
Welcoming new and sustainable ways to better support people living with disability is part of our mission. From support in the home, providing suitable opportunities for ongoing employment, gaining access to transport, and through to fully inclusive community and recreation participation are just some of the things we are hoping to achieve through IIF to ensure people living with disability can live a life full of independence.
We’ve categorised the unmet needs of people with disability into 4 categories for funding. Listed below is a description of the funding categories and project ideas that aim to solve these unmet needs.
Funding areas that directly impact unmet needs of people with disability.
Transport, Infrastructure and Accessibility
Innovative solutions that take people with disability to places they might otherwise not be able to go, both in the physical world and online.
Community Education, and Awareness
Understanding inclusion can be complicated, but educating the community through training, resources and innovative products is key to an inclusive society.
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Educational programs to assist in understanding what disability is
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Resource development to raise awareness of inclusion within a workplace
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Early childhood education material development to aid in values/behaviour setting within children
Employment and Economic Participation
Being employed isn’t just about earning an income, it provides new connections, builds skillsets, and allows for a person to feel a sense of worth.
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Educational resources to making a workplace fully accessible
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Workplace adaptation to ensure equal participation and opportunity for all positions and workplace activities
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Technology, furniture and access items or services that allow employees to make suitable modifications
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Business development training and/or start-up seed funding for a person with disability who has a business concept or business
Inclusion in community life
Everyone deserves to be included in community, whether that be being part of a local sporting team, going to the movies, going to an event, meeting like-minded people, or simply visiting the shops.
- Transparent event platforms that outline detail accessibility provisions
- Accessibility-first event guides or planning tools for the public
- Community hubs or community connectivity applications for people with disability
- Upgrades and equipment that improve inclusive facilities within the community
- Programs that train and/or educate mainstream sectors/service providers to cater better to the needs of people with disability.
Along with these there are many other services or tools that could have a profound impact on the life of a person with disability. Such as mealtime assistance, personal care support, easier ways to get ready and going out, or help with ongoing household chores management.
Whatever your idea may be - we would love to hear about it.
The finer details
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Funding is open to individuals, sole traders, partnerships, corporates, and non-for-profit organisations.
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For the current round, funding of up to $20,000 per grant is available.
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Successful applicants will enter a funding agreement prior to payment of the grant.
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The funding term is 12 months. Successful applicants will be required to acquit the funding with a brief report detailing how the funding was spent and the impact the project has created in the community.
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Successful grant recipients will be required to take part in a content collection session with the CPL Group Marketing team, including interview, photography and videography.
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Ongoing marketing activities may be required throughout the funding term.
About CPL Group
CPL Group comprises a range of organisations and brands - CPL – Choice, Passion, Life, Cootharinga, Access Arts and Mylestones – each of which plays a unique role in supporting people with disability to achieve their goals. Collectively, we support more than 15,000 people each year across Queensland and New South Wales.
How to apply
Applications are now closed. Stay tuned for future round opening dates.
Please review the Inclusion Impact Fund Guidelines before applying.
For assistance with your application contact grants@cpl.org.au or call 07 3358 8030.
Alvie
Alvie is a community based inclusive friendship app dedicated for people with disability.
“We are all social creatures and thrive on social interaction. Making friends for anyone can difficult, but for people with a disability, there can be a much greater deal of unique challenges. Alvie will help overcome this, by providing a platform for like-minded individuals to be matched, ready to meet their new friend.” Founder, Steven.
This safety-first app aims to facilitate genuine connections by matching individuals based on selected criteria, interests, and hobbies making meeting like-minded people easy and safe.
Alvie will use the funds granted from the IIF to better expand its reach through direct marketing activities and public relations engagement with government agencies, schools and service providers to better grow the platform.
University of Queensland School of Dentistry (UQ Dentistry)
The University of Queensland School of Dentistry provides tailored treatment for people with disability.
To reduce procedure waiting times and major dental intervention for people with disability, UQ Dentistry will use the funds granted from the IIF to conduct an evaluation of the clinical efficacy of silver fluoride products in adults.
“The results of our evaluation will directly impact people with disability, not only in preventing dental health decline, but will also inform policy and best practice in mainstream dentistry into the future”.
The results of research will endeavour to ensure that people with disability can have access to an effective, easy-to-use, self-managed preventative product. Limiting the need for waiting 12-18 months for a ‘Special Needs Dentistry Appointment and having to undergo complicated dental treatment in the future. Broader availability of an effective at-home treatment will also positively impact families and primary carers.
VacayIt
On a mission to make tourism accessible for all, VacayIt is Australia’s first sensory audio guide platform.
It is a one-stop travel app that can be used to help plan a holiday or as an audio tour guide when at the destination. VacayIt will use the funds granted from IIF to expand its current audio guide technology to include events and venues such as festivals, music concerts, panel talks, expos, conferences and more.
Ultimately increasing participation in the community, providing a sustainable long-term support aid at all events and venues across Australia, and promoting inclusivity in the tourism and events industry.
All Access App
All Access App have been granted funds from the IIF to develop an inclusive venue and events listing mobile application.
The app will display venues, events and activities within a geographical location that people with disability can attend and enjoy knowing their needs will be met. Each venue and event will be assessed prior to being listed ensuring that every listing is suitable.
All Access App aims to increase community participation, ultimately providing greater access to socialise, make friends and live a more independent life.
“All people want to feel included, but often people with disability feel left out. All Access App will change this, giving people the opportunity to enjoy themselves by simply going to the local café or restaurant and attending an event or gathering knowing their access needs are met.” Rocky, Founder of All Access App.
LusioMATE
From the founders of Lusio Rehab, a technology company aiming to make therapy easier and accessible.
LusioMATE is a wearable device that increases engagement and adherence to rehabilitation or physical therapy. Users can attach the device to any part of their body and select from over 30+ games aimed at developing fine or gross motor skills in a fun and interactive way.
LusioMATE will use the IIF grant fund to implement a pilot program with disability service providers in an effort to gain greater oversight of the device’s capabilities.
“The benefits of this project will be realised immediately by all individuals receiving physical therapy services, as well as therapists and organisations delivering disability support services.” Said Justin, Lusio Technology Founder.
SmithKit
SmithKit which stands for Simple Meals in the Home are on a mission to help everyone plan, prepare and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals. Their goal is to help individual NDIS participants and providers of Disability Support Services feel confident, empowered and inspired to get cooking.
Specifically designed for residential support services, including group and individual homes that are assisted by a support worker. SmithKit brings together easy, low cost, delicious recipes on one digital meal planning app.
“Poor quality of choice of meals has a real impact on the quality of life for people with disability. We saw the need for a service that is simple to access, understand and use for both people with disability living independently, and staff supporting people with disability in their homes.
“The IIF funding will allow us to gain a deeper understanding of what people with disability need when it comes to their meals; so that we can continue to develop the SmithKit offering and roll it out in more households across Australia.”
Co-found Rebecca Reidy said.
Find out more information about SmithKit here
Christina Stephens
Christina Stephens is an inclusive Brisbane-based fashion label, that aims to provide people living with disability a choice to feel confident and empowered in clothing that looks as good as it feels.
Christina Stephens hopes to ‘fill the gap’ in the mainstream market that is accessible fashion by focusing on not only functionality of clothing, but also ensuring the clothes they bring to market provide people the dignity to look great, feel comfortable, and to ultimately have their confidence boosted.
Carol Taylor, Partner and Head of Design and Production at Christina Stephens – and the world’s first quadriplegic fashion designer – said the grant would further their mission to bring adaptive and inclusive fashion to the mainstream.
“The IIF fund will assist with product development for a more targeted customer base. This will provide us with a better understanding of our customers' clothing and shopping preferences".