The Next Economy Jobs Challenge is catalytic grant round offering a total of $800,000 through a collaboration between Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and Paul Ramsay Foundation.
Grants will support eligible charities and their partners to test and develop new models, enterprises and programs that encourage 'next economy' transitions to employment for individuals and communities experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.
Complex interconnected challenges such as the COVID-19 Pandemic, the climate crisis and growing economic inequality are reshaping Australia’s economy. Australia is facing a critical shortage in skilled workers for both existing and emerging industries as the urgent transition to net-zero carbon emissions gathers pace.
With a focus on addressing disadvantage through quality transitions to employment, the Next Economy Jobs Challenge 2023 seeks to catalyse innovative job creation in these sectors:
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Care economy (health, disability, child & aged care)
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Clean energy and community energy
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Construction / retrofitting of sustainable, affordable, quality housing
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Regenerative food / urban agriculture systems
- Digital economy
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Waste / circular economy
Grant types
Grants will focus on building the capacity of organisations and enterprises to generate employment outcomes, build sustainability, and/or scale for social procurement opportunities and greater impact.
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Feasibility or seed grants up to $50,000
Feasibility grants are for eligible early-stage projects wanting to further understand growth potential. Seed Grants are for piloting or prototyping employment focussed enterprise or projects.
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Scaling grants up to $100,000
Scaling grants are for enterprises or projects that are ready for next phase of development and aiming to create significant training and employment pathways.
Eligibility
The Next Economy Jobs Challenge is open to eligible organisations that:
How to apply
Please read the 2023 Next Economy Jobs Challenge Guidelines before submitting an enquiry.
Enquiries must be submitted via the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation Grant Enquiry Form by Thursday 13 April 2023 to be considered.
2023 Next Economy Jobs Challenge Partners
For 100 years, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation has been supporting new ideas and approaches that address the key issues and challenges facing the communities of Greater Melbourne. The Foundation’s vision is a thriving Melbourne for all.
Paul Ramsay Foundation aims to help end cycles of disadvantage in Australia by enabling opportunities for people and communities to thrive.