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Digital Device Grant

$5,000 funding to loan digital devices to over 50’s so they can be connected.
Apply for a grant on my.GoodThings

Digital Device Grants support organisations to create a device library for older Australians in their community.

Apply for a Digital Device Grant of $5,000. 

Open to organisations participating in the Be Connected program, this grant helps you to create a free device loan library for over 50’s in your community. This is a great way for people who do not have access at home to get loaned a phone, tablet or laptop for up to 6 months. 

Digital Device Grants are offered by Good Things to community organisations in Australia through the Be Connected program. Please read our guidelines and T&C’s carefully before applying for this grant funding.

Applications for the Digital Device Grant are open 3 March – 28 March 2025.

Check the guidelines and apply on my.GoodThings
Older woman video calling

Tips on creating a device library

Watch our video to learn some tips that help you to create a device loan library in your organisation.

Create a device loan library

A device loan library is just like a regular library.

But instead of books, they have digital devices people can borrow.

They are great for people who do not have a device at home, or want to practice on a more up to date phone or computer.

Here’s 5 tips to help your organisation set up a device loan library.

  1. Purchase the right devices for your community
  • They could be phones, laptops or tablets (new or refurbished)
  • Think about who you will loan these devices to and how they will use them
  • Look for devices that are easy to use and maintain
  • Apply for a grant to buy devices, like Good Things’ $5,000 Digital Devices Grant

2. Plan how you will manage devices between users

Create a process to follow when a device is returned, including:

  • uninstalling apps
  • removing sensitive or personal data
  • restoring factory settings
  • cleaning the device
  • checking for damage and updates
  • adding printed how to instructions to the box

3. Don’t forget data!

  • Consider who will be responsible for providing the devices’ internet connection
  • You may need to provide a mobile internet connection to people loaning the device if they do not have one

4. Create a loan agreement

Ask people to sign a loan agreement that lets them know:

  • When they need to return it
  • What happens if there’s damage
  • Any usage policies your organisation has

Good Things has a template you can use to get started

5. Support people to use the device

  • Have the device ready to use and turned on when you loan it
  • Include printed how to instructions
  • Pre-install popular apps
  • Schedule a ‘getting started’ phone call to see if they need help
  • Book them in to a digital skills support session

Our support team are happy to help if you have questions about creating device loan libraries.

Find out more about our Digital Devices Grants:

goodthingsaustralia.org/grants-and-opportunities

Learn more about this grant

Learn more about the Digital Devices Grant.

Organisations who are successful in their grant application use the funds to set up or extend a digital device library. Each organisation with this grant will:

  1. Receive grant funding
  2. Purchases devices (and data if needed)
  3. Make devices available for over 50’s to loan for up to 6 months
  4. At end of 6 months, collect devices back for use in your ongoing programs
  5. Report on your grant to Good Things.

Your organisation can choose how to run the device loan program, including length of loan, loan agreements, borrowing record keeping, and usage policies.

Digital Device Grant funds can only be spent on:

  • Purchase of devices for the purpose of loaning them out to older Australians aged 50+
  • Prepaid data (sim card, dongle with data)
  • Protective case for devices
  • Delivery costs for purchasing devices

Funds cannot be used for ongoing operational costs or activities, staffing, administration and project management cost, or to purchase software.

In your grant application, you will need to submit a budget using our template letting us know how you will spend the funds.

Organisations with a Digital Devices Grant will be required to use the Be Connected learning resources available. 

Resources to support your organisation to set up a device library are available in our Digital Mentor library.

You will be asked to provide receipts of device purchases and a grant acquittal.

Read the grant guidelines to find out more.

To be eligible for this grant, your organisation must:

  • Be a registered network partner with Good Things
  • Currently hold a Building Digital Skills Grant through the Be Connected program
  • Be up to date with all Good Things grant reporting and acquittals.

See grant guidelines and T&Cs for full list of requirements and terms.

Please read our grant guidelines carefully before you apply. They contain critical information that can help you understand eligibility and what you need to do for the grant. The guidelines also include a list of all the grant application questions to help you prepare.

Use our project plan and budget templates in your application. Download them in advance, fill them in, then upload into the online application form.

Use our grant application templates
Go to my.GoodThings to apply

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